When you start planning for a sunroom addition in your home in Maryland, you might probably consider a few options such as the style of framing, type of sunroom, or design ideas. However, two of the most important facets of building a sunroom that you should not overlook are the windows and roofs. As a Maryland sunroom builder, we believed that these features could make wonders to the appearance and functionality of your home enclosure. But the question is: which sunroom windows and roofs are right for your home? In today’s blog, let’s find out your options for the best sunroom roof and window before you move the project into construction.
Sunroom Window Types
While it is true that sunroom windows serve the same purpose, they can be quite different in how they function and look. The types of sunroom windows you choose will depend on several factors. For one, you must consider the climate or weather of your location and the direction where the sunroom will face. Also, you need to decide how you would like to use your sunroom—as an indoor garden, home office, or an extension of your family room. Do not also forget the time and season of the year you will use this home enclosure. By understanding these factors, you can readily determine the type of window and the right materials to use.When it comes to choosing the best window types for your sunroom, check out the following options.
Sliding Window
A sliding window is one of the most popular options for a sunroom. This type of window normally consists of two sashes, where each sash can independently slide left and right. With this mechanism, you can slide the window on either side entirely open or slide both sashes to the middle with slight openings on either side. Located in the middle of the window, you can lock them up to prevent break-ins and make your windows childproof.What’s good about the sliding window is that it is energy efficient and comes in different varieties, colors, and styles. This makes more opportunities for you to customize the design of your sunroom. But, for great options and recommendations, it is always best to talk to a Maryland sunroom builder.
Hinged Window
You have two options for hinged windows: awning and casement. They differ in hinge location and size. An awning window is typically placed within your sunroom’s “kick”, a two-foot-high fixture that easily connects the floor to your main window. Awning window hinges from the top to prevent the rain from entering your sunroom. This type of hinged window tilts out and is open from the bottom for better ventilation, allowing hot air to escape from your sunroom.The casement window, on the other hand, locks from the inside and opens when you turn a crank. You can either crack the window open during a mild day or completely open it to let the breeze in. This type of window is a versatile option for almost any climate and an excellent choice to allow natural sunlight into your sunroom.
Double-Hung Window
A double-hung window operates almost the same as sliding windows. However, on a double-hung window, you can independently slide the sashes up or down rather than left or right. It still has a lock mechanism in the middle for safety. This type of window is another homeowners’ favorite because it is so easy to match with some other window types in your home. It also offers maximum ventilation and requires less cleaning. Your Maryland sunroom builder can provide you multiple styles and colors of double-hung windows as well because they are readily available in the market.
Picture Window
If you want a sunroom that brings the most natural sunlight in and provides you an unobstructed outdoor view, then you should choose a picture window. This type of window is normally placed along the far wall. It is also popular because it gives a stunning view whenever you are inside the sunroom. However, the major downside of the picture window is that it is stationary. This also means that you cannot close or open this window.
Sidelight
Sidelight is similar to a picture window because it is fixed and cannot be opened or closed. This type of window is typically placed on either side of the sunroom’s door. The best thing about sidelight is that it can match with any window throughout your home, making it easy to customize your window combination.
Sunroom Window Materials
Contrary to other people’s beliefs, you are not only confined to choose glass as a material for your sunroom windows. You can also use acrylic and vinyl products for your sunroom. Let’s explore their differences.
Glass
Needless to say, glass is the most traditional option for sunroom windows. It is more expensive than acrylic but a durable option for your sunroom. A good quality glass window can last for years, just make sure to choose the right quality and ask your Maryland sunroom builder for the best recommendations. Most glass windows are resistant to ultraviolet radiation, preventing UV rays from entering your sunroom. This material is durable enough to resist even the most stubborn scratches. Plus, it is a great insulator, the reason why it is the most popular choice for sunroom windows.While glass is an excellent material for your sunroom windows, it is normally heavy. The weight of glass windows can often create certain limitations to the style and design of your sunroom. Aside from its higher price tag, the glass window is also vulnerable to shattering, which may cause safety issues.There are various types of glass windows: single-glazed, double-glazed, and triple-glazed. Depending on the types, it normally dictates the appearance and performance of your glass window.Single-glazed. It is typically a basic glass window that has fewer UV properties and insulation.Double-glazed. This type of glass window has two layers of glass with gas or air trapped between them to provide more insulation. Typically, it uses argon, a gas that is six times much denser than air.Triple-glazed. It is the best type of glass window because it can prevent heat loss. Manufacturers normally use krypton or argon gas when creating triple-glazed window panels. Due to its insulation capacity, this type of glass window is the most expensive.
Acrylic
Unlike the traditional glass windows, acrylic windows are cost-effective yet an attractive choice for your sunroom. This material comes from rigid clear plastic. Each window panel is lighter than the usual glass panel, making it less expensive to create, manufacture, store, and install. An acrylic window has resistance to sharp blows. When it cracks, it is less dangerous than a shattered glass window.The major drawback of an acrylic window is that it is so sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. It tends to bow out of place over time and is much quicker to scratch. Unlike glass windows, acrylic windows are extremely sensitive to UV radiation, turning yellow over time due to prolonged exposure to UV rays.
Vinyl
Another alternative material for window panels in your sunroom is clear vinyl. This material is very flexible, durable, and thick. The lightweight type of vinyl panel is a great choice for sliding windows. With proper installation, you can expect a vinyl panel to provide you excellent ventilation inside your sunroom. The best thing about clear vinyl windows is that you don’t have to worry about dangerous shattered glass windows. When the panel deforms due to pressure, this material will return to its original quality and shape in a few minutes; hence, preventing major damage to your window panels.
Sunroom Roof Options
Aside from choosing the right window for your sunroom, you also need to consider the type of roof. The roof type that best suits your home enclosure will still depend on your own personal taste, budget, and architecture or structure of your house. There are two main roof options for your sunroom: gable roof and studio roof. What makes them different from each other?
Gable Roof
A gable roof is a perennial favorite in home construction because it blends well with almost any architectural style. It is also designed to withstand all seasons; thus, a perfect choice for a sunroom addition. A gable roof has two roof panels, which are set at an angle to create a peak over center support—allowing more ventilation inside. It is normally built perpendicularly to a house’s exterior, providing a classic look to your home. Make sure the roof is properly constructed for greater stability. Always talk to a Maryland sunroom builder to help you build a professionally made sunroom roof.
Studio Roof
Also known as a single-slope roof and a shed roof, a studio roof offers fewer material requirements and an easy assembly or installation. It features an economical style that provides neat lines and great stability. This type of sunroom roof has a single plane that typically slopes down from your existing house for easy snow or water runoff. This makes it a perfect choice for regions that normally suffer from heavy rain or snow.
Additional Roof Options And Elements
If you want to bring more natural sunlight to your sunroom, you can also incorporate glass elements in your sunroom’s roof. Here are some possible options you can try.
Translucent
A translucent roof is built with either translucent polycarbonate or tempered glass, so you can fully maximize the natural light in your sunroom. You can expect an all-encompassing view of the sky all day long if you have a translucent roof.
Skylight
Without the need to make a big jump to become a full translucent roof, you can opt for a skylight roof. This roof option is made with tempered glass, making it a great way to capture the view from above and bring the natural light in.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a sturdy material that can stand up so well to any blows from falling tree branches or dense hail without getting the roof shattered. If you have a polycarbonate roof, it is normally opaque, but it can brighten your home enclosure with diffused natural light from the outside.
It’s Time To Talk To A Maryland Sunroom Builder Today
Whichever window or roof options you prefer, it is important that you know how your choices will impact the overall structure, functionality, and appearance of your sunroom. It is also vital to partner with a professional Maryland sunroom builder to ensure that the project is well-crafted. So, if you feel that you need an expert to create a functional and stunning sunroom, don’t hesitate to connect with us today! Find out how Deck Ready can help you start getting the best of both indoor and outdoor living spaces.
What’s good about the sliding window is that it is energy efficient and comes in different varieties, colors, and styles. This makes more opportunities for you to customize the design of your sunroom. But, for great options and recommendations, it is always best to talk to a Maryland sunroom builder. 
The casement window, on the other hand, locks from the inside and opens when you turn a crank. You can either crack the window open during a mild day or completely open it to let the breeze in. This type of window is a versatile option for almost any climate and an excellent choice to allow natural sunlight into your sunroom. 
A double-hung window operates almost the same as sliding windows. However, on a double-hung window, you can independently slide the sashes up or down rather than left or right. It still has a lock mechanism in the middle for safety. This type of window is another homeowners’ favorite because it is so easy to match with some other window types in your home. It also offers maximum ventilation and requires less cleaning. Your Maryland sunroom builder can provide you multiple styles and colors of double-hung windows as well because they are readily available in the market. 
