About Enclosed Sunrooms

Facts

• A sunroom will give you extra living space at a fraction of the cost of a regular addition. There are as many styles as there are contractors who design them, but they all have the same basic principles. Sunrooms can turn an existing patio into an enclosed room, or they can be a completely new room added on to the house.

Types

• Three-season enclosed rooms have sliding panels that fit over the screens and can be opened to let the breezes in. These rooms have windows like those used in new construction. All-season glass enclosed rooms are insulated and are made with vinyl frames and insulated double-pane windows.

Features

• Four-season rooms can come with fireplaces. They are one-story structures, but there are models that are built so strong that a deck can be installed on the roof. The foundation is made of either brick or concrete. The larger rooms will have a ceiling fan. If you want a resort-type space, a small indoor swimming pool can be included in the sunroom. For a real sunroom experience, consider one with glass panels on the roof.

Climate

• Sunrooms can be built in any part of the county, but there are limitations. For instance, if you live in a part of the country that has a lot of hurricane or tornado activity, your enclosed sunroom will have to be built to be hurricane- or tornado-resistant.
  In the colder climates, the four-season rooms are best. In the early spring and late fall, the three-season rooms will not be usable.

Considerations

• Main considerations include the amount and type of sun your property gets. Such factors will help you determine whether to put the sunroom at the rear of the house or on the side. A southern or northern exposure will give you sunlight both in the morning and afternoon. Eastern exposure provides sun just in the morning, and western just the afternoon. You also need to consider the local zoning laws. Some areas, especially if you live in a development, can have regulations against or restricting any type of home addition. Let your insurance carrier know about the room so it will be included in your policy.