Building A Year-Round Sunroom
In many homes, a sunroom is a three-season room. This means that the room is often used during the spring, summer, and fall months while falling into disuse during the cold winter months. The main issue is that many sunrooms are built over patios or decks. While this may make construction easier, the rooms are not as resistant to the elements as interior spaces. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Here are three ways to build a sunroom that can be enjoyed during any season.
Pay Attention To Orientation
There are many different things to consider when deciding where to place a sunroom. It needs to be in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and that is easy to navigate. Areas off kitchens and livingrooms are popular spots. The orientation of the sunroom, or which direction it faces is also very important. Any good sunroom contractor will take the orientation of the sunroom into consideration. In areas where cold winters are a big problem, a sunroom should have at least one south-facing wall in order to make the most of the limited winter sunlight.
Windows
One of the most important elements of an all season sunroom is the choice of windows. Well-insulated and fitted windows can help a sunroom stay warm during the cold winter months. Windows that open and let a breeze in are very useful during the warmer summer months. Homeowners who are building a sunroom should look for windows that can do both. Most sunrooms require 20 or more windows. Most standard windows cost between $700 and $1000 a piece, however they are more energy efficient than windows from even just a few years ago. Triple-paned windows are an even more energy efficient option that are great for climates that get either very hot or very cold.
Additional Heating And Cooling
During the hot summer months many rely on a nice breeze to keep them cool. Conversely during the cold winter months, sunlight is used to warm the sunroom or the space is avoided altogether. Additional sources of heating and cooling are something that should be discussed with a sunroom contractor, such as Blue Springs Siding and Windows. Small space heaters, baseboard heaters, and even fireplaces are great ways to keep sunrooms toasty during the winter. During the summer months ceiling fans and small air conditioning units can go a long way toward making the space more comfortable.
A sunroom that can be used at any point during the year is very desirable for many homeowners. However, these rooms are not always built with year-round use in mind. While building a sunroom, homeowners should consider consulting with their sunroom contractors about the orientation of the room, the windows being used, and whether or not additional sources of heating and cooling should be added.