How To Insulate Your Sunroom?
Getting a sunroom installed at your place is a great step but if it is not utilized to its full potential according to the approaching seasons, the efforts might not be worth it.
If you have a sunroom at your place, this blog is for you. Through this blog, you will be able to keep your sunroom warm, which is a priority for most during winter. Sunroom insulation does not only benefit you just by keeping you cozy but it also makes the room energy-efficient. Also, it will save you a lot of money on energy bills.
Insulation is one of the best energy-efficient methods because it is affordable and straightforward.
Insulating a sunroom involves two steps — Insulating the ceiling, and wall space, and then circulating warm air throughout the structure.
What is a Sunroom?
Sunrooms are attached to the area of your home that sees the most sun exposure during the day. These are entirely made of single-pane glass. This gives you an extra living space that crosses the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Also, it allows you to enjoy the view of the yard without having to worry about the wind, small critters, and debris.
A sunroom is usually a three-season room that does not have an HVAC system attached. So, it is not necessarily designed for all-year use. However, with proper insulation to prevent heat loss, you can use the existing sunroom as a sitting room while promoting energy efficiency at the same time. Sunrooms are a little more affordable than a full addition including an extension, and if you are smart, you can even enjoy them without letting that precious solar energy go.
Why Keep Sunroom at a Comfortable Temperature Year-Round?
Insulating existing windows in your sunroom means you can prevent air from escaping. It also helps in keeping it warm during the winter season. What is more? Insulation protects your sunroom from sun exposure during summers, which also helps in keeping it cooler, therefore preventing overheating. Another benefit of weatherizing your sunroom windows and ceiling is the cash you save on your bills.
Start with the Sunroom Ceiling
The roof of your sunroom is the part that is exposed to the most solar radiation so it is the main area the Sun hits in the summer season.
The heat rises, so it is also mostly at risk for solar energy escape during winters. Similarly, insulating the roof of a sunroom is one of the most effective and smartest ways to weatherize your three-season sunroom and keep heating and cooling bills in check.
Ceiling Blinds
While some people might not like the appearance of ceiling blinds, they are a small defense against cool air in winter. Also, it prevents too much heat from getting in during summer. It is also possible to purchase blinds that have a reflective coating on one side to reflect light and prevent heat from gathering. Provided that the blinds are of the correct color and size, it is in keeping with your décor, they can look good and attractive.
Solid Insulation
Depending on the kind of roof you have, you might be able to install insulation sheets or rigid foam between rafters. You can also cut these down to the perfect size and install them yourself, prove some insulation for minimal cost and effort. These boards might be heavy and awkward to install and might not even suit your sunroom’s aesthetic.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam expands from its original size and follows well with most materials. So, it is suitable for ceilings and is unlikely to fall down or even collapse. Such material is completely waterproof and the extra layer can help in adding structural integrity to the roof of a sunroom.
Mineral Wool
While it might not appeal to everyone if your priority is energy efficiency and if you also don’t mind covering your roof fully, mineral wool can be an excellent insulation material. You may even lose a little headroom with mineral wool, and it is not compatible with all the lights, but it can definitely keep heat inside in winter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Complete Sunroom Insulation
Now that you have covered the roof using one or more of the above-mentioned methods, let us take care of the rest of the sunroom. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to insulate a sunroom properly.
Add Weather Stripping
Stop warm air from escaping through the window frames by using clear caulk or weather stripping. You can even seal the area between the wall and the window frame or even between two butting window frames. You can even seal the area between the wall and the window frame or even between two butting window frames.
Apply Window Tinting
Window tinting is a super smart way of allowing solar energy to warm your space without any escape. It does not obscure the view much but can help with privacy if the sunroom is located near the neighbors.
Use Fiberglass Sheets
Fiberglass insulation sheets are another great way to stop air from escaping or getting into the sunroom. Fiberglass does not have the same R-value as a more robust material, but it can still help in improving the efficiency of the single-pane glass.
Install a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans might seem counterintuitive because they cannot heat your sunroom during winters. But these can help by re-circulating warm air that is risen to the ceiling back down to the livable part of your sunroom.
Hang Insulated Drapes
Heavy curtains or drapes made of insulated material help in keeping the cold air out and warm air inside. Just open them during the day and take advantage of the radiant heat, then close them at sunset to trap them in the sunroom.
Think Of the Floor
The flooring material you choose may have an impact on insulation and the energy efficiency of a sunroom. In this case, opt for underfloor heating for a clean, efficient way of warming your sunroom, or you may even consider carpets if a heated floor is beyond your budget. The material traps heat and keeps the entire room warm during winters.
Finish with a Space Heater or an Electric Fireplace
Another way to heat your sunroom is just by installing a fireplace or buying a space heater or even another type of stand-alone heater. When the rest of the structure is fully insulated, you have a wide range of options for heating the sunroom with peace of mind so that warm air won’t escape.
Insulate Your New Sunroom and Save Energy
If you are looking to install a new sunroom but want to make sure it does not negatively impact energy usage, let Strong Build, the best Sunroom Builder in Vancouver, take care of the installation process. Call us today and let’s get started.