A lot of planning and preparation are involved when it comes to building a sunroom addition. Whether it be a three-season, a four-season, or a solarium, you need to convey your own vision or ideas and turn them into a more structured concept. You might probably have a little idea about designs, but knowing which sunroom features best suit your lifestyle is particularly important. You need to figure out what exactly you are looking for before you even talk to a professional sunroom builder about the project. So, to get you started, let’s explore 9 sunroom features that you should know to make your home improvement project more successful.
1. Roof
There are several roof options for your sunroom. These choices will be dependent on the architecture of your house, budget, and your personal taste.Gable Roof. A gable roof is a popular choice in home construction because it can blend well with nearly any architectural design. It is created to withstand all seasons, making it an excellent choice for your sunroom. A gable roof typically has two roof panels that are set at an angle to create a peak over center support to allow more ventilation inside your home enclosure. To provide a classic look to your house, this roof option is built perpendicularly to your home’s exterior. You can use a 3-inch or 6-inch roof to build a gable roof. But for best recommendation, do not hesitate to talk to a professional sunroom contractor near you. Single-Slope Roof. A single-slope roof has a single plane that usually slopes down from your existing house. Also called a shed roof or studio roof, it is created for easy water or snow runoff, making it a perfect choice for areas that usually have consistent heavy snow or rain. The great thing about a single-slope roof is that it features an economical style to provide great stability and neat lines in your sunroom. It has fewer material requirements and is quite easy to install. Solarium Glass Roof. If you love to bring more natural sunlight in, you can build a solarium. You can choose different materials such as tempered glass or translucent polycarbonate, so you can guarantee an all-encompassing outdoor view. For the roof structure, you can select between a single-slope or gable roof. Custom Wood Roof. This option allows you to personalize your style and vision. However, it can be more expensive depending on the designs and materials you want to use.
2. Screens
In most cases, screens provide standard with all sunrooms and screen rooms. However, screens are only optional sunroom features if you plan to build a solarium. The main function of the screen is to offer maximum visibility, provide openness, and create structural integrity to your sunroom. For materials, you can choose a screen made from traditional fiberglass or aluminum mesh. The options vary depending on the quality, longevity, and durability of the screen material. Make sure to speak to a professional sunroom builder for better recommendations.
3. Framing
One of the most important sunroom features is the framing. The screen or glass panels that create the walls of your sunroom are supported with a frame. Two popular choices for framing includes aluminum and vinyl. Aluminum. Aluminum frames come in various sizes, thicknesses, and colors. This is one of the toughest materials for framing because it is resistant to humidity and temperature changes. Aluminum does not easily warp, rot, or rust, so you can expect that it will surely last for years. If you plan to build a four-season sunroom, you can use thermally engineered aluminum framing. This way, you can extend its use all-year-round while keeping your sunroom insulated. Vinyl. In most cases, vinyl frames are used in four-season sunrooms. It is a great material for a sunroom because it can stand up so well to wearing and is so easy to clean. Vinyl is a sturdy material, which you can expect to last for longer years.
4. Weather Stripping
A weather stripping is a great barrier to provide weather resistance and protection in your sunroom. Depending on the type of sunroom you want to build, there are different types of weather stripping. Polypropylene Weather Stripping. This type of weather stripping is a great choice for three-season sunrooms and screen rooms. Polypropylene Weather Stripping With A Fin Seal. If you have an AllView elite sunroom, this weather stripping is the ideal choice for you. Triple Polypropylene Weather Stripping With A Fin Seal. To ensure extra protection from humidity or moisture, you need triple polypropylene weather stripping in your sunroom. This type of weather stripping is an excellent choice for solariums and four-season sunrooms.
5. Electrical Raceway Post
Electrical raceway post is normally a standard feature in a four-season sunroom. However, you may also want to install it if you plan to build a screen room or a three-season sunroom. The main function of an electrical raceway is that it allows you to include exterior or interior electrical sunroom features such as cables, speakers, and telephones. Keep in mind that not all manufacturers can offer this feature. So, if you plan to add an electrical raceway post in your sunroom, you can always discuss this option with your sunroom contractor.
6. WeatherLock
If you want to get additional weather stripping against harsh elements outside such as drafts and wind, then a weatherlock system is all you ever need. One of the most functional sunroom features, a weatherlock system provides an additional tight fit and traction between your doors, keeping any inclement weather out.
7. Door Handles
Any home enclosure needs a door handle specifically created depending on the type and style of enclosure you want to build. Here are your options:Black Aluminum Door Handle. Commonly used in three-season sunrooms, a black aluminum handle allows you to seamlessly open and close your blinds. It is a very low-profile type of door handle and is so easy to grip. Easy Grip Door Handle. An easy-grip door handle is typically used in screen rooms. If you install it in your home enclosure, closing and opening your screens can be so easy and effortless.
8. Glass Options
Glass is one of the most common sunroom features. It is typically heavy and durable, so you can expect that it can last for years. In most cases, glasses are very resistant to UV radiation and scratches. They are also a great insulator. For glass options, take a look at the following lists:Single-Glazed. This is a basic glass option that provides fewer insulation and UV properties.Double-Glazed. A double-glazed glass has two layers of glass with gas trapped in between these layers to provide more insulation. Manufacturers typically use argon for this glass option. Triple-Glazed. This is the best type of glass option as it can prevent potential heat loss in your sunroom. Manufacturers usually use krypton or argon gas when creating this glass option. Glass Tint. The best thing about glass tint is that it provides your sunroom with shading. Also, it has UV protection while reducing heat gain from direct exposure to sunlight.
9. Locking System
Security is particularly important if you are planning to build a sunroom. Depending on the type of sunroom you prefer, you can choose either a single-point or a dual-point locking system. A single-point locking system is so easy to use. It ensures that your door screen and window panels are locked in place securely. On the other hand, most dual-point locking systems provide added security and eliminate the use of dead-bolts. Whichever locking system you choose, make sure to ask your sunroom builder for better options and recommendations.
Have You Decided Which Sunroom Features You Want?
If you are ready to start building your sunroom addition and want to include these sunroom features in your project, the next best step is to hire a professional sunroom contractor. Make sure to partner with an expert—who knows everything about sunrooms and processes. Choose a contractor who can provide you an opportunity to custom design your home enclosure. If you need an expert to build your perfect sunroom, then Deck Ready is here for you. Connect with us and schedule a free in-home consultation today!
Aluminum. Aluminum frames come in various sizes, thicknesses, and colors. This is one of the toughest materials for framing because it is resistant to humidity and temperature changes. Aluminum does not easily warp, rot, or rust, so you can expect that it will surely last for years. If you plan to build a four-season sunroom, you can use thermally engineered aluminum framing. This way, you can extend its use all-year-round while keeping your sunroom insulated. Vinyl. In most cases, vinyl frames are used in four-season sunrooms. It is a great material for a sunroom because it can stand up so well to wearing and is so easy to clean. Vinyl is a sturdy material, which you can expect to last for longer years. 
Black Aluminum Door Handle. Commonly used in three-season sunrooms, a black aluminum handle allows you to seamlessly open and close your blinds. It is a very low-profile type of door handle and is so easy to grip. Easy Grip Door Handle. An easy-grip door handle is typically used in screen rooms. If you install it in your home enclosure, closing and opening your screens can be so easy and effortless. 
Triple-Glazed. This is the best type of glass option as it can prevent potential heat loss in your sunroom. Manufacturers usually use krypton or argon gas when creating this glass option. Glass Tint. The best thing about glass tint is that it provides your sunroom with shading. Also, it has UV protection while reducing heat gain from direct exposure to sunlight. 