DIY Solar Porch Glazing

Check the direction that your porch faces. The biggest area of glazing should face south, with no more than a 30-degree deviation, and should have unobstructed access to the sun for at least five hours a day. (See Reference 1)

Apply for permits before you begin work. To glaze an existing covered porch or deck, you do not need a permit. However, if you are enclosing an open area then you are extending the "indoor" area of the house, which is considered an addition, and in most states requires a building permit. (See Reference 2)

Enclose the open sides of the porch by installing vertical glass wall panels. Use glass coated with insulation products in order to reduce heat loss from the room. DIY sun porch enclosure kits can be purchased fully equipped with all the materials you need. (See Reference 4)

Glaze any existing walls to attract the sun. Paint the wall black and cover the exterior with glass panels, leaving approximately four inches of space between the glass and the wall for insulation purposes. Side wall glazing is better installed on the east side of the house, as the afternoon sun on the west side may result in unwanted "solar gain," or excessive heating of the house, especially during the summer months. (See Reference 1)

Decide if you want overhead glazing and whether it should be clear or coated. Clear glazing will substantially increase the amount of solar warmth in the room but could also make it too bright, while coated glazing blocks out UV rays and reduces light transmission. (See Reference 4)

Install an adjustable air vent to control the flow of warm air into the remainder of the house. It should be placed high up in the wall and as the warm air rises, it will naturally migrate into the house and help warm it. (See reference 5)