Sunrooms and Their Benefits for Your Chicago Home

A sunroom is an addition on the side of a house which makes it possible for you to enjoy the landscaping and scenery that surrounds your home - all from inside your home. It can also be called a sun porch, patio room, sun lounge, conservatory, solarium, garden room, or a Florida room.
 

Sunrooms have got numerous benefits. For instance, they protect the occupants of the home from undesirable weather conditions like rain and strong winds. Rain can cause colds and other unfavorable medical problems. When it rains you will not need to move to your living room; you can enjoy the sight of falling rain safely from inside.
 

Sunrooms also allow in a lot of sunlight for warmth and lighting. You will therefore use natural light and not electric light. This saves on the cost of electricity and you can instead use the money in other productive ventures.  
 

Sunrooms provide extra space for your family. Construction of traditional room additions using bricks or stones is a very costly venture, and it may not be something that is possible with the design of your home. This is where the sunrooms can prove to be handy.
 

Three and Four Season Sunrooms in Chicago

As the name suggests, a sunroom is a small addition to the main house built of large windows to offer a clear view of the outdoors and it lets in a lot of sunlight. Sunrooms are often created of vinyl, aluminum, or wood frames fitted with glass. They may also include shingle roofs to match with the rest of the home's exterior. You can get an octagonal style, square, or rectangular-shaped sunroom.
 

There are a number of things a homeowner in Chicago can do with a sunroom. It can be used as a garden area, reading room, playroom for the kids, guest bedroom, or as a family room. While they may vary in shapes, designs, and sizes, they all play an essential role in the functionality of a home that every homeowner loves.
 

Three Season Sunrooms
 

A three season sunroom allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature without having to leave your home. This type of sunroom is great for relaxing and enjoying a nice spring day. It allows you to have access to the morning sunlight without the need of going outside the house.
 

Unlike a four season patio screen enclosures, you won’t have to install heating and cooling systems, plumbing, or apply insulation which can add up.
 

The major downside to a three season sunroom is that the majority of them have poor thermal-insulation. For this reason, they may not be appropriate if you want to use it throughout the year. And that’s why we have four season solariums, as well.
 

Four Season Sunrooms
 

This type of outdoor screen room is an alternative to a three season sunroom. It is typically well-insulated so that it can serve you all year round. This way you can enjoy your patio screen enclosure during the summer or winter. It usually includes quality insulation in the glass, walls, and ceiling to prevent unnecessary transfer of heat.
 

Besides enjoying this room all year long, it can act as a dining room, playroom, a place for guests to sleep, and so forth. There is no doubt that your visitors will enjoy being in your porch appreciating the outdoor light and outdoor view – while enjoying your company at the same time. In addition, a four season sunroom will protect your furniture and other important materials against elements, such as fading and other damages that can be caused by UV-rays, wind, snow, and other adverse weather conditions.
 

Of course, owing to its incredible benefits, a four season sunroom is more expensive than a three-season sunroom. They also need more maintenance than its three-season counterpart, but you can opt for those made of vinyl, which require little or no maintenance.
 

Both 3 and 4 season sunrooms are worth your money. As you plan to purchase one, do your homework and get advice from experts. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Sunrooms Bring the Outdoors Inside to Your Chicago Home

Sunrooms are amazing additions to homes, giving homeowners a taste of the outdoors without the bugs, rain, and other harsh elements. Sunrooms are also called patio rooms, solariums, or enclosures. These rooms are made with glass and screen and are built on a wood or concrete foundation.
 

A sunroom can offer a good place for relaxation. We all know that enjoying the morning sunshine is what every homeowner wants. It enhances your mood and helps vent stress and frustration. The free natural sunlight and heat from the sun will replace the artificial heating needed to keep the house warm during the cold seasons. A sunroom offers a perfect place to enjoy the natural sunlight without the risk of being exposed to adverse elements, such as UV-rays.
 

Before thinking of adding a sunroom to your current home, or new home, you should note that energy efficiency is the single most important aspect to consider. Select materials that will improve your home’s energy efficiency. In case you are renovating an existing house, the first thing you want to consider improving your home’s energy efficiency - and a sunroom can be one of the solutions.
 

When you are planning to install a sunroom, you will want to make sure that it is designed to match your home’s style and look. Choose a sunroom color and plan that complements your home and that will serve many purposes, as well. Sunrooms can offer an extra space, or in other words, they can be used to add space to your home. You can enjoy being indoors, but still enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Depending on how you made your decision, you can enjoy using your sunroom during three seasons, or four seasons (all year round).  Also, this helps to increase the value of your home. People want to purchase properties with sunrooms because they love them. And they are always ready to pay an additional fee for a home that features one. 
 

It is vitally important to understand how the different materials used to make sunrooms work. For example, vinyl sunrooms are typically less expensive than wood sunrooms, and they need little maintenance. Vinyl is strong, durable, and more energy efficient than aluminum. If you want a well-insulated sunroom, choose either a double or triple pane glass window for the new room.
 

When shopping for a sunroom, focus on getting the best materials you can afford.  You may want to seek advice from building contractors or visit a sunroom sales area to learn more about them so that you can make an informed decision.

Building a Three or Four Season Sunroom in Chicago

A sunroom is a small addition to your home that allows you to enjoy the outdoors without actually being outside. This addition offers you the ability to enjoy nature in the comfort of your home. Since they have large glass windows, sunrooms are loved by many homeowners for the amount of daylight they allow in. With a sunroom installed in your home, you can enjoy the morning sunlight without being exposed to the harmful elements of the outdoors, such as insects, UV-rays, winds, pests and pollen.

 

The two most popular types of sunrooms include a 4-season sunroom and 3-season sunroom. The 4 season rooms are basically designed to cater for all seasons. You can use them all year round. Four season sunrooms are usually constructed with energy efficient glass, have efficient HVAC systems and higher quality insulation.
 

Because a three season sunroom lacks many important features, it’s obvious that it can get extremely hot during the summer seasons or very cold during the winter months. That’s why many homeowners prefer four season sunrooms over three seasons ones.
 

The large windows or glass walls that these sunrooms allow for a sufficient amount of daylight to enter inside. This helps to make the room bright and attractive. As said before, the large transparent windows of sunrooms also allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape and other things on your property.
 

Unlike bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, which have their own specific roles within the home, sunrooms are quite versatile. While some homeowners may use their sunrooms as an entertainment room for hosting guests, others may use them as a place for reading. Others may use them as a dining room, and still yet, others may use them as a living room.
 

Four season and three season sunrooms are also good when it comes to energy efficiency. However, you will need to invest in 4 season sunroom if you want to save significant money on heating and cooling costs.
 

While the choice of four seasons or three season room is based on your preference, taste, and budget, choosing the right type is of utmost importance. Both are great when it comes to enjoying the surrounding scenery. You can enjoy the morning sun without having to worry about heat, UV-rays, mosquitoes, and other harmful factors.

Benefits of Installing a Sunroom in Chicago

Sunrooms, also known as conservatories, patio enclosures, and garden rooms are additions that can enhance your Chicago home. When you install a sunroom to your existing house, it’s like adding an extra room to relax in to relieve stress. These rooms make a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, read your morning newspaper, and eat breakfast.
 

For years, sunrooms have been visually pleasing and useful in residential homes, commercial properties, and industrial complexes. The benefits of installing sunrooms in your home are vast. In addition to benefits already mentioned above, here are some other advantages of sunrooms.

Extra Living Space
 

Another major advantage of a sunroom is the fact that it offers extra living space for your house. Unlike a screened porch or deck which can only be used some during specific times of the year, you can use your sunroom throughout the year. A sunroom can serve as a playroom, dining room, reading room, or family room. It is also the best place to spend time with your guests since it offers beautiful and expansive views of the outside world.
 

Outdoor View
 

A sunroom provides a great place to enjoy the weather outside, watch birds singing, or just to look at the beautiful flowers in your garden. The space can provide a complete view of your backyard without having to deal with harsh outdoor elements, such as allergens and pesky bugs. Even UV-Rays and chilly weather isn’t an issue. Moreover, your kids can enjoy plenty of sunlight while playing in the sunroom. Thus, they won’t have to go outside to play in bad weather.
 

Increase the Value of Your Home
 

Real estate properties with conservatories have been proven to sell for more money and faster than homes without sunrooms. Buyers are always attracted to properties with a sunroom addition. However, in order for your home to add real value, the sunroom must include features like heating and cooling systems. And since sunrooms are made of glass, buyers would want to know which type of glass was used to make the addition. Single-pane glass windows will most likely turn off buyers as they lack insulation. A good sunroom addition will ensure the place is warmed in the winter and cooled in the summer.
 

 

Add a Sunroom to Boost the Value of Your Home in Chicago

A small room installed in your existing home that is enclosed in glass is what is referred to as a sunroom. The floor is usually made of concrete where brick or tile materials are laid. It is specially-designed to offer you the real feeling of being outdoors, but all from the comfort of being in your own home. Sunrooms can also be set up with air conditioning systems, meaning you don’t have to bear the extreme heat of the summer. Again, in the winter you can stay warm and comfortable in your sunroom with a heater, as well.
 

Sunrooms can also be used to entertain guests, relax after a long day, or for anything else you can imagine. Most homeowners use them to do crafts or hobbies. The brilliance and calmness of the room can create a fantastic environment where you can relieve your daily stresses. In fact, some studies indicate that people feel better in sunny environments - such as in a sunroom.
 

Based on how much sunlight you want to come into your sunroom, you can decide to have it installed facing west, north, east, or south. For example, you will want to make it face east in case you are planning to use it as a breakfast room as you’ll be able to enjoy the morning sunlight during certain seasons of the year. A sunroom can also serve as a dining space to accommodate family and guests. When your kitchen becomes congested, it can be wonderful for everyone to take their meal in the sunroom where there’s enough space and fresh air for everyone.
 

Another essential point you don’t want to miss when installing your sunroom are the building codes in your area. It is important to make certain your sunroom’s foundation complies with the local building codes. In extremely colder areas, the foundation needs to be deeper than the freezing line. This will ensure the foundation won’t expand or contract as the ground freezes and then thaws. Building your sunroom on a level ground is highly recommended, and will also have to meet the terms of your local building codes.
 

Most homeowners prefer sunrooms with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) walls. Although you can opt for aluminum or wood options, PVC is arguably the best material since it is strong and needs less maintenance. Another advantage to using vinyl is that it’s less expensive and is long lasting – most vinyl sunrooms last up to 30 years.
 

Tips for Keeping a Beautiful Sunroom or Patio

A sunroom, also known as an enclosed porch or three-season porch, is an extra room installed in your home to allow you to enjoy the outdoors without having to be outside. Most sunrooms are installed near the back of the home, usually right off the dining room or kitchen, and they are always fun to decorate.
 

Sunrooms are one of the best ways to enlarge your living space and get the most out of the relaxation and beauty of the outdoors. However, in order to maximize the functionality of your sunroom, you need to avoid some of the common mistakes which many people make during choosing, purchasing or installing them. These blunders will not only cost you a great deal of money and time, but will also make your additional room less enjoyable.
 

However, you can easily avoid these mistakes. Here, we will go through some of the common mistakes homeowners commit, and also help you to avoid them. Moreover, you will get to know much more about sunrooms.
 

Failure to Consider Weather
 

A porch is an outdoor living room, hence it is very important to consider your local weather pattern before installation. If your home is built in an area which experiences extremely cold winters, you will need to have an insulated sunroom. This will allow you to enjoy the space as much as you like all throughout the year. Similarly, a sunroom needs to have operational windows during hot summer months. Some homeowners prefer installing AC units here to make the space more comfortable and inviting.
 

Bad Furnishings
 

You will want your sunroom to have nice decorations since it will be an important part of your home. Nevertheless, do not make the worst mistake of using the wrong floor coverings or furniture. A porch is typically enclosed, but the better part of it is covered by large windows which allow sunlight to penetrate inside on a daily basis. In as much as you enjoy daily sunlight at the comfort of your sunroom, that heat can fade your furniture, carpets and other important items.
 

Home Design
 

Paying a lot of attention to the design of your home is extremely vital when installing a sunroom. Sadly, many homeowners have made this grave mistake and have ended up wasting a lot of money. Regardless of your taste and preference, the only way to take full advantage of your sunroom is to make sure it fits the decor of your house. Avoid this mistake and consider the design, lines, architecture and style of your house before choosing a design.

Inadequate Space
 

A typical sunroom needs to measure at least 10 square feet. This offers adequate space for standard sized furniture and other items. If you plan on sharing your patio with many people or to entertain a group of friends and you have a big home, then consider getting a bigger size. 
 

Important Aspects to Consider Before Sunrooms Installation

Sunrooms are simply extra interior rooms, and are usually made of glass materials. These rooms are often common in extremely cold areas as they allow sunlight to warm the house during the day. A well-designed sunroom can enhance the overall image of your home and offer you a peaceful haven to release stress.
 

Sunrooms provide homeowners with a platform to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding outside areas while sitting on the patio or deck. This could not be possible in an open space due to heat, insects, rain, and cold. Therefore, the sunrooms were developed to protect people from hostile weather conditions and enhance their outdoor enjoyment. Well-designed sunrooms can make the space fascinating and peaceful for a person to spend some quality time alone or with friends.
 

Planning a Sunroom
 

There are several things you need to consider when planning to install these rooms. These factors include: location, construction material, design, windows, and installation.
 

Location
 

The location where you want to install your sunroom will depend on the weather conditions of the region where you live. In colder climates, the room should face southwards to provide adequate sunshine to the space. In warmer climates, the sunrooms ought to face northwards to create enough shade during the day. If you are fascinated with watching the sun rise and set, you might want your sunroom to face either east or west.
 

Construction Material
 

Aluminum and vinyl are the most common materials used for the building of sunroom structures. Vinyl is well-known for its thermal insulation properties.
 

Design
 

There are a variety of design options available to choose from. Straight patio enclosures are versatile and are perfect for every home. Sunrooms with curved eaves will increase the size of your home. However, they will need a lot of installation space. If you have a bigger space, conservatory sunrooms would be the best choice. If you have a lot of space in terms of height, you should choose cathedral designed sunrooms. The large glass windows and ceilings will make your home really stunning.
 

Windows
 

The most essential part of a sunroom is a window. It should be made from high quality materials which are strong and energy efficient. Single pane windows should be avoided because they’re less energy efficient. Double-pane and triple-pane windows consist of two and three glass layers, respectively. The spaces between the glass-panes are filled with gas—normally argon gas—to provide insulation. You can choose either of these two depending on your budget and needs.
 

Installation
 

Installation should be left to the professionals. They know what they are doing and have the tools and materials to get the job done quickly and efficiently.