Can I Attach a Sunroom to the Frame of the House?

Considerations

• Find out what the local build codes are in your area before moving ahead with your project. You may need to submit a drawing to the building department and receive approval and a permit before you can begin the project. The final project will have to be inspected. The regulations may be a major factor when it comes to determining your final approach to building your new sunroom.

  Have a basic understanding of carpentry. The most important thing to keep in mind during the construction process is to make sure that it is square, plumb and level. Plan the project carefully so that the construction goes smoothly.

  Decide on what type of materials you will use for the sunroom. Sunrooms may be constructed from a variety of materials, including brick, PVC and wood. When building a sunroom on an existing structure, examine the structure to ensure that it is sound. Make any repairs or modifications necessary to conform to your new sunroom. Purchase a sunroom kit or plans or design your own. The plans will help clarify the construction process of how to attach a sunroom to the frame of your house.

Sunroom Kits

• Sunroom kits include most of the components you need to mount the structure on the wall including the header and vertical framing members. The sunroom kit can be secured to brick or wood walls. The kit also includes the materials for mounting the sunroom structure to the floor. Follow the instructions and use the fasteners recommended by the manufacturer. The methods used to attach the sunroom to the frame of a house depend on the height of the sunroom and where you are mounting it.

Patio or Deck

• To attach the sunroom to the house framing, secure 2-by-6 inch lumber to the fascia board with lag bolts. The 2-by-6 is called the header or ledger board. You can also use 2-by-6 inch boards for the sole plate. Lay the sole plate flat around the perimeter of the existing floor or foundation. Anchor the sole plate to the floor. Use layers of 2-by-6 inch boards to build up posts for the structure, called "false posts." Use lag bolts to secure the boards to the wall.