Sunrooms: Additions that Are a Plus to Your Home

If you're looking for a sunny retreat that's not too far away look no further than a sunroom addition. This cheery add on is a perfect getaway yet is only a step away from your kitchen or family room. You can entertain, exercise, watch TV or just snooze in this light and airy enclosure. A sunroom addition is perfect for that homeowner looking for a sunny retreat without the hassle of traveling.

What exactly is a sunroom? It's an enclosed addition that has three sides with the fourth being the home's exterior wall. A sunroom can either have a glass roof or one that matches the existing building. You can wire it for lighting as well as adding heating to keep it comfortable in winter. A sunroom's floor is usually poured concrete in which tile , brick or indoor/outdoor carpeting is laid. The walls are glazed panes that either run from ground to roof or from a two foot kick wall to roof. Keep in mind that this is not the same as a screened in porch where the addition will have nothing more than screens separating you from the outside. A lot of homeowners make that mistake. Understand that you can use a sunroom all year round, it being basically another room added to your house.

There are also many different types of styles to choose from as well. Write down your needs and desires before consulting with a sunroom company rep or picking out a do it yourself kit. You can choose one entirely made of glass or one with a solid roof and a kick wall or even a combination of the two. If you have breathtaking views or overlook water, then go with the sunroom entirely made of glass. However if you're in what's known as a "hurricane zone" it may be more prudent to have a solid roof over the addition. Most homeowners love the idea of a sun and star filled room and usually opt for the paned roof. Sunrooms with traditional roof lines can have skylights installed in them to allow for light. Also ask yourself if you want a three or four season sunroom. A three season type does not have a fully insulated ceiling , walls or even windows. You can use it from April to November but that's about it. With a four season sunroom you can host holiday parties even on the most frigid of days and still have a warm, toasty atmosphere. Consider this type if you live in northern areas or snow belts.

There are other points to consider when installing a sunroom. Your addition must have a foundation that complies with all local building codes. In areas that freeze over during the colder months, the foundation must be deeper than the frost line. Doing this ensures that the foundation doesn't contract or expand as the ground freezes and then thaws out. Build your sunroom on level ground if possible. This makes for the easiest foundation - a poured concrete slab. If the ground is uneven you will probably have to build a conventionally framed foundation that has concrete footings. These should be made of cement or concrete blocks and will have to comply with your local building codes.

Some sunrooms have walls made out of either PVC (polyvinyl chloride) , wood or aluminum. PVC is probably the best bet because it is sturdy and low maintenance. Most sunroom owners choose it above the others. Another plus is that it's the cheapest which means a long lasting room (Most sunrooms last up to thirty years). Its; also made in many colors including a faux wood. Keep in mind that PVC cannot be used on any historic homes . Wood is the second choice . It has the same durability as the other but does require maintenance . It can be periodically painted and stained. The minus is that wood will cost more. The last choice is aluminum however it has two strikes against it. It costs more than PVC and is not a good insulator.

Other important factors to consider are glazing and insulation. If these two are done correctly then you will have a climate controlled room that will be toasty in the winter and cool in the summer. A good glaze will also act as insulation as well as retaining heat on sunny winter days. It should also block sunlight where you wish it from not entering. Insulation should be a higher grade to make sure the room is Ok to use during the chillier months. Also install 2 x 6 studs as opposed to 2 x 4 studs to allow more space for this added insulation.

Now here comes the next important question regarding the sunroom .Do you do it yourself or have a sunroom company or contractor come in?If you're handy , then by all means install it yourself. There are enough companies that sell complete kits for the perfect sunroom. Prices for these range between $7,800 to $17,000. However a company such as Classic Conservatories, Four Seasons or Tanglewood can also come out and do a perfect job. Of course the price will be more but they are at the ready in case a problem arises. They also have professionals who can expertly custom a sunroom to your needs and wants along with crews who can build the addition within a week's time.

A sunroom is a bright addition to any house. It can be a private retreat for just unwinding or a party room to host elegant holiday bashes. Whatever its' use , it is a beautiful plus to any house.