How to Choose Between Different Types of Sunrooms
By Léa Plourde-Archer
Updated on November 7, 2023
Are you planning on building a sunroom and trying to decide which material to choose? In the following paragraphs, we will address different materials that can be used to build sunrooms.
The different types of sunrooms
PVC sunroom
PVC is the least expensive material for sunrooms. Available in a wide variety of colours and forms, a PVC sunroom is both quick and easy to install. PVC is also known to offer good insulation, in addition to being easy to maintain. However, certain disadvantages explain the low price of PVC.
Over time, corrosion problems may appear. Also, PVC cannot be painted so you will have to choose a shade that will suit you for a long time, even though the colour will end up fading. However, PVC is quite resistant. This means that it can make for a good low-priced sunroom.
Aluminum sunroom
Aluminum sunrooms are the most common form on the market due to their durability and their accessible price. Much like PVC, aluminum sunrooms are quick and easy to install. Aluminum does not rust, due to the fact that it is protected against water. This means that it will have a long lifespan and require very little maintenance. The only thing you will have to do will be to apply a new coat of paint once in a while.
If any physical damage is sustained on the aluminum surfaces, separate parts can easily be replaced since aluminum sunrooms are usually made with different parts. However, it will be important to check the quality of the aluminum before the sunroom is built. If the price is too low, the quality of the material probably reflects the price.
Wood sunroom
If you wish to invest in something that will look more like a home extension, wood is the way to go. Wood is the most effective material in terms of natural thermal insulation and soundproofing. Next, if you wish to extend the roof, wood is one of the only materials able to support the extra weight on its structure.
However, wood can be much more expensive than other materials. If you choose low-end wood, the price will be very reasonable but every two to three years, you will have to treat the wood to avoid damage caused by insects and weather conditions.
If you select a wood essence that is more robust and resistant against insects, you will pay a lot more money than for a PVC sunroom.
Steel or wrought iron sunroom
Still, within the high-end category, wrought iron or steel sunrooms are especially luxurious and they add a lot of value to your house. Steel and wrought iron are also very resistant and able to support the extra weight of a roof if you wish to extend your house’s roof on top of the sunroom.
However, in terms of insulation, steel and wrought iron do not have a good reputation. In cold weather, the temperature inside the sunroom will be very cold. Another important thing to know is that this type of material will have to be treated against rust on a regular basis.
Get 3 renovation quotes for your sunroom project
RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your sunroom project. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with contractors that are the most suitable for you. Fill in the form on the homepage ( it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from home renovation companies.
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