Adding a sunroom to your home is an easy choice, but choosing the right type and style of sunrooms can sometimes take a little more thought. With all the different styles and materials out there, how do you know what is the best type of sunroom for you? Let’s take a look at the types of sunrooms and how to choose the right style for you.
Types of Sunrooms
There are many different types of sunrooms, depending on the construction, style, materials used as well as if heating and cooling systems are used. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common categories of sunrooms:
- Conservatories: This type of sunroom is usually detached from the rest of the house and is also called a solarium. These buildings often function as greenhouses, great for growing plants, but are also unique spaces for backyard entertaining. Conservatories typically have a metal frame and an all-glass design.
- Patio enclosures: If you already have a deck or patio, this type of sunroom is an easy compromise to a full sunroom addition. Patio enclosures use existing structures from the roof and patio to form a new enclosed area that’s more protected from the elements than the original deck area. This type is also easily upgradeable later to a full sunroom.
- Screen rooms: While not technically a full sunroom, a screen room gives a home bug-free livable space where you can enjoy the sunshine and breezes in a more protected area. Screen rooms usually have screened windows, but no glass. They are another affordable compromise but are generally not usable in cold weather.
- Three-season sunrooms: These sunrooms are meant to be used during any season of the year, except for the cold winters. More affordable than four-season options, these sunrooms don’t have the same thermal glass, insulation or heating options. However, they are fully enclosed rooms, perfect for enjoying the sunlight and views of nature while adding living space to your home.
- Four-season sunrooms: These sunrooms can be enjoyed at any time of the year and in any type of weather. Four-season sunrooms are fully enclosed from the elements and use insulation and special thermal glass to maintain the indoor climate. Integrated heating and cooling systems can also be used for even more comfort. These sunrooms are truly extensions of the home, and the space can be utilized for a wide variety of purposes.
Learn More About Our Product Offerings
Sunrooms also typically are available in a variety of architectural styles. Sunroom designs often use Victorian or Georgian architectural influences. Georgian styles are usually more square-shaped and feature classic design elements. Victorian style sunrooms are often rounded, with traditional style influences and are great for enjoying sweeping natural views. Cathedral styles and modern styles are also popular choices for sunrooms. A consultant from Maryland Sunrooms can help you choose the style that most naturally fits with your home.
Sunroom Roof Types
There are two main roof types generally used in sunroom construction — a glass roof and a solid roof. With a glass-roofed sunroom, the room takes on a solarium style, letting in tons of natural light and heat. This option is ideal for enjoying unobstructed views, basking in the warm sunshine or growing house plants. An all-glass sunroom roof offers a unique contrast to the home’s style, providing architectural interest.
A sunroom with a solid roof blends in more with the home’s original architecture, seamlessly and naturally adding to the overall home design. With this type of sunroom, the roofing materials typically match those on the rest of the house for a more cohesive look. This roof type offers more protection from sunlight and heat but can limit the outdoor views.
The roof type you select for your sunroom should depend on how the room will be used, and how you want your sunroom to look with the exterior of your home.
Materials Used in Sunroom Construction
You’ll likely want your sunroom to match or blend in with your home’s existing style. However, there are some choices available for the main building materials used. Vinyl is an affordable, energy-efficient option often used for year-round sunrooms. Aluminum is another great choice for a lightweight building material, but it doesn’t offer as much insulation as vinyl. Wood framing is another option and often offers the best overall appearance. Choosing the materials used in your sunroom will depend on your existing home design, your budget and how you plan on using the space.
What Is the Best Window for a Sunroom?
In planning a sunroom design, it’s all about the glass. Arguably, the windows are the most important component, and there are many different types of windows and glass to choose from. The type of glass used can affect the energy efficiency of the room, as well as the overall look and the amount of light that gets through. Look for double-glazed glass, argon filling and a low U-value on your glass for the best energy efficiency. Windows are available in a wide array of sizes, shapes and styles so you can get a truly custom look for your sunroom.
For minimal maintenance and cleaning, as well as energy efficiency, ConservaGlass NXT™ is an ideal choice for sunrooms of all types. These durable windows are easy to clean and will block UV rays, protecting you and your furniture.
How to Choose
Finding the right sunroom for your home is a personal choice, affected by several important factors. Consider the following as you make your decisions:
- Budget: Possibly one of the most important factors, your budget can influence which materials you use and what special features you can add to your sunroom.
- How the space will be used: Think about how you’ll use your new sunroom — what furniture you’ll have in the room and what purposes it will serve. Also consider how often you’ll use the space and if you’ll want to use it year-round or only during the warmer months.
- Design aspects: Adding a sunroom will change the appearance of your home, so consider the architectural styles already on your home and if you want your room to contrast or blend in.
- Outdoor elements: Are sweeping views something you wish to capture and enjoy in your sunroom? You may want the room situated a particular way, or to have a glass roof if the views are important. Or if you’d rather have a space for relaxing, without too much direct sunlight, a solid roof and different design may be better for you. Consider the sunlight exposure and heat levels that are ideal for your sunroom.
Learn More About Our Product Offerings
Get Started Today With Maryland Sunrooms
Ready to take the next step and plan the perfect sunroom for your home? Maryland Sunrooms can help you find the best design for your home and budget.Contact us for an appointment to get started on your new sunroom.
