The lower mainland is known for its temperate weather and lots of rain. It can be challenging to make the most out of those sunny days. Adding a sunroom can help you soak up the sun when it does arrive and enjoy a quiet sanctuary filled with natural light while it rains. Sunrooms, like other additional living spaces such a porch or patio, increase the value of your home and enhances its curb appeal.
What is a Sunroom?
A sunroom is an extension or room of a house that is enclosed by glass, screens, or a combination of glass and screens. Doors, typically made of glass, connect it to the main building; they can also connect the space to the outside. A patio, a porch, deck, or even a balcony can be converted into sunroom or it can be built as a new addition to the house. Sunrooms are a great way to bring the outdoors inside your home.
Types of Sunrooms
Four-Season Sunrooms
Four-season sunrooms, also known as all-season sunrooms, are intended for year-round use. They are insulated with insulation and double paned windows and can include a heat source to keep the chill away during late fall and winter nights. Sometimes a four-season sunroom includes low-height walls in its design to allow for electrical plugs and heaters. The structure of four-season sunrooms can be complex, incorporating a type of roof to maximize natural light (roof windows, vaulted, skylights); cooling/heating systems; plumbing for a wet bar or water source for plants; and customization to blend the room with the architectural style of the home.
Three Season Sunrooms
Three season sunrooms are designed to function during the spring, summer, and fall. Glass panels used in the walls of a sunroom are typically single paned. Since they don’t have to withstand winter conditions, materials are often less expensive and lightweight, meant to keep out the elements rather than manage the temperature inside the living space.
Screen Rooms
Another way to extend your living space is to convert a patio, deck, or porch into a screen room. Screen rooms can be comfortably occupied from late spring to mid-fall. Just as with three- or four-season sunrooms, a screen room provides unobstructed views while letting in light and keeping out pests using screens instead of glass windows.
Solariums
Solariums are manufactured completely out of glass. Like other types of sunrooms, they let in maximum natural light, protect the living space from the elements, and have flexible usability. They can be used year-round to entertain, read, start seedlings, or just enjoy the view.
Conservatories
In Victorian times, conservatories were a place to enjoy more exotic flora not native to the country such as fruit trees and flowering shrubs. Today, conservatories are designed to be enjoyed year-round. They are typically constructed entirely of glass or clear polycarbonate panels for optimum natural light. Glass is often coated to control the environment by keeping convection heat in and solar heat out. A conservatory combines a greenhouse with a solarium, transforming the living space into an indoor garden, a practical place to relax, or a unique area to entertain.
Benefits of a Sunroom
Besides the obvious advantage of letting in maximum natural light, benefits of a sunroom include:
- Enjoying your backyard while being protected from the elements
- Versatility – it can be used as a home office; children’s play area; sanctuary for relaxing or meditating; studio; entertainment room
- Increased property value
- Adds more living space
- Boosts curb appeal
- Can improve your mood and health with more natural light
- Reduces electricity consumption
More livable space is always a good thing. A sunroom is a relaxing place to start your day, spend quality time with family, and entertain friends.
