Adding basement space is expensive and often not even an option. However, it does allow a ventilation path to help cool the sunroom.

Window glass

After the foundation, the windows are the next most important aspect of your sunroom and the type of glass chosen makes a significant difference to performance.

Double-glazing – two layers of glass with air or gas between the two panes. This improves insulation and reduces condensation.

Triple-glazed – the three layers of glass help to prevent heat loss.

Low-E glass – standard clear glass with a special metal (low-E) coating on one side. This acts as insulation, increasing energy efficiency by reducing the transfer of heat or cold through the glass. So your house stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

There are two types of low-E glass. Pyrolytic (hard coat) is considered to be a medium performer, while sputtered (vacuum deposition or soft coat) is acknowledged as the highest performer.

Tempered glass – also known as safety glass, this is heat-treated so that when it breaks it crumbles into tiny pieces rather than dangerous shards of glass.

Walls

There are basically four types:

Wood – a classic look although it does require regular maintenance. Not as long-lasting as alternative materials.

Vinyl/PVC – inexpensive and durable, this is a good insulating material that requires little maintenance. The majority of vinyl supports are reinforced internally with either aluminium or galvanized steel.

Aluminium – provides sound structural support but it is an inferior insulator.

Clad – this combines the energy-efficiency of wooden frames with the maintenance-free advantages of vinyl and aluminum.

Floors

Here again, there are several choices:

Carpet – vulnerable to the sun’s rays, suffering fading and rotting, although ‘outdoor’ quality carpet fares much better.

Tiles and linoleum – a tough, hard-wearing option. Dark tiles have the advantage of absorbing heat during the day so they will be warm in the evening – however, during the day they will be hot!!

Wood – affected by fluctuations in temperature, but less so if you choose treated wood sold as appropriate for outdoor use.

Knee wall

If you want your sunroom to feel slightly more conventional than an all-glass sunroom,you could consider a knee wall, so-called because it comes up to about the height of the knee. It forms the lower part of the outside wall – and has the advantage that electricity cables can be run through it.

So, that’s it – pretty much all you need to know before making the decision to buy a sunroom. It’s an investment that will bring you and your family many years of pleasure – enjoy!

Image Credits:

www.westviewproducts.com ~ www.townandcountryus.com