A sunroom is a space in a home or other type of building that’s surrounded by glass on three sides. It typically includes one or more screened openings that can be opened and closed. Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking about installing one.
TYPES OF SUNROOMS
There are three-season and four-season sunrooms. The one that’s right for you depends on how you want to use the space. Three-season sunrooms are designed and built to be enjoyed in the spring, summer and autumn. They’re constructed from light-weight materials that let natural light in while blocking out wind and rain. This type of sunroom is typically not insulated or outfitted with a heat source, making it unusable in the winter. Four-season sunrooms can be enjoyed year-round. They’ve typically insulated spaces that are outfitted with windows made to reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of your building. This space is built in much the same way as the rest of the property with the exception of the walls, which tend to be only knee-high, with windows stretching up to the ceiling. As it’s often an extension of the home or building it’s attached to, a four-season sunroom will also be connected to the building’s heating and cooling systems.
CAN I BUILD MY OWN SUNROOM?
While there are sunroom kits available that you could install yourself, in most cases, it’s best to hire a professional. One reason to hire a contractor is if the structure requires a proper foundation. It’s common to use an existing deck or patio as a base for a sunroom, but these often don’t have a foundation that can support the weight of the windows, walls and roof. In addition, installing the windows for the sunroom requires absolute precision. If they’re fitted just a fraction of an inch off the mark, their energy efficiency will drop and your home will be exposed to drafts.
A CUSTOM GLASS CONTRACTOR IN NORTHWEST CANADA
If you’re considering adding a sunroom to your home or business in Northwestern Canada, turn to All-West Glass. We specialize in automotive, residential and commercial glass as well as window installation and repair work. We can create a custom architectural window as a focal point for your new sunroom, making you the envy of the neighbourhood. We have 19 convenient locations, and you can find us in Edmonton, Smithers, Yellowknife and beyond. Contact us today to find out more about our products services.