Choosing the Best Window for Your Sunroom

With more people tackling their workday at home and spending time indoors, homeowners are more focused on making their homes as spacious, comfortable, and functional as possible. Enclosed patios and sunrooms can be a logical investment. Not only do these spaces make a good spot for getting some sun, reading a good book, or even entertaining, they can also be attractive if you ever decide to sell your home.

If you are considering adding a sunroom, you are bound to come across a few questions along the way, especially when it comes to windows. Let's take a look at how sunrooms function and how to choose the best windows for this unique space.

What Is a Sunroom?

A sunroom↗ is essentially an enclosed space with pretty much wall-to-wall windows to give you the experience of sitting outside without actually being outside. The traditional sunroom is all about bringing in as much natural light as possible in spite of being a space positioned under a roof. While it's not uncommon for these rooms to be incorporated during initial construction, it is also not uncommon for homeowners to enclose a patio or even a deck to create an attached sunroom and make their pre-existing outdoor living space even more functional in just about all seasons.

What are the Best Windows for Sunrooms?

Whether you're transforming a patio and want windows for a screened porch sunroom or having a brand-new addition built, finding the best windows for sunrooms can make a drastic difference in your end satisfaction with the space.

Window Operational Styles for Sunrooms

The best windows for sunrooms can vary depending on the planned functionality of the area and even how or when you plan to use this particular part of your home. You can always go with fixed shaped or picture windows that deliver uninterrupted light.

Most homeowners prefer either sliding or casement windows for sunrooms, both of which offer natural light but can be opened to also allow for airflow. For example, Anderson 100 Series Gliding windows offer wide views with two or three sashes that glid horizontally to open. Therefore, you get loads of natural light and the ability to slide the sash to let in some fresh air.

Appropriate Window Materials for Sunrooms

The windows in your sunroom will undoubtedly be exposed to more heat and more direct sunlight than windows would be in most other parts of the house. So, be sure you opt for materials that offer resiliency to UV exposure and variating temperatures.

You do have a few good options to consider that can meet those guidelines. Wooden window frames are obviously not the best option; the material doesn't fare well with direct UV exposure and temperature variation. However, vinyl windows work out well, and the more modern Fibrex material is especially good at blocking thermal transfer and withstanding high temperatures.

Is the Glass in Sunroom Windows Tempered?

The glass in sunroom windows should definitely be tempered for a couple of good reasons. One, a room that is almost all glass can be a natural target if someone wanted to try to gain access to your home. If the glass is tempered↗, it is much harder to break with direct impact.

Two, when tempered glass does break, it comes apart in small, almost-rounded pieces instead of falling in jagged shards that would be likely to cause injury. Three, tempered glass is more capable of withstanding thermal stress than standard glass, which is ideal in a room where temperatures can ebb and flow considerably and in contrast to exterior temperatures.

As a side note, not only is tempered glass the best option for windows for sunrooms, so is glass that is capable of protecting the room from UV rays. For example, double-paned glass with argon gas between the panes and extra glazing can help deter damaging UV rays and thwart problems with energy loss in a room that has so many windows.

Final Thoughts on the Best Windows for Sunroom Installation

The right windows can quite literally make or break your overall satisfaction with your sunroom. These windows must have certain capabilities to offer function, and certain attributes to be logical in the unique area with tons of natural light.