 | Michael Gatschet is the owner of Heartland Home Improvements, which opened in 2000, but has 15 years experience in the construction remodeling industries. He is one of only two remodelers in Kansas recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as having earned the designation of a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR). Michael is also recognized by the NAHB a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). He believes in a well educated work force to provide the kind of service that clients deserve. You can reach Michael at (316)-264-7744. |
Home Improvement
2007-03-01 12:02:00
Sunroom renovations
We have a screened porch on the back of the house. Can I replace the screens with a glass wall to create a sunroom? Or is it more cost effective to purchase a manufactured room?
ANSWER: My first response is yes, you can replace the screens with glass to create a sunroom. And, it would be more cost effective to do that. But, I have to make some assumptions to validate this solution.
Hopefully, the foundation is sound and meets the requirements needed to support the existing roof structure. The foundation is a major part of the costs associated with adding on to an existing structure. When adding on, there is always excavation work, forming the foundation and concrete work. No matter how large or small, multiple trips back and forth to the site are generally required to complete the foundation. Along with that, the roof structure, assuming that it is correctly constructed with the properly sized support beams, roof slope, and materials used for the roofing are correct then you are in good shape. The most important issue to consider is the shear strength of structure’s. What is the structures ability to resist horizontal wind pressure? Before, when the porch was screened, wind could pass through easily. With windows, the structure will have to be able to resist the wind pressure. If these considerations have been satisfied, then you are getting closer to having a sunroom.
Does the current screened in porch have an elevated wood floor, or is it a patio? Both scenarios will work, but we have to consider that the interior climate will be dramatically different than the exterior climate most of the time. Provisions must be made to keep the space below the wood floor dry, the patio surface dry and keep moisture and humidity out. In your question, you asked about a “glass wall” to create a sunroom. Let’s just agree that a “glass wall” is impractical, and agree that individual glass framed window units with the option of operable screened windows on at least some of the area would be great! Many window manufacturers will custom size window units with an array of options to your specifications in aluminum clad, vinyl clad, or solid vinyl in various colors.
And finally, all you have to do now is heat and cool your new space and have adequate lighting, switches and electrical outlets. The easiest way to heat and cool the space might be to extend your existing ductwork to the new space. You could also condition the space separately with a separate unit that heats and cools, thus allowing you to adjust the room’s climate to your specific needs. You will need the professional services of a heating and air contractor to determine if your existing system is adequate, provide a solution for your needs and professionally install the required solution. A good electrician will provide you with a practical solution for your needs and have all the electrical up to code in a short time. Even with all these things to consider, the job is very straightforward with the help of a professional remodeling contractor and would most likely be more cost effective and, in my opinion, more aesthetically pleasing than a manufactured sunroom.
