In previous times, sunroom construction was a lot simpler. There were only a handful of styles to choose from and the materials used to construct them were limited to just wood, brick or stone. However, thanks to advances in technology, this has all changed. Nowadays, there is a wide variety of materials that can be used to bring a sunroom to life including wood, vinyl and aluminium. All of which bring their own benefits and drawbacks. The material that you choose to use for your sunroom will depend on several factors such as the style you want to create, whether you plan to use your sunroom during a particular season in the year or year-round and of course, your budget.
Here, we take a look a closer look at the most common materials used to make sunrooms today.
Sunrooms made from wood
Traditionally, all sunrooms have been made from wood. It is easier to feel like you are outdoors when you are surrounded by the natural feel of organic wood, which is unmatched by the other common materials of aluminium and vinyl. Wood for sunrooms provides excellent insulation properties as well as the ability to withstand extreme fluctuations in temperatures and resist the effects on condensation. However, wood can be expensive, especially now as more people are becoming environmentally sensitive. Additionally, sunrooms made out of wood require a lot more maintenance and upkeep than other materials. Despite these slight negatives, wood is a great option for homeowners looking for a unique look to their sunroom.
Sunrooms made from vinyl
If a high level of insulation is what you’re looking for, then vinyl is the material to choose. When combined with double or triple-pane energy-efficient windows, vinyl will keep your sunroom comfortable all year round whilst saving you money through reduced energy costs. Additionally, vinyl is super low-maintenance, resists rust and is available in a range of style, colour and size options – perfect to match any sunroom need that you may have.
Sunrooms made from aluminium
Despite aluminium being lightweight, it is one of the most robust materials available and has the ability to hold heavy loads with ease. One of the main reasons why homeowners choose aluminium for their sunroom is down to the fact it allows larger windows and glass panes to be installed. With less supporting material required, you will get more for your money, which is the main purpose of a sunroom. Aluminium is also manufactured in a variety of colours which allows you to match your sunroom to the rest of your home’s décor. The only slight drawback to aluminium is that its insulation properties fall short from the other two materials. You, therefore, have to deploy other insulation techniques to ensure your sunroom doesn’t reach extreme temperatures throughout the summer and winter months. Whilst the insulation qualities of aluminium have improved over recent years, it is still not adequate enough to be used alone. As a result, many manufacturers use a combination of vinyl and aluminium to achieve the insulation needed for a comfortable living space.
Our sunrooms
Here at SunSpaces Garden Rooms and Verandas, we supply a whole host of sunrooms in a variety of styles and looks to suit your every need. All of which are made out of aluminium to provide the most sturdy and long-lasting material available. All of our sunrooms come with a range of optional extras such as heating and shade to make your sunroom the ultimate year-round living space. Learn more about our collection of sunrooms below.
Browse Our Sunroom Range >
If you would like to learn more about what our sunrooms are made of or for more information on one of our sunroom models, then please contact a member of the SunSpaces team today. We’d be more than happy to help.