If you need extra living space in your home then you should consider installing a sunroom or solarium. They’re four-season additions that bring natural elements into your indoor living space. However, there are differences between the two that you should be aware of. Here are some of the pros and cons of solariums and sunrooms.
What is a solarium? A solarium is an extension of your home made entirely of glass. All the walls and even the roof is made of glass, with metal frames and beams for structural integrity. A solarium is designed to let in as much natural light as possible. Solarium pros A solarium provides a clear view with no obstructions. If your yard faces a scenic vista, like mountains or a lake, then a solarium may be ideal. Similarly, you’ll be able to gaze up at the stars at night through the glass roof. You can enjoy all the visual elements of the outdoors, protected from bugs, rain and wind. Indeed, a solarium lets in the maximum amount of light into the room, allowing you to use it as a greenhouse all year long. Solarium cons Since glass is pricier than other building materials, solariums are more expensive to build. They can cost almost double that of a sunroom. Many solarium owners have custom blinds made for the walls and ceilings to block out some of the sunlight. In addition, glass isn’t the most energy efficient material, so it’ll take a lot of energy to keep your solarium warm in the winter and cool in the summer, resulting in higher energy bills. Furthermore, solariums require more maintenance than sunrooms. Someone will have to clean all that glass, inside and out. The glass roof can get dirty with bird droppings, tree sap and leaves. What is a sunroom? A sunroom has a lot of windows, but isn’t made entirely of glass. It’s an addition to your home where you can entertain guests or relax without worrying about bad weather. Sunroom pros Sunrooms are less expensive to build and easier to maintain than solariums. They’re also more energy efficient with insulated walls and a roof. Consequently, it’ll cost you less to heat and cool a sunroom than it would a solarium. Additionally, you may be able to access the outdoors through your sunroom, as many have large sliding doors that lead outside to patios, porches or gardens. Sunroom cons You won’t get the amazing views or dazzling sunlight that you would get in a solarium. It’ll feel more like being in a house than being outside.
YOUR SUPPLIER OF CUSTOM GLASS AND WINDOWS IN NORTHWEST CANADA
All-West Glass provides expert glass and window installation services. We have 19 locations in Alberta, British Columbia, Whitehorse and Yellowknife. Contact us to start planning your sunroom or solarium today.