As we quickly move into the dog days of summer, many homeowners are looking for a way to spend time outdoors without misery. Just a few decades ago, a sunroom was a nice addition until about August or September; during those months, the only way to escape the heat was to run fully indoors.
Today’s sunrooms, however, are built very differently from those just a few years ago. Advances in glass technology, insulation, engineering, and construction methods have transformed the modern sunroom into a comfortable living space that you can use all year-round.
So, what changed?
Why Older Sunrooms Get SO Hot
The biggest culprit that turns a sunroom into a greenhouse is the glass.
Years ago, most sunrooms were built with single-pane glass or thin, uninsulated windows. Sunlight easily passed through the glass, heating everything and everyone inside. Once that heat entered a sunroom, it was trapped, creating what we call the greenhouse effect. So, although a sunroom was a great addition, it was only usable three-fourths of the year.
The Greenhouse Effect Explained
Sunlight contains several different types of energy:
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet rays (UV)
- Infrared heat
We’ve all heard about the Greenhouse Effect in relationship to the environment, but the elements react very much the same way in a sunroom. Visible light passes through the windows and warms the surfaces inside of your sunroom. The warmed surfaces then release heat into the surrounding room. Because traditional glass wasn’t designed or created to block or reflect much of the energy, the heat stayed trapped indoors, making everyone miserable.
The result?
A room that could easily become 15 to 25 degrees hotter than outdoors, lasting months at a time without reprieve.
How Modern Sunrooms Stay Comfortable
Newer advances in sunroom materials didn’t exist for your grandparents, but they do now! Today’s sunrooms use technology, so you can sit in comfort longer!
Low-E Glass
One of the biggest improvements is Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glass. Low-E glass is incredibly thin and has a coating that is almost invisible and reflects a significant amount of the sun’s infrared heat, but it doesn’t stop natural sunlight from flooding the room. That allows homeowners to enjoy the hottest months of the year in comfort.
Double-Pane Insulated Glass
Instead of a single sheet of glass or single pane, modern sunrooms typically use two panes of glass separated by a sealed air space. The extra later dramatically reduces heat transfer and keeps hot air outside during the summer and warm air inside to combat the cold winter months.
Argon Gas Between the Glass
Premium windows often come with something called argon gas. It is a safe, inert gas that transfers heat much more slowly than regular air. The additional insulation helps improve the sunroom’s overall energy efficiency.
Better Roof Systems
The type of roof that you have on a sunroom matters greatly, although not many homeowners understand how or how much. Older aluminum roofs often transferred heat directly into the sunroom. Insulated roof systems now include thick foam insulation sandwiched between durable aluminum panels. That helps to reduce heat while keeping the room quieter during rainstorms.
Improved Window Technology
Modern windows are designed to reduce:
- Solar heat gain
- UV exposure
- Drafts
- Air Leakage
- Condensation
Many windows also block a large percentage of harmful UV rays, helping protect furniture, flooring, rugs, and fabrics from fading.
Proper Orientation Matters
Not all sunrooms receive the same amount of sunlight.
A room that faces west may experience intense afternoon sun, while a north-facing sunroom typically stays cooler throughout the day. The only way to balance a sunroom placement for aesthetics and energy-efficiency is to hire a company that understands heat transfer and how to properly design and build a sunroom for maximum sunlight and efficiency..
Ventilation Makes a Big Difference
Although insulation helps, it isn’t the whole picture. Modern sunrooms often include:
- Operable windows
- Ceiling fans
- HVAC integration
- Mini-split heating and cooling systems
- Motorized shades
- Retractable screens
When you combine the above features, you can help to regulate the temperature in your sunroom to enjoy throughout the year.
Can a Modern Sunroom Be Used All Year?
Many homeowners ask us, “Can a modern sunroom be used all year?”
Absolutely, but it depends on the type of sunroom you build.
A properly designed four-season sunroom with insulated glass, an insulated roof, and climate control that taps into your HVAC system can be enjoyed just like the indoors all year-round. Three-season rooms, while being ideal for spring, summer, and fall, typically aren’t intended to be heated throughout the winter. But due to the mild winters of South and North Carolina, most homeowners report comfortably using their sunrooms most of the winter-time too.
Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
Even the most advanced materials can’t overcome poor planning or installation.
Proper flashing, insulation, weather sealing, structural engineering, and window installation all play an important role in how comfortable your finished sunroom will be. At Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas, we help homeowners choose the right materials, glass packages, and design options for their specific home, budget, and lifestyle. When you work with a company like ours, you get the best experience and suggestions to ensure that your sunroom not only looks amazing, but it is something to enjoy.
Ready to Enjoy the Sunshine Without All the Heat
These last few weeks of summer are ones to build memories before everyone heads back to school. What better way to enjoy time together than sitting on your outside porch or sunroom, taking in summer breezes, putting a puzzle together, or playing boardgames to pass the time?
At Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas, our mission is to help our clients build the sunroom or outdoor living space of their dreams. We take great pains to go the extra mile to ensure that your sunroom looks beautiful, is beautifully designed, and something that you and your family will enjoy for decades to come. Are you ready to enjoy the fall, football, and sweater weather? Do it all from your new sunroom. Contact us to get started today! Looking for zero-down financing? See if you are eligible now!
