Global Solarium: Frame Materials
Aluminum Frame
All of the exterior and interior of a sunroom is extruded aluminum. Most of
the aluminum extrusion is thermally broken to prevent the transfer of heat or
cold into the room. The size and shape may vary as well as the glass selection
and frame colors.
Straight eave lean-to sunrooms and conservatories add a sense of space and
lightness to a house. It can be used to extend living area or simply add a patio
or deck enclosure. Filling the sunroom with plants creates a sense of outdoor
living.
Modern sunrooms and conservatories are designed to be used throughout the
four seasons of the year. Originally, most of the sunrooms were designed and
built to be used mainly in mild weather to provide protection from rain and
wind.
The materials used in construction of sunrooms and conservatories were
originally just steel. Now with new technology, owners have several choices;
wood, aluminum or vinyl—depending on desire and budget. Buyers can choose from
the most expensive, exotic hardwoods to the least: aluminum and vinyl.
Most of the sunrooms and conservatories are designed with insulated, high
performance glass in the roof and walls but many owners, especially in warmer
climates, choose to build more a conventional roof with a tile or shingle
overlay.
Wood Frame
Wood interior lean-to sunrooms, conservatories, and patio rooms. In most
cases, the wood interior sunrooms, conservatory or patio enclosures are slightly
more expensive than aluminum. The customer may select several different wood
types. Oak, Fir, Mahogany and Pine are the most popular, but owners choose from
the endless list of existing woods.
Any sunroom, conservatory or patio enclosure should be designed and
integrated as a part of the existing house and not just an add-on glass
structure.
The exterior of the wood sunroom or conservatory in most cases is extruded
aluminum. The size and shape may vary; as well as the glass selection and frame
colors. Straight eave lean-to sunroom, conservatory, or patio enclosure can add
a sense of space and lightness to a house. It can be used to extend a living
area or as a patio or deck enclosure. Filling the sunroom with plants creates a
sense of outdoor living.
Vinyl Frame
The majority of the vinyl sunrooms, patio rooms and conservatoires have an
aluminum exterior. In most cases, the vinyl is only a decorative skin over the
aluminum. Some manufacturers use vinyl skin for the exterior of the sunroom. The
exposure of vinyl to UV may create some discoloration. Any sunroom, patio room,
or conservatory should be designed and integrated as a part of the existing
house and not just an add-on glass structure.
The size and shape may vary; as well as the glass selection and frame colors.
Straight eave lean-to sunroom conservatory or patio room can add a sense of
space and lightness to a house. It can be used to extend a living area or as a
patio or deck enclosure. Filling the sunroom, conservatory, or patio room with
plants creates a sense of outdoor living.
