What to Know Before Adding a Sunroom
A sunroom serves as an extra living space that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with glass walls or large windows. Adding a sunroom to your home could increase its value, giving you a beautiful and functional space that is ideal for mild temperatures. ― If you are thinking about building a sunroom, here are three things to keep in mind when designing your new space.
A sunroom serves as an extra living space that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with glass walls or large windows. Adding a sunroom to your home could increase its value, giving you a beautiful and functional space that is ideal for mild temperatures. ― If you are thinking about building a sunroom, here are three things to keep in mind when designing your new space.
Siding Material
The material you use to side your new space has a direct effect on your sunroom cost. Less expensive material may not last as long and could need repairs after several years, while other materials may have a large price upfront but save you money in the long run. Popular siding materials include:
- Wood: Wood is relatively inexpensive and easy to paint. It makes your new construction look attractively classic. It also provides good insulation to help hold heat and air into your sunroom so that the temperature inside stays comfortable year-round. However, wood requires frequent maintenance and upkeep.
- Vinyl: This material is the most popular choice for siding. It provides excellent insulation and is strong, holding up well against the elements. With its enhanced strength, vinyl is often reinforced with aluminum supports. While this siding requires little maintenance, it has a fairly expensive upfront cost.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is the strongest, but also the most expensive. Although it is not an incredibly good insulator, it does have aesthetic appeal, giving your home beautiful and contemporary design.
Orientation
The most significant problem with a sunroom is that it is typically only habitable during mild temperatures. If you take into consideration the orientation of the additions in regard to the sun’s position, you can eliminate most of this problem and enjoy your new room for extended periods.
If you live in the South with high temperatures and scorching sunlight for most of the year, having your new sunroom face the North will give you partial shade and avoid exposure to the harsh midday sun. In contrast, a South-facing room with extra sun exposure may be more comfortable for people in the North. Taking the time to consider how your sunroom’s orientation will affect the temperature of the addition will make the new room more comfortable and worth the money it costs to build it.
Window Location
The location of the window in your new room also has a big impact on temperature. Whether you choose to build a four season room or sunroom you need windows to help increase ventilation. Strategic placement enhances airflow to keep your room cooler while increasing energy efficiency. When you place the windows properly, you can invest in drapes or coverings to block out the sun at the hottest part of the day to keep the room comfortably cool.
Another easy way to keep the temperature of your sunroom comfortable is by installing ceiling fans to stimulate air flow. Even if the room is hot, proper air flow can make it feel much cooler. In the winter, use the fan’s reverse-flow feature to pull colder air up towards the ceiling and keep your room warm and toasty
Start Planning Your Sunroom Today
Once you have decided how to design your sunroom, it is time to contact a licensed builder to turn your dream into a reality. With more than two decades of experience remodeling homes, All Exteriors is the company you should turn to for a smooth, successful sunroom addition. As a sunroom contractor, we have plenty of experience designing additions that utilize siding, windows, and orientation to maximize functionality. Contact us today and let us help give you the home addition of your dreams!