Problems With Sunroom Construction

Leaks

• Unlike traditional walls that feature layers of material, such as interior drywall, insulation and exterior stucco or siding, sunroom walls often consist of single layers of glass, making them much more prone to rain and snow-induced leaking as there are not multiple layers to absorb and block out moisture. As DIY Home Advice notes, leaking in sunrooms most often occurs along the bottoms of doors and windows. It is often the result of poor caulking along the edges where a section of glass meets a sunroom's frame. Blocked weep holes are another common cause of sunroom leaks. Weep holes are small holes in the bottoms of windows and doors that let out moisture. However, when moisture freezes, it can block these holes, trapping moisture inside.

Temperature Control

• Sunrooms that utilize single-layer glass sections, in addition to posing a risk for leaks, also offer poor temperature control. Glass is a poor insulator of heat, which means that on hot days, your sunroom will become immersed with heat as it flows in freely. Oppositely, on cold days, your sunroom will grow cold, as the heat can flow out freely. Due to this poor insulation, regulating the temperature in a sunroom with an air conditioner or heater is both difficult and expensive. According to Buena Vista Sunrooms, as a "solution" to this temperature problem, some people decide to close their sunrooms down for the winter season. Alternatively, some install more expensive double-paned glass, which is a better insulator of heat.

Light Exposure

• Even with double-paned glass, the sun's intense rays are still a cause of frustration. As Online Tips notes, the high amount of light exposure that sunrooms let in can cause artwork, furniture and some types of flooring to fade or develop blemishes. In addition, if you plan to watch television in your sunroom or use it as a casual computer office, you may encounter some problems. As Online Tips mentions, the glass-intensive construction of sunrooms means that there is often lots of light coming in that can cause an annoying glare on your television or computer screen.