Benefits of 3 season sunrooms
Last week , we discussed the unique benefits and differentiators of a four-season sunroom. Although four-season sunrooms are thermally engineered and built to be enjoyed during cold winter months, they can be quite expensive to construct. In Part 2 of the differences between four-season and three-season sunrooms, we’ll discuss the key differentiators of three-season sunrooms, so you’re in the know when you decide to take on your sunroom project:
Three-Season Use (Not Four-Season Use)
Unlike four-season sunrooms, three-season sunrooms are typically built for comfortability in the spring, summer, and fall seasons only – especially in places like Michigan that deals with subfreezing temperatures. Three-season sunrooms are not built using insulated glass and thermally engineered materials, so heating and cooling are dependent on the outside temperature. You’ll be able to use your three-season sunroom rain or shine – but will likely have to skip the enjoyment on snowy days.
Engineering
Four-season sunrooms must be built using thermally engineered materials, but three-season sunrooms do not have to meet these material requirements. Because of this, three-season sunrooms have greater material flexibility, directly leading to better affordability. Typically, three-season sunrooms are constructed using a light aluminum frame with single-pain glass panels filling 80% of the wall space.
Design & Layout
Three-season sunrooms have greater flexibility in the materials that can be used – and also in the placement of the sunroom on your property. As a three-season sunroom does not have to be connected to the HVAC and heater of the main home, homeowners and designers have free reign when constructing the where of the sunroom. While some three-season sunrooms are connected to the main home, not all are. If you’re looking to create a separate sunroom area and oasis on your property, three-season sunrooms will allow you to do just that!
Overall Cost
Three-season sunrooms are incredibly affordable – often 2x less expensive than building a four-season sunroom. Depending on the size, materials, and location of your three-season sunroom, expect to spend anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000 – or $80 to $230 per square foot – on your new three-season sunroom.
Choose the Sunroom That is Right for You
From four-season to three-season sunroom and pre-fabricated to custom build, there are many options when choosing the sunroom that’s right for you. When deciding between a four- and three-season sunroom, consider these factors before making a purchase:
- Four-Season Sunroom
- All season long – Can be enjoyed in all seasons, even in winter weather
- Some design limitations – Must be attached to the main home, including the HVAC and heating systems
- Costly – Expect to pay double the cost of a three-season sunroom
- Three-Season Sunroom
- Some seasonality – Typically only used in spring, summer, and fall months; you can purchase separate heating & cooling units, but they are usually not powerful enough to heat the space during winter months
- Flexible design options – Ability to construct anywhere on your property, does not have to be attached to the main home
- Affordable – Construct a pre-fabricated three-season sunroom for as little as $8,000
Interested in learning more about sunroom construction and builds? Contact our expert team to discuss what type of sunroom is best for you and set your project in motion!
