Designing The Sunroom - Find A Floor That Retains Heat

Converting extra outdoor space into a sunroom adds a characteristic touch to your home and helps increase your home's overall energy efficiency. A form of passive solar heating, sun rooms are designed to absorb solar warmth during the day and distribute that warmth throughout the house at night. The heat collected in sun rooms can flow to the rest of the house via entryways and connective air flows. Because sunroom flooring is often installed over old concrete slabs or preexisting decks, it's best to consult with a certified flooring contractor to avoid issues with unevenness, peeling, or cracking.

When it comes to deciding on a sunroom floor, a number of options are available. Prerequisites for your potential sunroom floor include the ability to withstand many hours of direct or indirect sunlight and extremes in temperature. Because water, dirt, and mud can be tracked indoors through the sunroom, the flooring should endure moisture and be easy to clean.

The most popular flooring choices in the sunroom are tile, hardwood, and laminate floors. Use wood flooring that can easily be used outside. Fading and drying are important considerations with wood and all other types of flooring. Prior to making your decision, consider how a glass roof will affect your floor and decide whether or not your windows will include UV protection. This can affect how quickly carpet will fade and wood will dry.

Like wood, tile can be used quite readily. Dark colored tiles will absorb heat during the day and give it off in the evening. Tile can also resist moisture well and is easy to clean. When installing tile, plywood is generally used as a base to provide support and prevent cracking. Other flooring options, such as brick, stone, or concrete, can increase the thermal mass in the sunroom and improve energy efficiency.

Laminate flooring can imitate the appearance of wood or tile, handle lots traffic, and is easy to clean after spilling or staining. Laminate flooring is increasing in popularity in sunrooms because of its affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance.

While carpeting is another popular choice in the sunroom, one drawback is that it can get dirty easily. However, it installs over existing decks and concrete slabs with relative ease. It is also affordable and for the most part, can withstand the effects of the sun.

If you want to explore alternate flooring options, bamboo and cork are increasing in popularity and have environmental benefits.

The Truth About Sunroom Decorating

Sunroom decorating sounds like an easy task, but if not done properly, it can mar the whole beauty of the sunroom. Thus, it is essential to give due attention to the type of furniture your sunroom need, the color you need to splash it with, the ventilating style of doors and windows and the overall look and feel of the room. Two sunroom built in the same way may not look alike due to the sunroom décor items and colors used. Moreover, while decorating sunrooms, you must keep in mind the style of the room.

It can be designed in a number of ways including Straight, Curved, Cathedral and Conservatory. You can decorate the Straight sunrooms properly to convert it into a patio room with wooden beams and aluminum exterior and interior finish. You can even clad it with vinyl to lend it a wood like finish on the exterior. If the inside structure is made of wood, it is best to decorate the room with Wicker and Rattan furniture items to lend a natural touch to the room. These furniture items, made out of plant fibers, are stained to match the color of any room and make it look beautiful. The first place you can start decorating from is the porch. You can decorate it with vintage tables and cushions, mosaic items like vase and cans, bird tea cups, small fountains, racks for placing decorative items, colorful carpets, and flowers. You can add padded cubes having bright colored designed or plain fabric to match the color of the room.

You can even decorate the sunrooms with appropriate wallpaper designs. According to the style and structure of the sunroom, you can select from a range of wall covers. They are available in shades of crème, gold, wood, white, grey, blue, and many more colors. You can even select wallpapers that appear like tiles, mosaic, rubber, wood, and metal. You can opt from a range of wallpapers that have various patterns drawn inside including leaves, flowers, dots, diamonds and more.

Sunroom decorating Idea

You build sunrooms to serve different purposes. If it is built to serve the purpose of an attic or a dormer, you have to consider placing soft cushions, exercise equipments, music system, and colorful rugs, pots of flowers and soothing color and wall hangings. When you are using the sunroom as a bathroom to get the fell of a spa, you can use a tub beside the glass, warm carpets, potted plants on the edges, aromatic candles on sides, racks and closed shelves to store the towels and bath items. If you are using it as your bedroom, you can place a master bed, the size of which will be according to the size of the room. Surround the bed with soft carpet, cushions, plants, wall hangings.

Make use of light color to paint the room and use soft lights to create the perfect environment for relaxation. Select lighter shades not only makes the sunroom appear big, but also enhances the energy efficiency of the room. This controls the room temperature and keeps the sunroom cool during summer months and warm during winters. Moreover, the amount of ray filtering inside the sunroom need to be neutralized by placing some aquatic elements. You can place small fountains of water or an aquarium containing gold fish and duckweeds. The fountain will created a musical sound and also increases the energy efficiency of the room. If the sunroom has a mat finish, you can make use of Wicker and Rattan furniture items to lend an earthy look to the room.

If your sunroom is your study or den, you can decorate it with soft colors and rows of hidden or exposed shelves, with soft cushions, lamp stand, rocking chairs and picture frames. If it is your dining room, you need not worry about placement of tables as the outdoor environment will be visible from all angles. Place a center table made of wood and surround it by similar looking chairs.

The furniture items can be made from wood or wrought iron according to the style and design of the sunroom. If you are using the sunroom as your kitchen, you can place a small table facing the glass for chopping and cooking purposes. Place drawers beside the table and decorate the walls beside it with racks of shelves for placing the oven and the cutleries. Make use of embedded lights focusing on the table and decorate the room with plants.

Sunroom DIY Decoration

If you are opting for sunroom diy (do-it-yourself) kits, then you need not worry of employing a contractor to decorate the room. You have free reign to buy and place the furniture items yourself according to your own taste. But, before doing so, give a thought to the budget. decorating the room is important, so is keeping track of your budget, thus, before you go shopping for sunroom décor, you need to first strike the perfect balance between budget and your need. A perfectly decorated sunroom provides the ideal place to relax and enjoy outside landscape with your family members.

Sunroom Ideas - Let the Sunshine In!

Sunrooms are as popular as ever which makes for a multitude of sunroom ideas. Not to be confused with a four season room, sunroom designs rely on the sun for warmth and they lack air conditioning as a general rule. Like any room addition, sunrooms can be as simple or elegant as finances allow. Our sunroom ideas may offer options you had not previously considered.

Sunroom Designs

Sunrooms can be custom-built or purchased as prefabricated sunrooms. Either way, you will want to choose a sunroom design that blends in with the architecture of your home. Options range from traditional designs that use a shed-type roof (usually the least expensive), cathedrals that have a gable-style roof, split-roof designs for a more contemporary look and a dramatic roof line, to curved designs with curved glass roofs.

Windows for sunrooms

Since sunrooms are all about the glass, choose windows for a sunroom that have a high R-value, are tempered for safety, have draft-proof seals, and have the American Architectural Manufacturers Association approval. Triple pane low e-glass windows are perhaps the best windows for sunrooms and will provide the best energy efficiencies. However, double pane windows that are argon-filled will provide substantial energy efficiency as well. Single pane windows are the most economical but least energy-efficient.

Another window option is single solex glass which is tinted green and designed to minimize heat absorption into the room. Solex glass reflects ultraviolet rays to protect skin, furnishings, and floor coverings. It is more expensive than other glass types.

Window Treatments

Window treatments for sunrooms are much like those for any room in your home. Plantation shutters are a popular option as are sunroom blinds. Wood blinds are very popular and are available as real wood or as faux wood which look great and are less expensive. Aluminum blinds are also less expensive and the no holes option is recommended for better light control.

Don't forget about shades. These are ideal no matter your window design. Coolaroo shades block 90% of harmful UV rays yet allow air flow to reduce inside temperatures. These are perfect for porches too! Roman shades are sophisticated and elegant while simultaneously being sleek and very functional. Cordless top up bottom down shades allow you to raise or lower them from the bottom or from the top. You have the option of privacy without losing sunlight or your view! Silhouette window shades suspend fabric vanes between two sheers creating an exquisite lighting effect in your room.

Sunroom Flooring

There are several sunroom ideas for sunroom flooring. Choose from the least expensive, yet beautiful, vinyl products. You can mix and match vinyl to create a unique yet very functional look. Wood is a favorite for sunrooms as is stone or brick. Interlocking deck tiles come in a wide variety of colors and styles, can be positioned on top of almost any surface, and look fantastic. There are also modular tile floor systems for the do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Carpet is another option along with outdoor area rugs.

Decorating with Plants

For sunroom décor, consider using your wonderful space for plants. They tend to thrive in sunroom environments. Plants like abutilon, allamanda, and dianthus are all good plant varieties and will give you space color and fragrance. Mix flowering plants with greenery and you can create an oasis of foliage.

Electrical Needs

Lastly, consider other factors like your electrical and lighting needs. Plan for additional outlets along all interior and exterior walls, in your ceiling for holiday lighting, and perhaps a few in the floor placed strategically for popcorn machines or arcade-type games. Use hanging lights, chandeliers, and spots throughout your sunroom as needed. And don't forget the ceiling fans - a must on those hot summer days.

These are but a few sunroom ideas to ponder. Sunrooms are fun spaces not matter if using them as family rooms or a quiet respite from a hectic day. Sunrooms - capture the sun and have some fun!

Sunrooms: A Top Summer Home Improvement Project

Drive around any neighborhood in your hometown and chances are good you’ll see work trucks in your neighbors’ yards. With the kids home from school and life at a more casual pace, summer is one of the most popular times of year to take on a home improvement project.

According to Remodeling Magazine, during the summer months, the most popular projects are those that expand and enhance living space. Looking for a project that will achieve both objectives? How about adding on a sunroom?

“A sunroom offers a unique experience in your home. It allows you to enjoy all the positive aspects of your backyard – the flowers, trees, birds and other wildlife – without having to deal with the negatives such as rain, bugs and heat,” says Brian Pitman, spokesman for the National Sunroom Association (NSA).

Over the years, people’s perception of what constitutes a sunroom have changed dramatically. They’ve gone from being simple screen or glass enclosures to grand rooms that add living space and enhance the architectural design of a home.

The variety of what’s available today is evident in the results of the NSA’s 4th annual design awards competition. A panel consisting of judges from the architecture/interior design field chose six winners from a pool of nearly 100 entries. Sunrooms were categorized by the type of roof they had – glazed or opaque, and how much they cost to construct: less than $15,000, $15,000 to $30,000 and $30,000 and over.

“We are very pleased with the quality of entries we received this year,” said Pitman. "The winners represent the very best in sunroom design."

Roger Foote, a do-it-yourselfer from Minnesota won the Glazed Roof Sunroom Less than $15,000 category. He put a do-it-yourself kit up on an existing deck. “The do-it-yourself kit we used was wonderful," says Foote. "We used the sunporch at Christmas and put our Christmas tree out here. It has actually been a godsend. This is our place where we come and relax."

Bob and Judy Culli of Sullivan, Ill., winners of the Opaque Roof Sunroom $30,000 and Over, consider their sunroom a godsend too. "I had always wanted a back porch," explains Judy, "but we didn't get a back porch when we built the house. With allergies during the springtime, I figured an all-season room would be nice."

The Culli’s sunroom features windows all around, wood paneling inside and a cathedral ceiling roof, also with paneling. Outside, it is fully finished with siding, and has a backdoor leading inside.

The Four-season Model Sunroom Packages For You To Install

It is rather easy these days for homeowners to build their own sunrooms, due to the use of modular components, but should a homeowner build their own sunroom or hire a contractor to build it for them?

You decided to build your sunroom and have checked with your neighborhood association about the building codes and zoning laws in your area, and have been cleared to start your project. This step could be very beneficial to you in so many way, the more informed you are the better off you stand when it comes time to begin the construction of your new sunroom.

There are several companies that specialize in the design and construction of sunrooms, and do-it-yourself kits. These kits which are the least expensive way to build your new sunroom, come already pre built in a modular type fashion, these kits are also massed produced, which doesn’t mean you can not alter it in any way, customization of your sunroom kit may increase the cost of the sunroom. When searching to purchase a sunroom kit you are going to want to provide the manufacturer you are dealing with as much information as possible. You want to be able to get the most accurate quote available to you so you are not spending any more money then you have allotted in your budget. The ways to provide the manufacturer with this information is to take accurate measurements, which is the most important part of ordering your sunroom kit. What type of materials are you looking for; there are different types of quality when choosing building material take this in consideration, especially if you are working on a budget. What type of windows would you like to have in your sunroom? What type of roof would you like on your sunroom? Every aspect of your sunroom is important to you and your

Contractor, they will be more than happy to assist you in any means necessary. Explore a variety of manufacturers so you can compare quotes, it is usually common to check with two or three different contractors to get a general idea what price range you are looking at, when you go o purchase your sunroom kit. Another good source of information is located on the web; you can search different manufacturers and check to see if there is a showroom close to where you live, so you can begin planning your new sunroom. Once everything is completed and you have placed your order with all your customizations, your new sunroom kit will be mailed to your home ready to be built with full instructions and all your customization done prior to shipping. It is important that once you receive your sunroom kit in the mail to check for complete accuracy of materials before you begin construction. It will be easier to call the company and get them to ship you your missing pieces, then to be half way through your construction and realize that not everything that you ordered was shipped. This may cause problems in construction and time trying to wait for arrival of the missing material.

There are also several other manufacturers available to choose from so do your research and find the one that is right for you, remember to research the web, your local paper, and speak with a few people that your or one of your friends or family members know that have recently built an addition to their home you will be surprised how much information you will obtain from just taking time to plan and research before you get this projected started, and by the time you are finished you might even be a subject matter expert on sunroom additions.

Natural Sunlight And The Sunroom Enclosure: What You Need To Know

Your home is your most important investment, and a sunroom can be the most important addition to your investment. Give a thought to what you need to ensure that you'll be able to enjoy your sunroom as you expect.Your home is one of the most important investment you will make in your life. It can also be one of the most expensive investments you'll make. If you decide that you need more room and would like to add an addition to your home, you have several choices. You can add an additional room built in the same manner as the original architecture of the house, or you can add on a new and elegant sunroom.

There are many reasons to choose the sunroom. With a room with walls of glass, you'll be able to see out unfettered to enjoy every bit of your back garden, your trees, birds and squirrels, or your children busily playing. You won't have to be concerned with the oppressive heat of the day, unpleasant gusts of wind should the day be a cool one, or the ever-present insects that can spoil the most beautiful of days.

Natural sunlight. That's what you get from a room with walls of glass...you won't need to bother with the harsh lights of a lightbulb if you don't feel the need. But you don't want sunlight to come pouring into the room without hindrance - you'll find yourself squinting or feeling the need for sunglasses. However, with the proper type of glass, much of the light given off by the sun can be filtered out, so there'll be no annoying glare to spoil your pleasure of the room.

A room with walls of glass need to be insulated just as do walls of wood or brick. Most sunroom companies offer their own trademarked glass - they have engineers who spend their time trying to design the most efficient glass possible.

What do you need in glass for a sunroom?

You have to consider the R-Value. This measures the thermal resistance of a material, or how easily heat travels through it. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulation - and the lower your energy cost swill be. An R-Value of 4.0 is suggested for the very best comfort.

Give a thought to the percentage of visible light transmitted through the glass. A visible light transmittance below 60 percent is is recommended for that glare-free natural lighting, as I mentioned above

And then there's the heat of the sun. Relative Heat Gain measures the heat gained through a glazing, and, indeed, can be more important to a glass room than the R-Value. You don't want a room that will be unbearably hot or expensive to keep cool. With a type of glass that doesn't gain a lot of heat, you'll ensure that that won't be the case.

In these days, it's possible to build a sunroom in anything from a few days to a week or so. And although sunrooms are pricey - you simply must not skimp on quality - they can be less expensive than traditional brick and mortar extensions.

DIY Sunroom Kits

If you'd like to have a sunroom but you don't want to have to pay a contractor to build it for you, you can always do it yourself. Most manufacturers offer do-it-yourself kits so that the handy home owner can be in charge of its construction from the beginning. You'll want to carefully gauge your skills and stick-to-it-tiveness if you choose this route. The addition of a sunroom can increase the value of your home, but only if it is built correctly. But if you have the necessary skills, you can indeed do it yourself.

The skills needed may vary. If you're going to build your sunroom onto a pre-existing deck or porch, you won't need as many skills as you would if you were going to build an entire room from scratch - necessitating the grading and preparation of a concrete slab on which to put the new structure. And if you intend to extend your home's heating and cooling system into the new room, that calls for another set of skills.

Sunroom Indoor Furniture

There's a vast array of furniture for the sunroom. Even though a great deal of harmful sunlight will be blocked out, you'll still want to go with furniture with removable cushions, so that you can replace any that fade. Wicker is the traditional furniture for the sunroom, but there's nothing to say you can't use elegant metals or wood. The addition of green plants and an aquarium or two will certainly add an elegant touch.

Most people use their sunroom as a family room, or a place for solitude and reflection. But some people like to experiment and put their kitchen into a sunroom, or their bedroom and even their bathroom. Those are something to think about, but with the complexities of the glass and the designs of the room, you might want to just stick with the tradition uses of a room with walls of glass.

All About Sunroom Decorating According To Design

Two sunrooms designed in a similar manner, their differences only being that of the decorations. The decorations of your sunroom play a vital role, to mastering the art of conservatory decoration. There are many ways to decorate your new oasis; some examples are Wicker, wood, rattan, wrought iron, glass and any other combination of furniture accents you and your creative muse can come up with. Decorating your special room will take some thought, some questions you should ask yourself are: What will I be using this sunroom for? Entertainment Room, Spare bedroom, Office, or will it be just an oasis to relax in? The answers to these questions will give you an idea on what direction your creativity should lean toward when it comes to decorating your newly acquired space. Keep in mind design is important just because two rooms are decorated in similar manners, does not mean the shape and size of the two different rooms are equal. This plays a vital role in decorating especially when you have to use the space allowed for your particular design.

Do not get skeptical, decorating your sunroom can be easy, but if not done properly can turn out to be a disaster, your new room is now the focal point of your home. The brand new addition everyone is going to want to see it so it is very important that you take your time with your creative muse and plan accordingly. Two sunrooms will never look the same, just because off the décor and furniture accents used. That is what makes your special room so unique. Maybe it may be easier to pick a color scheme for your new sunroom or conservatory, lighter colors tend to bring out more of the furniture accents, as brighter colors may even actually tone the room down and make it dull to be in. When using your creative talents to decorate your sunroom, you must keep in mind the style of the room, or in simpler terms the design. There are several different designs available, Straight, curved, cathedral, and glass conservatory. Then take in the consideration what style of doors and windows do you have? What is the overall appearance of the room, if your style of the room is straight for example straight rooms easily covert into a patio room usually built with wood beams and aluminum exterior and interior. You could even consider alter the room to an advantage by cladding it with vinyl to lend it that custom wood looking finish on the exterior or even go bold and partner it with the interior as well, giving it a log cabin look and feel. If you chose to clad it with a wood exterior and match the interior with wood as well, you may want to consider wicker or rattan furniture accents to give it that natural touch. These types of furniture accents can be stained to nearly any color to match the scheme of your new space, which in turn makes the room beautiful to view and an elegant sense of style. You also may want to consider decorating from the outside in, start with the porch this will give you a starting point as you work your way with décor to the inside. You can also consider vintage items like tables, chairs, mosaics, fountains, and other styles of vintage that match your taste and style. Some other ideas you may be interested in colorful cubed carpet to match your color scheme, you can decorate your room with appropriate wallpaper designs depending on the structure and style of your sunroom.

Sunrooms: Worth The Investment Price

Sunroom prices vary from $10,000 to $70,000, depending on the style, the location, and the quality of the materials used. You'll have to decide for yourself how much you want to spend.

Your home is one of the largest and most expensive investments you can make. Anything you can do to increase the value of your home will pay dividends in the future. If you need more space for your growing family, or if you are simply have the desire for your own private retreat, the addition of a sunroom will not only give you that extra room, but will also add value on to your home.

There are many different styles of sunrooms, ranging from the simple to the ornate, and depending on what kind of style you choose, the price will be commensurate. However, in doing research into the types of additions for your home, a room with glass walls can be less expensive than a room made of traditional bricks and mortar. However, a traditional room can generally be used all year round - including the winter months, whereas if you want to use your sunroom all year, you will have to ensure that it is especially designed to do so - and that will increase the price.

Another factor affecting the price of your sunroom is where you are going to build it. If it's being put together on top of a pre-existing porch or deck, this will be less expensive than if a brand new foundation needs to be laid down first. (If you choose to place your sunroom on top of this pre-existing foundation, you must first ensure that this foundation can bear the weight of the new structure.)

Sunroom prices also depend on the size and location of the room, its style, the material used to build it, and how many "bells and whistles" are included. These "bells and whistles" would include built-in heating and cooling systems, extended from the original house.

Once work on the sunroom itself actually begins, it doesn't take very long. Professional contractors for TEMO sunrooms, for example, only take about two days to put the room together..although if the heating and cooling systems are included, it will take a few more days to get those squared away.

DIY Sunroom Kits
If you want to reduce the price of your sunroom - without sacrificing the quality of the materials, which is the most important part of the sunroom - it is possible to build the room yourself. Many companies offer do-it-yourself kits with complete blueprints and instructions on how to put the room together. If you are confident in your handiman skills, this is an avenue to pursue. You won't be able to put it together all yourself, by the way. The more people you have helping you out, the better.