If you want to continue enjoying your space during the winter months as much as you do during the summer months, a draft-proof sunroom should be at the top of your to-do list before the colder months arrive.
Sunrooms, also known as greenhouses, solariums, or garden rooms, are notoriously difficult to regulate temperature properly, causing them to overheat in the summer or have an arctic feel in the winter. This often happens. But fortunately, you don’t have to.
We asked a variety of experts for DIY draft-proofing tips to keep your sunroom comfortable and warm, no matter how low the temperature outside drops.
1. Fill gaps around windows and doors
(Image source: Getty Images)
Even if you take the time to make sure you don’t make common heating mistakes when it comes to sunrooms, if you don’t deal with drafts, you might find it too cold to survive the winter months. windows and doors.
“Every window or door has gaps or cracks in the trim or frame that hold it to the wall,” explains Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration LLC. “Sunrooms have a lot of larger windows and often thinner or single pane glass, making it more difficult to maintain a constant temperature inside,” Josh continues. “Sealing these gaps and cracks can go a long way toward evening out the heat. Simply add caulk and weather-resistant sealant to these areas and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the savings on your utility bills.”
“We recommend liberal use of flexible filler, decorative caulk, weatherstripping, or similar products to fill gaps in windows and walls,” says Timothy Wood, Founder and CEO of Fix It Today. I also agree. “You can also invest in spray foam insulation to prevent heat escaping through the ceiling.”
All prices are correct at the time of publication.
2 pack
Gorilla waterproof caulking & sealing
Ideal for sealing gaps around windows and doors, this caulk can be used both indoors and outdoors, does not shrink, and is resistant to mold and mildew. Easy to use, even for beginners, and dries in just 30 minutes.
cut to size
Yotachi foam seal tape 3 volumes
This cost-effective 3-pack of adhesive weatherstripping comes in 50-foot lengths and is easy to cut to fit your windows and doors. The tape not only prevents drafts, but also noise.
4 colors
MAGZO Door Snake Draft Stopper
Although designed to be used under doors to prevent cold drafts in sunrooms, this stylish draft arrester can also be placed on the sill and used under windows. I also like that it can be washed in the washing machine.
2. Consider tinted glass or window film
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Although often thought of as a way to prevent sunrooms from overheating, certain types of window film can actually help keep the interior warmer. Considering the cost of a sunroom, it makes sense to allow it to be used for: As much as possible.
“Using clear plastic insulation film on windows is the cheapest and easiest way to increase window insulation, in some cases by up to 90%,” says MHIC licensed contractor and Blue says Yaeir Moinzadeh, owner of Rise Baltimore Roofing.
Easy to fit
Frost King V73/9H Indoor Shrink Window Kit
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and affordable way to insulate your sunroom windows, this shrinkable window film is for you. The sheets are made to fit standard size windows and all you need to do is use a hair dryer to shrink the film to fit.
3. Hang insulated curtains or blinds
(Image credit: Peter Dunham)
Sunrooms are designed to be enjoyed at night, so you may not want to block out all the light, but high-quality, thick insulated curtains are a great way to keep them cozy and comfortable. If you’re considering the idea of a small sunroom, thermal blinds available at Wayfair may be a better option as they don’t take up too much space.
“If you want to keep your sunroom warm overnight, where heat loss is highest, you can reduce this loss by adding thick insulating curtains to the windows and closing the windows at night,” explains Josh Rudin I will. “This reduces the amount of air in the sunroom that comes into contact with the window glass, reducing heat transfer through the window glass.”
“Insulated curtains and blinds are certainly a game-changer,” agrees Yaer Moinzadeh. “You can significantly reduce heat loss through those giant windows. And best of all, it’s very easy to install. The trick is to choose light-colored curtains toward the window. is more likely to be reflected into the room.
100% blackout
Cameron 100% Insulated Blackout Grommet Curtain Panel
These curtains not only prevent drafts and cold air, but also help prevent overheating during the summer months. They come in a variety of colors and even better, they’re machine washable.
4. Throw away some heavy flooring.
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
This is a common trick used by homeowners looking for ways to keep poorly insulated homes warm. Soft flooring can be very helpful in preventing drafts. You may not want wall-to-wall carpet in your sunroom, but a big, thick rug (or two) is a great idea.
“Consider adding a thick insulated rug. Rugs aren’t just made to look good,” says Yaer Moinzadeh.
If your sunroom is frequently used as a pathway from the backyard to the rest of the house, choose a rug that is easy to clean or, even better, machine washable.
Machine washable
Benfield Beige Machine Washable Area Rug
This rug is designed to look worn, so it will add a nice relaxing vibe to your sunroom. Available in a variety of sizes up to 7’10” x 10′, they are designed to withstand even the most high-traffic areas of your home.
5. Don’t forget the ceiling
If your sunroom has a glass ceiling instead of a solid design, be sure to check for drafts, as well as doors and windows.
When considering how to prepare your home for cold weather, you should keep in mind that there are ways to channel the rising heat back into the sunroom itself.
“A common mistake is to forget about the ceiling,” says Yael Moinzadeh. As heat rises, warm air collects at the top of the room. Consider adding a set of ceiling fans that rotate clockwise. It helps push warm air back down. ”
With remote control
Harbor Breeze Voltz III Color Changing Indoor Ceiling Fan
Not only is this ceiling fan very easy to install, it can also be set to rotate in reverse. Even better, it has color-changing lights, so you can create all kinds of effects and ambience in your sunroom as the sun goes down.
FAQ
Does the sunroom need ventilation?
If you are carefully studying how to improve ventilation in your home, do not forget about the importance of this when it comes to designing a sunroom.
“A common mistake when keeping a sunroom warm is overdoing it,” warns Herbert Post, Tradesafe’s vice president of health and safety. “Oftentimes, we get so focused on filling gaps that we forget to allow space for proper ventilation. Without the right amount of ventilation, condensation and , mold may occur.”
There are several ways to ventilate your sunroom. In some cases, you can connect your sunroom to your HVAC system. However, if that is not possible, you can also purchase a portable air conditioner.
This portable air conditioner with dehumidifier from Amazon helps balance humidity and bring in fresh air.
You may also want to consider adding an exhaust fan. These are similar to exhaust fans, but they exhaust hot air from the attic to the outdoors.
meet an expert
Josh Rudin
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Owner of ASAP Restoration LLC.
Joshua Rudin is the owner of ASAP Restoration, LLC and a certified restoration contractor. Prior to opening his own business in 2008, Joshua was a successful entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, owning and operating numerous thriving establishments for over 20 years.
Yael Moinzadeh
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MHIC certified construction shop
Yaeir Moinzadeh is a MHIC licensed contractor and owner of Blue Rise Baltimore Roofing.
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