ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, March 3, 1996 TAG: 9603050001
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
Q: I want to add an efficient sunroom to my house for casual living area and for growing some plants. My budget is limited. Are there do-it-yourself sunroom kits available so I can lower the cost?
A: There are many new designs of do-it-yourself sunroom kits available. These new kits are efficient and some can help heat your home in the winter, too. Some manufacturers offer more than 140 standard kit sizes.
Many of the new do-it-yourself sunroom kits simply bolt together like a huge erector set. All parts are precut, predrilled and color-coded. They include all the required screws (rustproof stainless steel), seals, etc. Once the ground area is prepared, one can be erected over a weekend.
The least expensive kits use aluminum extrusion frame members and special doublepane clear plastic glazing. It is shatterproof and is stabilized to resist the sun's damaging rays. This produces a lightweight, yet strong, sunroom. You can build these lightweight kits right over an existing deck.
One convertible (to a porch) sunroom kit has quick-change clear thermal pane window panels that snap out to expose screens creating a summer porch. These lightweight panels are stored behind the lower glazing panels.
Frame material is important for aesthetics and efficiency. Extruded aluminum is strong and simple to assemble. In all but the mildest climates, choose a frame with thermal breaks to save energy and block condensation.
Wood framing is more expensive, but it is attractive and offers more design flexibility. It also is a natural insulator. A curved eave (curved transition between the front and roof) is especially attractive.
One new sunroom kit uses an aluminum exterior frame that is covered with natural oak wood on the interior. This unique design uses a super-strong interlocking wood/aluminum joint instead of adhesives.
The type of glazing is most important for an efficient comfortable sunroom. Clear or tinted double-pane or low-e argon glass is most efficient. Double-pane crystal clear acrylic plastic is also effective.
A unique sunroom option is a semi-circular design. It is actually five-sided and assembles easily. It adds openness to any room.
During the summer, adding afternoon shading can increase comfort. Several kits have built-in frame channels to hold sun-blocking screens or shades. Some use manual crank screens or shades. Others have motorized shades that can be controlled by automatic sun and temperature sensors.
For a buyer's guide of 14 sunroom kit manufacturers and accessories listing designs, styles, frame types, glazing options, ventilation and shading options, prices and a greenhouse plant selector guide, write to James Dulley, The Roanoke Times, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. Ask for Update Bulletin No. 764 showing. Please include $2 and a business-size self-addressed stamped envelope.
LENGTH: Medium: 56 linesby CNB