If you’ve ever visited a home with a sunroom or solarium, you probably left wanting one of your own. The abundance of natural light paired with indoor-outdoor feel creates the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the space. Most homeowners would guess that adding a sunroom to their home is too expensive and complicated, but it could be easier than you think. Window World TX has all of the tips and tricks you need to create a sunroom in any home.
Remodel an Existing Room
While a home addition is in the budget for some, transforming an existing room of your house into a sunroom is much less expensive. Not to mention, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of hiring a contractor, changing your house’s footprint and breaking the roofline. Though it may seem impossible, you can transform almost any room into a sunroom with just a few changes.
To create a sunroom, replace your current windows with bigger ones – and add more windows all around. The goal is to leave as little wall as possible, extending your view outside and bringing in enough sunlight to make your houseplants very happy. You can even add transom or awning windows above the other windows and raise the ceiling to give the room a more vaulted, open look. If possible, adding patio doors is another way to bring in additional light and connect the sunroom to the outdoors.
Replacement Window Style is Key
When designing a sunroom, the windows are the most important factor. While Texas can get pretty hot, you’ll want to consider windows that open for optimum airflow during milder months. These include double-hung, sliding and casement windows, which should have insulated glass and screen inserts to help prevent pests from getting in. If you decide on picture windows or stationary glass walls, they should be silicone double-sealed, A-rated and labeled as “tempered safety glass” in accordance with building code.
Beat the Heat
One of the biggest worries homeowners have about creating a sunroom is the heat that natural light brings into a home, which causes higher energy costs. This is a major problem in Texas – unless you choose high-efficiency replacement windows like the ones from Window World TX. We have a few different window options to help you let the light in and keep the heat out in your sunroom:
- Double-Paned Glass: This option provides durability, insulation and glare reduction for energy efficiency and sun protection.
- Double-Paned Glass paired with Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Coating: A low-E coating reflects heat and UV light, which significantly improves both the U-value and efficiency of the window.
- Double-Paned Glass paired with Argon Filling and Low-E Coating: Argon gas is added between the panes, further reducing the U-value of the windows.
No matter which windows you choose, your Window World windows will offer excellent insulation and high efficiency.
Choosing the Window Placement
An important, but sometimes overlooked, factor when creating a sunroom is which way your windows face. This may mean your sunroom could receive dramatically different kinds of natural light. Here’s what you need to know about window placement and sun exposure:
- Southern Exposure: In southern climates, this harsh light could require a ceiling fan or shades during the summer months.
- Northern Exposure: This exposure will offer low levels of light and partial shade for most of the day, which can be a blessing in hot climates like Texas.
- Western Exposure: This orientation will expose your sunroom to bright afternoon sun that may require shading or even window treatments. Afternoon sun is much harsher than the morning sun.
- Eastern Exposure: This placement will provide gentle and bright sunlight in the morning and shade for the rest of the day.
If you’re looking to add a sunroom to your home, have no fear! Window World TX specializes in window replacement, and our team is here to help you design the sunroom of your dreams. Contact us today to begin your window installation services.
