Are you thinking about adding a sunroom to your home for more light and value? I know it all might seem like a big task, but I’ve got you covered. In this article, I will break down the Sunroom installation steps to make it easy and enjoyable. This guide will help you understand the process and be ready for each decision you’ll need to make.

1. Prepare Your House for an Addition
The first step to adding a sunroom is deciding where you want it and preparing your house for the addition. Here’s a detailed, simple guide to help you through this:
Choosing the Location:
- Think about where you want your sunroom. Do you want it facing the garden, backyard, or somewhere else?
- Consider how the sun moves across your house during the day. You’ll want your sunroom to get plenty of sunlight.
Preparing the House:
- Look at where your house sits on the land. This will help you decide the best spot for the sunroom.
- To connect the sunroom to your house, you should create a big opening in an exterior wall. This could mean cutting through bricks or siding.
Using an Existing Door:
- If cutting a new opening seems too complicated, you can use an existing door as the entryway into your sunroom. This can simplify the process.
Checking Infrastructure:
- Before making any changes, make sure to consider the wiring, plumbing, and other important systems in your house.
- Check where electrical wires, water pipes, and other utilities are located. You don’t want to damage anything accidentally.
Planning Utilities:
- Consider whether you’ll need new electrical outlets, lighting, or even heating and cooling in your sunroom.
- Plan where these will go and how they will connect to your existing systems.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll be well-prepared for adding your sunroom. Taking the time to plan and prepare properly will make the rest of the process smoother and more enjoyable.
2. Laying the Foundation for Your Sunroom
Just like when you build a house, the next step in installing your sunroom is to lay a strong foundation. This is essential unless you are building on an existing concrete patio or carport. Here’s a simple explanation of the steps:
Digging:
First, the area where the sunroom will be built needs to be dug out. This helps to create a level and stable base.
Leveling:
After digging, the ground is leveled to ensure it is even. This is crucial for the foundation’s stability.
Pouring Concrete:
After preparing the ground, we pour concrete to form the foundation, ensuring your sunroom’s strength and durability.
Meeting Codes:
Throughout the process, it’s important to follow building codes and safety standards. This ensures everything is done correctly and safely.
By following these steps, you can ensure your sunroom will have a solid and lasting foundation.
3. Frame the Sunroom
The next step in adding a sunroom is to frame the walls. Here’s a detailed, simple explanation:
Building the Frame:
- The frame is the skeleton of your sunroom. It gives the structure shape and strength.
- At Global Solarium, we use special aluminum frames called thermally broken aluminum frames.
Why Thermally Broken Aluminum Frames?:
- Durability: These frames are very strong and won’t bend or rot over time, unlike wood.
- Insulation: They help keep your sunroom warm in the winter and cool in the summer by providing good insulation.
Constructing the Walls:
- The aluminum frames are put together to form the walls of your sunroom.
- As the walls go up, they are attached securely to your house. It is important to make sure there are no gaps where air or water can get through.
Sealing the Frame:
- Once the frame is attached to your house, it must be sealed properly. This means filling any small gaps and making sure everything is tight.
- This sealing process prevents air drafts and water leaks, which can cause problems like mold or cold spots.
Year-Round Use:
- Because of the strong, insulated frames and the proper sealing, you can enjoy your sunroom all year long. It will stay comfortable in any season, whether it’s hot or cold outside.
By using durable materials and ensuring a tight seal, your sunroom will be a cosy and reliable space for you to enjoy throughout the year.
4. Install Doors and Windows
During the planning and design stage, you will decide on the type of doors and windows for your sunroom. Here’s a detailed, simple explanation:
Selecting Doors:
- Large Staging Doors: These doors open wide and create a large entrance. They’re great if you want to easily move furniture in and out or enjoy an open feel.
- French-style doors: These are elegant, double doors that open from the middle. They add a touch of class and can make your sunroom feel more spacious.
- Single Doors: A single door is simple and practical, perfect if you don’t need a large opening.
Choosing Windows:
- Windows are a key feature of your sunroom because they let in light and offer views of the outdoors.
- Global Solarium uses high-performance dual-pane glass for the windows.
Why High-Performance Dual-Pane Glass?:
- Durability: These windows are built to last, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon.
- Minimizes Ultraviolet (UV) Light: This glass reduces the amount of UV light that enters your sunroom, helping to protect your furniture and skin from damage.
- Minimizes Infrared (IR) Light: By reducing IR light, these windows help keep your sunroom cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Reducing Heat Trans
- The dual-pane glass is designed to reduce the amount of heat that passes between the inside and outside of your sunroom.
- This means your sunroom will stay more comfortable, no matter the season, and you’ll save on heating and cooling costs.
By carefully choosing the right doors and windows and using high-quality materials, your sunroom will be a beautiful, comfortable, and energy-efficient addition to your home.
5. Install an HVAC System
To make your sunroom comfortable all year round, you might need a heating and cooling system. Here’s a detailed, simple explanation:
Extending Your Home’s Existing System:
- First, check if your home’s current heating and cooling system (HVAC) can be extended to the sunroom.
- This might be the simplest solution. Your sunroom will have the same temperature control as the rest of your house.
Adding a New HVAC System:
- If extending your current system isn’t possible, you’ll need to add a new HVAC system for the sunroom.
- A popular choice for this is a ductless heat pump.
Why Choose a Ductless Heat Pump?:
- Temperature Control: A ductless heat pump lets you easily control the temperature in your sunroom, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Easy Installation: These systems are easier to install than traditional HVAC systems because they don’t require ductwork.
- Energy Efficiency: Ductless heat pumps are known for being energy-efficient, which can save you money on energy bills.
Insulation:
- No matter which heating and cooling option you choose, good insulation is key.
- Proper insulation will help maintain the temperature in your sunroom, making the heating or cooling system more effective.
- This means your sunroom will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer without wasting energy.
By either extending your existing HVAC system or installing a ductless heat pump and ensuring your sunroom is well-insulated, you can enjoy a comfortable space no matter the season.
6. Add the Touches That Make it Your Own
The last step in the sunroom installation process is adding the final touches that make this new space feel like part of your home. Here’s a detailed, simple explanation:
Interior Frames:
- Materials: You can choose from vinyl, aluminum, or wood for the interior frames of your sunroom.
- Variety of Colors and Finishes: Each material comes in a wide range of colors and finishes so that you can match the style of your sunroom to the rest of your home.
- Choosing the Right Look: Think about the look you want. Vinyl is durable and low-maintenance, aluminum is sleek and modern, and wood offers a warm, classic feel.
Adding Fixtures:
- Lighting: Install lights to make the sunroom usable at night. You can choose from ceiling lights, wall sconces, or even stylish lamps.
- Fans: Ceiling fans are a great addition to keep the air circulating and maintain a comfortable temperature.
Furnishing the Sunroom:
- Furniture: Select comfortable and stylish furniture. Think about what you’ll use the sunroom for – lounging, dining, or even as a home office.
- Decorations: Add personal touches like rugs, curtains, cushions, and artwork. These items make the space feel cosy and inviting.
Making the Room Comfortable:
- Plants: Adding some greenery can bring life to your sunroom and make it feel more connected to the outdoors.
- Comfort Items: To make the space enjoyable, consider adding blankets, books, or even a small entertainment system.
Ready to Start Your Journey
Now that you know all the steps involved in adding a sunroom, you’re ready to start your journey. Parkland Sunrooms makes the process easy and worry-free by using high-quality materials and providing excellent installation services. With their expert Screen Room Installation, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about bugs while adding value and comfort to your home.
Your new sunroom will be a beautiful and functional addition to your home. You’ll love using it all year round, and you might even wonder how you ever lived without it!