About Sun Rooms

Function

• A sunroom is utilized to bring sunlight into a living space. Because of the windows that are built into a sunroom, the area view around the structure is important in placement of the room. Often homeowners will have a sunroom facing a backyard, garden area, deck, pool and sometimes a children's play area. Most sunrooms are mainly seasonal and are not installed with insulation, electricity or heat. However, there are custom-built sunrooms that are. Known as four season sunrooms, these additions include insulation, electricity, heat and weatherproofing so that the room can be enjoyed year-round, even in winter months. Sunrooms can be found throughout the world in many climate ranges. Most sunrooms are enjoyed by homeowners who are looking to expand their living space with the convenience of an addition that can be installed and built in half the time of traditional home additions. Sunrooms can be used for entertaining guests and serve as a comfortable living area for those who enjoy an open view of the outdoors.

Considerations

• Before deciding to add a sunroom, one must consider whether they have enough room for it. A sunroom contractor will come to the home and do a cost analysis of installing the sunroom. Excavation, minor demolition and renovation of the property is necessary for installation; depending on the condition of the existing site, more time and money can be involved in installation. If the structure that the sunroom will be attached to is in poor condition, such as a foundation cracking, or roof or structure damage, those repairs will need to be completed before construction can begin on the sunroom. Sunrooms are considered home additions, so the homeowner's insurance company should be notified of updates and changes to the property to provide for additional coverage.

Types

• Sunrooms are generally made from aluminum, but many have wood or vinyl overlay options, which help with decor as well as maintenance to improve the look of the exterior and interior. There are four main types of sunrooms: studio style sunrooms, conservatories, curved roof sunrooms and cathedral roof sunrooms. Studio style sunrooms have a slight slant or pitch of the roof that creates a modern style addition; these are popular for homeowners who want more of a porch-style sunroom. They typically have a glass roof or can be built into the home and utilize the existing roof structure. Conservatories are sunrooms that have a rounded, Victorian-era look. The most expensive of all sunrooms, conservatories are designed with several pieces of treated glass cut intricately to fit the size of the room. This sunroom has a dome- or pointed-shape glass roof and often is built with electricity and heated floorboards for year-round enjoyment and use. Curved roof sunrooms are a traditional design that offers glass and views from all angles. Used mostly as a summer recreational room, this sunroom is popular among families who enjoy entertaining. The most popular style of sunroom, the cathedral roof, is the first choice for many homeowners because the glass does not completely surround the room floor to ceiling -- this style provides more privacy.

Features

• Most sunrooms are premanufactured and arrive to the building site in pieces. One of the main features is the windows. Most windows in sunrooms are basic single-pane and do not open. There are options available on some in screens are offered, making the sunroom more of a screen room. On more expensive models, glazed windows offer light reflection and allow for the sunroom to stay cooler in the summer months and also prevent carpeting and wood from the sun's rays. Some sunrooms allow for ventilation and added support for heavy items such as a hot tub, which is a popular addition.

Warning

• Many companies require you to be financed through your bank or pay a large amount of money upfront before they begin construction. Thoroughly check out the sunroom company that will be working on the project and installation. Do a simple check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the company has a good reputation. Ask about warranties on the structure before construction begins and make sure all building permits have been obtained. Sunrooms can be easily affected by hail and tree limb damage during strong storms so be sure to apply adequate homeowner's insurance coverage for your new sunroom.