Sunrooms For Every Season: A New Dimension For Your Home
“It’s amazing what an additional three or four feet coupled with windows can do to transform the livability of a home” says Al Anderson, President of Four Seasons Sunrooms.
“Since we began in 1973, we have built everything from completely finished sunrooms that earn the Energy Star rating to basic aluminum frame sunrooms that rely solely on solar collection as a method of heating,” added Anderson.
Anderson says they have experienced just about every scenario as the total number of additions they have completed for customers approaches 2,000.
“Technology has revolutionized the manner in which we go about meeting our customer’s needs, materials and methods allow a wider series of options for home owners than ever before. Whether our customers want a stand alone room away from the main structure or as an extension to the existing structure, we can accommodate their wishes.”
“In fact, when most customers see the variety of building materials and how the designs can cater to the uses of their addition, it takes them a while to digest all of the options and understand how they want to take advantage. Often times, because of the diversity of materials and styles, people have choices they didn’t realize they had. That’s when the process becomes fun, ”Anderson smiles.
One of the reasons customers are surprised is because of an out-dated perspective of the market. In the mid-70’s, aluminum porches were introduced as an add-on to a home with the only method of heating being a passive solar collector. In those days, simple aluminum and glass structures relied on sun to heat but were lacking in terms of managing heat gain and/or loss. While there are some products such as that still on the market, the reality is there are a multitude of choices available that provide many more options than traditional construction.
Four Seasons’ unique value to homeowners is they leverage new technology, materials and methods to expand the limited options traditional building offers, according to Anderson. “Our approach offers more flexibility and allows homeowners to enhance their homes, getting the maximum return for their effort and money invested.”
Al’s Sunroom Tips… “There are so many things to consider when adding an extensions or addition. The items below should get the discussion ongoing in the right direction. Best of Luck!”
Think Windows & Glass — any addition to a home should include considering a full compliment of windows — windows
and glass walls open up your home and create an entirely new dynamic for its use and enjoyment.
? Look for an Energy Star rated product for this region — this will save you money in the long run.
? Consider sun patterns and how best to manage it’s seasonal and time of day properties. For example, Four Seasons has glazed glass technology to help maximize heating and cooling capabilities.
? If you are using glass, be sure to consider safety and durability issues. Case in point — with nearly 2,000 sunrooms and extensions in the Madison area, the glass has never experienced impact failure, even when being hit with 4" hail.
Consider the impact of an addition
? Usability/Flow — Do you want to extend from a kitchen or dining area or add a complete room?
? Heating — An extension is thermally included in your home and has a minimal, if any impact on your heating/cooling bill.
A stand alone structure, if it is to be used year round will probably require some type of environmental control.
? Home Value —Generally, an extension that features thermal inclusion enhances the value of your home. A stand
alone structure can be viewed as a positive or a negative depending on the buyer.
? Construction methods can save your yard and landscaping - Four Seasons builds without using slabs of concrete, but
using pier footings supported and insulated by foam.
