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What is a sunroom? The concept of the sunroom began decades
ago with the earliest homemade attempts
using wood posts and stapled screens to
enclose front or back porches to keep out
bugs.
Over the years, technology has taken the
screened-in porch idea, added advanced
thermal window and roof systems and created
an engineering marvel in what is known as
today’s contemporary sunroom.
Homeowners can now effectively solve the
problems of the outdoors, enjoying it more,
and extending the ways a sunroom can be
used. Additionally, advances in sunroom
design now give homeowners a wide range of
attractive construction options – a far cry
from the “box on a house” look popular
throughout the 60s and 70s.
In short, a sunroom is a
quality-manufactured addition to your house
that provides extended use of outdoor
recreational space. A sunroom is a place to
unwind, relax and spend time with your
family and friends.
Why should I choose a sunroom over a
standard room addition?
Each type of room has its own specific
purpose and you should first determine how
you want to use your space. A standard room
addition (studs, drywall, standard roof,
windows, integrated permanent
heating/cooling systems) is designed to meet
certain codes as a year-round, permanent
living space, like a kitchen or a bedroom.
A sunroom is designed as an additional
room on your house that protects you from
weather and insects during the times you
would want to be outdoors. It offers
incredible flexibility to enjoy many
activities, such as soaking in a spa,
entertaining, exercising, working, relaxing
and so much more. It is designed with
wall-to-wall windows that provide panoramic
views and protection from wind and weather.
Screen systems control insects and allow
refreshing breezes. Thermal engineering and
design helps regulate the interior
environment of the sunroom to keep you
comfortable throughout many days throughout
the seasons and many seasons throughout the
year (depending on your geographic region.)
There are various options in sunroom wall
systems that are designed to provide maximum
thermal protection against cold and heat,
depending on your needs. This will extend
the times throughout the day and the days
throughout the year that your sunroom can be
used. You may also add sunroom-approved,
non-permanent heating or cooling sources to
extend your sunroom use.
In addition, a sunroom can be installed
at a fraction of the cost and time, compared
to a standard room addition. Sunrooms may be
installed on a variety of approved
foundations (deck, concrete) in just one to
two days, compared to the weeks or months
required for a standard room addition.
Also, there are often certain tax
advantages to a sunroom, compared to a
standard room addition. By code, a sunroom
may be designed with a large glass area (65%
or more) that is not possible in
conventional room additions. Its design does
not include a permanent heating or cooling
system. The differences in purpose, code and
design means that the new square footage
attained by an addition of a sunroom is
subject to a significantly lower tax
assessment compared to the additional square
footage attained through a standard room
addition.
Can I add skylights? Do they really
add more light and do they leak?
Yes, skylights are an option (as well as
overhead ceiling fans and custom lights)! A
skylight adds to the beauty and enjoyment of
your Conservatory sunroom by allowing
additional sunlight into key areas.
Certified installers ensure proper
installation to guarantee against leaks.
Can I use a spa in my Conservatory
sunroom?
We highly recommend it! A sunroom with a
spa is a perfect way to increase your
enjoyment of your sunroom. Imagine soaking
away stress at the end of a busy workday, or
enjoying the company of family or friends on
a summer night or crisp fall afternoon.
Spas are best installed at the time of
original installation of the sunroom. In
addition, you’ll want to consider the
electrical needs for the spa during the
sunroom’s installation. However, a spa can
be added after your room is installed, but
requires dismantling a portion of your room.
Can you provide a cost per square
foot?
Prices vary according to each custom
project since square footage is not the only
determining factor in the cost of your
Conservatory sunroom. We can provide
specific cost evaluations in relation to
your custom sunroom project.
How will my Conservatory sunroom stand
up to severe weather and snow?
Like a champ! Conservatory sunrooms have
been designed and developed by our
engineering department who has consistently
provided industry-leading innovations in
sunroom design for more than 30 years. We
manufacturer all our products on site to
ensure superior quality control over every
aspect of the room from the skeletal
structure, to the windows and walls, the
roof and all other details of the room.
In addition, our components and rooms are
independently tested to meet or exceed all
national building codes. In fact, our
sunroom structure is built to meet rigorous
building code requirements, comparable to
those required for the residence itself.
Conservatory sunrooms meet the standards for
high wind conditions (up to 110 mph). The
system is designed to properly support snow
loads in your area.
Each Conservatory sunroom is a custom
room that is designed and approved by our
engineering department to meet all the codes
of your community as well as all national
codes.
How long will it take to build my
Conservatory sunroom?
Most homeowners are surprised to learn
that their Conservatory sunroom can be
installed in just 1-2 days on an approved
foundation. Our unique pre-manufactured
panel system that is custom built for you in
the factory make on-site installation fast
and simple.
Before your room is installed, we will
work with you to design the room and plan
the project, handling all the details for
you. Your sunroom installation process
includes: obtaining permits and scheduling
the phases of installation (foundation, if
required, and room). How quickly
installation can be arranged varies
depending on our schedule, weather, and
other factors. |
