Almost all rooms in the house could have double function. It includes porch as well. People love to welcome their guests in porch area, drinking tea and having friendly chat. During free time, porch is perfect spot to read books or taking a nap. All these dreams could easily shatter when seasonal temperature changes. This is why porch enclosure systems are needed.
Read also: How to Build a Wooden Screen Door for Porch.
What Are The Types Of Porch Enclosure Systems?
1. Screen Room
This is the option with best practical function. Remember those bugs that dance gracefully during summer and spring or snow that falls hard then freeze the entire porch? Say goodbye to all those problems. Screen room protects porch area from bugs, falling leaves and raining snow. Let the contractors do their work to install screen frame and rolling panels.
In return, you will get to enjoy pretty backyard peacefully. No more bugs in the area. In addition, the breeze and fresh air could slip into screen room, allowing you to inhale effortlessly. Instead of ordinary aluminum, ask for black aluminum. It is more durable and cannot be seen from the outside.
2. Three Seasons Room
Among all seasons, winter might be least favorite one. In a bad day, you could see nothing but white. Therefore, people choose to build three season room. This way, they could enjoy spring to fall to their heart content. Usually, people could install either single or double pane glass. Look at your budget to see which one is more suitable.
There is one thing you should know about this room: people do not build it with temperature control function. In the other words, you need to install cooling system for hot summer days and heating component for chilling weeks in autumn.
3. Four Season Room
Those who wish to enjoy all-year long comfort should definitely build a four season room. It fits both as elegant and functional spaces. The glass window uses double pane insulated glass. It applies to practically every wall in the room. Later, this four season room will be a perfect place for family gathering.
If three season room has manual cooling and heating system, then four season room installs automated temperature system. It could be set to warm or chilling degree. Welcoming guests or relatives will be more joyous than ever. You could always show off the beautiful nature without giving up personal comfort.
4. Solarium
Believe it or not, some places have extraordinary setting where they are surrounded by amazing views. In this case, building three or four season room is not enough. In order to display all beauty corners, they have to build a solarium. This is an all glass construction; roof, window, walls and door are made from glass.
People love solarium for its ability to absorb warm sun at daylight and providing full display of starry sky at night. Any houses with solarium will have better lighting as well. The only thumb down from a solarium is the extensive cleaning every week.
Which One Fits For My House?
a. Price Wise
For those who are on a budget, best option for patio is screen room. Compared to the other rooms, it has lowest price materials and contractor fee. Thus, it makes a perfect fit for budget person. Three season room has higher price than screen room but a little bit lower than four season room. Total bill will change according to heating and cooling product installed.
Four season room is the second highest in term of price. Remember the double panel made from special material? It raises the price. In addition, installing temperature control walls is not for everyone to do. Room with the top price is solarium. Glasses used to cover whole building are not just any glass. It has to be sturdy and durable. Those without fat cash shouldn’t choose solarium.
b. Function Wise
There is another thing to think before choosing certain room. How would you like it to function? If you are happy without bugs and enjoying fresh air, then go with screen room. There is no need to build the whole three or four season room. Now look at the backyard for each season. Those who cannot see anything in winter should get three season room.
However, if winter still displays something great to look at, then go with four season room. It provides comfort all year long and access to enjoy magnificent nature view. Unless you have at least 180 degree panorama of nature, stay away from solarium. It works great in any area without harsh seasonal changes.
Is There Any Other Thing I Need To Consider?
1. Flooring
Have you thought about flooring at all? As mentioned before, good three or four season room should install heating and or cooling system. This rule actually applies for flooring as well. There are two options to choose; insulated and concrete flooring. Among these two, insulated floor is the most recommended one. It adjusts well to heat or cold.
However, insulated floor takes more time to install. You will need more professional contractor as well. Putting the job to any contractor might not end well. If you are in a hurry, then concrete flooring is better option. This job could be done by any contractor. Even the materials are easy to get in affordable price.
2. Furniture
Later after room has been built, you will need lots of furniture. It is important to choose furniture wisely. Buying a look from interior design magazine is the easiest thing to do. After they arrive, you might regret the decision. Instead of taking risk, you could start by making list of activities you will do inside the room. Then, put a priority number on each activity.
Use this list to choose what kind of sofa to buy, which table to display and which rug to pick. Think also about colors, tone and pattern. Make this room as comfortable as you can.
3. Window Treatment
Last but not least, you have to think about window treatment. This small detail could either ruin or improve overall look. There are lots of options to consider; is blind curtain better than solar shading? It is a question only you could answer. Don’t forget to consider maintenance aspect as well.
