The point of a sunroom is ‘sun'! Therefore, the windows of your sunroom enclosure should face south to capture the most light. By keeping track of the movement of the sun over your home, you will be able to pinpoint the direction your windows will need to face. Although sunroom enclosures typically have walls and roofs made of glass, that may not always need to be the case depending on the climate of the region where you live. In areas that receive plenty of sun year round, having glass walls and a covered roof makes sense; as does choosing partial glass roofing to capture as much sun as possible in regions where it snows or precipitates often. Skylights are also a way to help filter natural light into the room.

What to Consider Before You Invest

As you close your eyes and imagine yourself in your new sunroom, what exactly do you see yourself doing? Are you relaxing? Entertaining? Working? The purpose you choose for your new addition will have an affect on the type of construction materials and furniture you'll be picking out later. Bedroom or working environments are less likely to want or need the entire enclosure to be made of glass for privacy reasons. Placing knee walls throughout the area will make it seem more like a ‘real room', (Knee walls are also easier to run outlets through.) Sunroom enclosures used for entertaining guests or dining are more likely to need a light and airy atmosphere. If it's a spa experience you're looking to create, enclosing the entire area with glass around your hot tub or whirlpool bath is the perfect idea.

Your Windows and Doors

Although heating/cooling ventilation systems are available, it's still nice to be able to open a window every now and then, especially when there is a nice breeze blowing through. It's also an economical way to ventilate your sunroom! Although you can opt for shades that filter out harmful ultraviolet rays, most windows come insulated with a special glazing or the units are double-paned glass filled with argon gas. These types of windows lose less heat and are perfect for sunroom enclosures.

Your choice of doors can vary but most choose either sliding glass or French doors for their sunroom. While some can debate the merits of either type of door, what it really comes down to is a matter of taste.