Let the sun shine In and keep the bugs out

May 13, 2023

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Ahh, summer — most of us love it, but nature's bugs and creepy crawlers can dampen our outdoor experience. With that in mind, many homeowners consider creating a sunroom or upgrading a screened-in porch for entertaining or relaxing. They are also a great way to enjoy additional living space while getting more sunlight and being close to nature — no matter the weather.

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Typically, sunrooms are three- or four-season spaces that must be constructed on a concrete slab. A three-season sunroom is intended to be used only during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, lacks insulation and is not comfortable during the colder months.

A four-season sunroom is an insulated room that can be heated or cooled using your home HVAC system or a separate HVAC system, like a mini-split heat pump — just like the one we had installed in Frank's sunroom on Holmes Family Rescue. This type of sunroom is perfect for those of us who live in colder climates as the room can be used all year long.

A four-season sunroom must also have an insulating thermal barrier (low-E coatings) and double or triple-paned glass. Large glass panels provide sunlight and views of the outdoors and typically feature a two-foot gap at the bottom to accommodate wiring for electricity and the installation of power outlets.

Depending on your overall design and layout, it's ideal that your sunroom has easy access to your outdoor space, whether patio or deck, so consider sliding glass doors or French doors for a seamless transition.

Many year-round sunrooms are designed to look like an extension of the main house. They have the same overhanging roof and utilize the same siding materials. More light can be added to the space by installing several remote-control skylights. However, a sunroom can be almost entirely composed of glass, including the walls, ceiling and doors — today's systems are mostly made of aluminum, providing a thin and durable framework.

Ideally, your sunroom should be south-facing to make the most of the available sunlight. Sunrise is best seen from an east-facing space, while late afternoon sun and sunset viewing is best from a west-facing room. When selecting your sunroom, ensure you choose high-quality tempered glass with good insulation properties that will help regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.

Of course, you’ll make the most of the sunroom's available natural light. However, when the sky is overcast or dark, you could add a variety of lighting alternatives. Floor lights, ceiling fans with lights, and overhead pendants are common types of lighting. There are also some excellent choices for portable lighting available, as well as smart lighting solutions.

Having many windows means your sunroom will get quite warm during the hot months, so ensure your space has adequate ventilation. Consider incorporating operable windows, ceiling fans or skylights to improve air circulation. Also, consider implementing window coverings like blinds, shades, or curtains to reduce excessive heat and glare. By doing this, you can control the sunlight entering the sunroom, add privacy and create a comfortable atmosphere.

Your flooring choice should be long-lasting and simple to maintain. Depending on your preferences and the general design of the sunroom, you might want to consider materials like ceramic tiles, hardwood, laminate, or even stained concrete. Installing radiant or in-floor heating is another good option as it will keep your sunroom consistently warm and cosy on cold winter days.

Did you know sunrooms can also be incorporated onto a deck or balcony? You should speak with a professional to determine whether your current deck is structurally strong enough to support the additional weight load of the construction. If extra support is required, you’ll likely need more support using posts, joists, or helical piles or piers, and you’ll need to calculate the weight per pier or load and do a soil pressure test. This should all be done by a qualified sunroom and deck specialist and the advice of a licensed structural engineer.

Incorporating a sunroom on a balcony is also an excellent option for yearlong enjoyment by using a frameless retractable system where floor-to-ceiling glass panels are mounted on a tracking system. A specialized retractable system with robust and lightweight glass panels allows for easy-to-slide and fold features that transform even a tiny space into more livable space. It also provides flexibility allowing you to close the room during inclement weather and open the glass panels during fine weather.

Sunrooms can be incorporated into your home in several different ways, and can increase your property value, provide more usable space, more natural light, all while protecting you from the elements. It's a significant investment but can provide you and your family and friends with years of enjoyment.

Residents of the GTA can apply for season 2 of Holmes Family Rescue atmakeitright.ca

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