Today's Technology and you

Today's
TECHNOLOGY AND YOU

Sunroom kits easy to install

Q: I would like to add an efficient sunroom kit for living space and to grow some plants. My budget is tight, so I cannot spend a lot to heat it. Are professionally looking do-it-yourself kits available?
- Sam R.

A: You are in luck. There are many new designs of reasonably priced do-it-yourself sunroom kits ideal for your needs. When assembled, many look like custom professional installations. If you install one on the south side of your house, not only will it cost little to heat it in the winter, but also it may even provide some extra free solar heat for your house.

With new computer-aided design and manufacturing methods, sunroom manufacturers can now mass-produce very efficient; durable kits that the average do-it-yourselfer can easily build. These kits use the newest technology in high-tech glass and clear plastics, shading methods and ventilation systems to minimize the heating and cooling requirements.

Some manufacturers offer over 100 sizes and shapes of sunroom kits to choose from, but the standard attached rectangular design is, by far, the most popular. Your primary style options are a straight eave, a curved eave (front blends into the roof) and a conservatory eave (straight with multi-angled sides and a clear pitched roof).

The easiest-to-install kits literally bolt together like huge erector sets. Other kits, like decorative wood-framed ones from Brady, are delivered fully assembled to your home. It takes less than a day to install one. If you work at home, like I do, consider a mini-office model, called Office Alcove, with a built-in desk, cabinets, phone lines, computer area, etc.

Most low-cost, do-it-yourself kits use aluminum or vinyl frames. All the structural members are pre-cut, pre-drilled and color-coded for easy assembly. They also include all the required screws (look for ones made of rustproof stainless steel), seals, etc. It shouldn't take you and a couple of friends more than one weekend to assemble and attach it to your house.

There are several important efficiency and comfort features to consider when selecting a sunroom kit. If you select a budget-priced aluminum-framed model, make sure it has a thermally broken frame. The thermal break will help to keep the heating costs lower and it will minimize condensation in cold climates. If you plan to have a lot of plants in your sunroom, condensation can also be a problem in any climate.

Your primary energy and comfort problem, even in cool climates, is overheating in the afternoon summer sun. Trying to air-condition a sunroom can drive up your summer electric bills. If you plan to use it throughout the day, select a kit with good ventilation. Automatic solar-powered vents are effective and use no electricity. These have a wax material inside them that expands with heat to push the roof vent open.

In warmer climates, an easy-to-operate shading system is imperative. Look for a kit with built-in channels for manual or electric remote control insulating shades or solar screens. Exterior shades are most effective for summer cooling. Insulated interior

James Dulley is a mechanical engineer who writes on a wide variety of energy and utility topics. His column appears in a large number of daily newspapers.

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shades require less maintenance are also effective for wintertime efficiency in cool climates.

If you prefer more openness and natural cooling, select a convertible sunroom kit that has snap-out window panels. This exposes screens to create a summer porch. Another unique kit (Sun Crescent) has a semicircular design. It is actually five-sided, assembles easily and adds openness to any room. To create just a small open nook, consider a V-shaped, Sun Corner, aluminum-framed kit.

Even more important than the frame material, for a year-round comfortable, efficient sunroom kit, is the type of glazing. Clear or tinted double-pane, low-e argon or Heat Mirror glass is most efficient. Heat Mirror, with the invisible plastic film in between the glass panes, also blocks nearly all the sun's UV rays. This stops fading and is better for plants.

Several types of efficient and durable clear plastic glazing are available. Double-pane clear acrylic, although it requires more gentle care than glass, is less expensive and assembles easily. It is also many times more impact resistant. For the greatest durability, select clear poly-carbonate plastic (bullet-proof glass). Double-walled and ribbed polycarbonate, Thermoclear, is virtually unbreakable and very efficient.

Write for (or instantly download - www.dulley.com) Utility Bills Update No. 830 -buyer's guide of 12 sunroom kits listing designs, frames, glazing, ventilation and shading options and features. Please include $3.00 and a business-size SASE. Mail to: Jim Dulley, Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708.

MAY 1999 • ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING 21