Do you have an old sunroom from the 1980s or earlier? If so, it’s almost a certainty that you have a 3 season sunroom: a room with no or just a little insulation in the walls, ceiling and floor, single pane windows that do little to insulate you from the cold, or the hot sun, and a general lack of energy efficiency. Sunshine Sunrooms can help you renovate or repair your existing sunroom to make it your new favorite room.
Sunrooms are captivating spaces that infuse homes with abundant natural light and a seamless connection to the outdoors. However, with time and exposure to the elements, these charming spaces can lose their luster. Join us as we delve into the transformative journey of reviving a sunroom, breathing new life into it, and restoring its radiant glory.
Assessing the Sunroom’s Condition
The first step in any restoration or renovation project is to evaluate the sunroom’s current state. Professionals meticulously examine the structural integrity, assess the windows, identify potential leaks, and evaluate any damage caused by moisture or pests. After assessing the condition a tailored plan for its restoration can be made. The main parts of repairing a sunroom consist of:
1. Replacing Damaged Windows and Frames
Often, old sunrooms suffer from deteriorating windows and frames, compromising both their functionality and aesthetics. Skilled professionals carefully remove the worn-out components and replace them with energy-efficient windows that enhance insulation and reduce utility costs. The new windows are selected to complement the architectural style of the sunroom while maximizing natural light and providing optimal ventilation.
2. Repairing Structural Elements
A solid and stable structure is crucial for any sunroom. During the restoration process, professionals identify and address any underlying structural issues. They reinforce weakened supports, repair damaged beams, and ensure that the foundation is sturdy. By strengthening the structure, they guarantee the sunroom’s longevity and create a safe environment for its occupants.
3. Enhancing Insulation and Energy Efficiency
An old sunroom may lack proper insulation, resulting in temperature fluctuations and energy inefficiency. Professionals tackle this problem by adding insulation to walls, ceilings, and floors. They also seal any gaps or cracks that may allow drafts to enter. This strategic approach ensures a comfortable and energy-efficient sunroom throughout the year, reducing heating and cooling expenses.
4. Upgrading Lighting and Electrical Systems
To create an inviting and functional space, professionals revamp the sunroom’s lighting and electrical systems. They install modern fixtures that provide adequate illumination while maintaining a warm and cozy ambiance. Additionally, they update the electrical wiring, ensuring safety and compliance with current standards. Upgraded electrical outlets and wiring enable the use of various appliances and devices in the sunroom, enhancing its versatility.
Tips to Improve Energy Efficiency in Your Sunroom
Install Shades
These window treatments work double duty. They help to keep the hot air out during those hot days of summer and keep the warmth inside during the colder months. A side benefit is the addition of added privacy when wanted.
Solar Shades
These shades are a special type of roller shade and made from material made from an open weave. These solar shades allow you visibility through the shade while allowing you to remain cool and comfortable.
Not only this, but they protect from UV rays, filter solar heat gain and glare. All in all, an excellent choice for a sunroom.
- If you use your sunroom as a home office, solar shades greatly reduce glare on your computer screen
- Can be upgraded to a motorized system
- Can be found as a light filtering shade or a blackout shade
Cellular Shades
These shades are very good for sunrooms that need insulating. These are excellent for all types of climate to keep your sunroom comfortable.
- Their honeycomb design helps to trap the air providing good insulation
- Available in different patterns, textures and colors
- They stack tightly, leaving full visibility to enjoy the view
- Available as blackout shades as well as light filtering shades
- Available cordless or motorized
- Affordable
- Can even help to save on energy bills
Install Window Film
If you have only one pane windows and would like a less expensive option to improve energy efficiency and comfort in your sunroom then try installing window film.
Window film: This is a general term that refers to any window film product. It is usually made from polyester laminate.
Window tint: Window tint refers to any window film that is dyed or colored. Not all window film is tinted. The tinting will block some of the light coming into your sunroom, which you may or may not prefer. If you use your sunroom as an office it may be beneficial to cut glare. They also can provide you with a bit more privacy from the outside.
- Window film, tinted or not, can block up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Up to 80% of the sun’s heat-generating infrared rays will also be blocked.
- Since they absorb and reflect the sun’s energy, and keep your sunroom at a comfortable temperature this may lower your energy bills.
- They may also protect flooring and furniture from fading due to the sun’s rays.
- For even more energy efficiency pair them with curtains and/or blinds
Install Weatherstripping and Sealant
Caulking and weatherstripping will help prevent drafts in your sunroom. Especially if you have only single pane glass, sealing and weatherstripping are a must to help prevent outside air and moisture from invading your space.
Sealant (or Caulking)
A sealing or caulking compound is applied to reduce cracks and splits which result in air leakage. This would be applied where two surfaces meet but don’t move, such as between the window frame and wall.
According to many experts, you should caulk both the inside and outside of your windows and doors. Make sure to use an exterior type of caulking for the outside.
Weatherstripping
Use weatherstripping to block air leakage at joints of operable windows and doors. However this is to be used only where two surfaces meet and move relative to one another.
- Add a draught blocker underneath window panes and below doors.
Add a Ceiling Fan to Both Cool or Heat Your Sunroom
It’s no secret that a ceiling fan helps to evenly distribute and circulate the air and make a room a bit cooler. Some experts estimate that a ceiling fan can help lower your thermostat by 4 degrees.
- Not everyone is aware that by flipping a switch on your ceiling fan, you can control the direction of the blade.
- In summer, they should be turning in a counterclockwise fashion. In the winter it needs to be turning in a clockwise direction.
- In summer the blade (turning counterclockwise) pushes air downwards to cool the space, but in winter, with the blade in the opposite direction, the air is forced upwards, which ultimately distributes the air and warms the room.
The restoration and renovation of an old sunroom is a meticulous process that requires the skills and expertise of professionals. From addressing structural concerns to enhancing insulation and upgrading electrical systems, our experts breathe new life into sunrooms, transforming them into vibrant spaces that homeowners can enjoy for years to come. If you have an aging sunroom in need of a revival, don’t hesitate to contact Sunshine Sunroom at call us at (972) 243-5390.
