subject: 5 Steps In Designing A Sunroom [print this page] Before building a sunroom, check the following areas: the location, the types of sunrooms, the structural elements, the roofing and wall materials, and the costs.
Make a perfect addition in your home. Sunrooms are modern structures that provide relaxation and protection from outside weather conditions such as rain, snow, and sunlight. This special room is perfect for family gatherings. To have one designed in your home, follow these steps.
Identify the location
Determining which part of the house to place your sunroom is the one of the most vital steps to take in order to plan for a glass or screen addition. One example for people who live in much more northerly latitudes, the southern exposure is best, as it receives the most light each day. The opposite is true for homes with southern counterparts.
Know which sunroom type you need
Get some basic information about the sunroom and other relevant structures. The sunroom, also termed as a solarium or a conservatory, is a room enclosed with glass and other materials connected to the main room of the house and also functions as a living area during mild weather conditions. An adjacent greenhouse may also have similar features and basic structures as a sunroom, providing temperature and humidity conditions conducive for plant growth. The four-season room is related to the sunroom, designed to be heated and cooled to compensate with different seasons all-year round. Walls are installed in a screen room as a mesh to facilitate ventilation and at the same time keep annoying insects out.
Check for the structural elements
Make a comprehensive list on which materials are needed for construction. A normal sunroom would use vinyl due to their durability and insulation properties and it requires minimum maintenance. Aluminum may be a good alternative for vinyl but is not as effective in insulating and is much more costly. However, it does add sufficient strength for the roofing structures. Wood may be expensive and is very handy for screen rooms, allowing you to fasten the screen mesh with ease. It also requires more maintenance from time to time.
Select the roofing and wall materials
Glass is used for the walls and roofs of sunrooms, four-season rooms, and greenhouses. Check the u-value of the glass or polycarbonate: the smaller the number, the less it can absorb. Examine closely the glass wall sizes and some components, as it can alter the amount of heat inside the sunroom.
Determine the costs
Plan on a budget and tabulate the possible costs for building a sunroom. Wood and other primary materials can reach up to about $15,000 for the sunrooms with aluminum and glass reaching up to at least $22,000. The four-season room expenditures will depend on the heating and cooling features and is estimated to cost around $20,000. A much lower budget of $5,000-$15,000 is needed for screened porches.
Enjoy the comforts of home with a fresh and soothing view of nature in your backyard. Relax in your very own sunroom and be protected from outside weather conditions at the same time.
by: Patricia Strasser
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