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The
notion of sunrooms conjures up different visions for many people.
Some see a space resembling a glassed-in deck where you can laze in a
sunny spot without insects, the rain or the cold bothering them.
Others envision an indoor-outdoor area where kids can play, they can
relax in a hot tub and entertain guests. And still there is a notion
that a sunroom is a glorified greenhouse featuring plants as the
focal point.
Sunrooms = Enhanced Living
A sunroom is an extension of the home made
mostly of glass or plastic which is built onto, or into, a house in a
way that allows the sun to enhance living. In the past they were
built with wood and brick framing holding in the large windows. A
large Victorian mansion sometimes had an atrium or conservatory made
of wrought-iron framing that held as many as a thousand panes of
glass.
In days gone
by many city homeowners had covered or screened-in porches which
allowed them to relax in the evening. There wasn't as much noise from
traffic and they could converse with their neighbors and passersby.
As the tempo of the cities increased more time was spent out back in
the garden and gradually the front porch was replaced by the back
deck . These decks were then enclosed with windows as protection from
the elements and they added to the floor space of the interior.
Sometimes
called a a solarium, Florida room or “enclosed patio”
modern sunrooms commonly use structured aluminum, which holds the
glass panes glass, or PVC. Depending on the geographic location of
the home it may have a clear roof or series of skylights to take
advantage of the sunlight, or have the top roofed over to block
excessive sunlight. These structures usually face a lush garden on
the side or rear of the home while others will face out front in
order to capture a beautiful view.
Options
for Sunroom Placement
South:
In the winter a sunroom facing south will maximize the warmth of the
short, sunny days but will not be in that position for the hot sumer
sun.
East:
This is for those who do not want direct sunlight making it a
good position for a dining room.. Shade plants will also thrive in
this sunroom but there is enough light for almost all other
varieties.
West:
Sunsets are gorgeous in this position, with the amber rays spilling
all through the home through this portal.
North:
From this position you can have natural light without any
incursion of the hot rays of summer which can cause furniture and
drapery to fade. However, it might be a good idea to have heating.
Types of Sunroms
1. Traditional
Sunroom: These range from simple patio enclosures to full
additions to the home. What they have in common is that both have a
roof. The roof may contain skylights but it is designed to block out
the sun.
2. Solarium: Like the garden green house the solarium is
completely enclosed in glass or clear plastic except for the floor.
The edge of the roof is sometimes curved downward to allow rain and
snow to slide off easily. It is usually attached to the home, on the
side or back.
 .
3. Conservatory: (sometimes called Edwardian): Imagine a house of
glass with a stone or brick foundation that butts up against the home
and allows complete indoor access to the dwelling and you have a
conservatory. Like the wrought-iron-framed ones of old you can get
this style in a Victorian motif or in a modern all-windows model. The
roof is peaked and contains reinforced glass.
4. Screened Enclosures: These are basically porches with a
large screened areas and will look attractive of the front of the
home. Some even have removable windows to close it off in colder
weather.
Other Advantages of Sunrooms
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