Sunrooms @ Williams ResComInd Development

Sunrooms are more than just another additional room; they provide extra living space and bring the beauty of the outdoors inside while leaving the annoying bugs and elements outside. Plus, they increase the value of your property.

Don't just renovate your home, rejuvenate your life with a ResComInd brand sunroom, screen room or enclosed porches. From modest to extravagant, our rooms are custom designed and custom manufactured to meet your needs, budget and lifestyle.

Because Our Clients Come First, ResComInd has developed a list of FAQ’S to make your Sunroom Buildout Experience more Enjoyable.

1. What is the definition of a sunroom?

Per the International Residential Code, a sunroom is “a one-story structure attached to a dwelling with a glazing area in excess of 40 percent of the gross area of the structure’s exterior walls and roof.” The term “sunroom” can, therefore, be used to describe structures such as patio rooms, conservatories, porch enclosures, and solariums.

2. Do sunrooms need to meet the building codes?

Yes. All structures need to meet building codes adopted by municipalities.

3. Are sunrooms required to meet the energy code?

Sunrooms that are regulated by heating and/or cooling systems are required to meet the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). However, the IECC has varying levels for requirements that are based on the level of complexity of the sunroom 

4. What is the definition of a thermally isolated sunroom?

A sunroom in which the heating and cooling of the sunroom space is controlled as a separate zone or with separate equipment from the host structure space. The adjacent wall between these two spaces must meet the building thermal envelope requirements of the IECC

5. Do I need a building permit to build a sunroom?

Most jurisdictions will require some type of permit for a sunroom. The extent to which the permit is required may depend on the category of sunroom being installed. Permit requirements are set at the local level, so the best way to determine if you need a permit is to contact your city or county. They will also be able to give you the details regarding what is needed to obtain the permit (drawings, calculations, pictures, etc.)

6. Can you build a sunroom on a deck?

Yes. However, the deck will typically need to be upgraded with additional beams, posts, and/or footings to have the strength to withstand the additional weight and loads created by the new sunroom. Contact a local structural engineer to find out whether your existing deck is suitable. In some situations, it may be more cost effective to build a new deck especially if the existing deck is older or has deteriorated.

7. Are continuous footings required for a sunroom on a concrete patio?

Yes, where footings are required to extend down to the frost line depth. If the area in which the sunroom is built does not have a frost depth, then footings may only be required as structurally needed. Contact your local building department to find out if the local code specifies a frost line depth or has a specific requirement for footings.

8. Is there a maximum amount of glass that may be installed in a sunroom?

No. As long as the structure is shown to be structurally sound, there are currently no limits set by the codes to state a maximum percentage of glass.

9. What are the electrical requirements for a sunroom?

The electrical requirements for a sunroom will depend on the category of sunroom. Sunroom Categories I through IV only require that there be an exterior light with a switch at each door to the exterior. Other electrical circuits such as interior lights, ceiling fans and receptacles (outlets) are permitted but not required. When installed, electrical circuits must be Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected. Category V sunrooms (room additions) require the exterior light and switch at each exterior door, and also require outlets 6-feet from each door and 12-feet maximum spacing between outlets.

10. Can I use my sunroom all year round?

It depends on the type of room you choose and your geographical location but yes, Patio Enclosures manufactures several types of sunrooms which are designed to be heated and cooled throughout the year.  Our aluminum and vinyl all season (four season) rooms are designed with thermally engineered, energy-efficient frames, double-pane insulated glass and our Energy Star® rated 6" insulated roof to keep you comfortable all year long.

11. Can I heat my sunroom with my home's existing furnace?

Unfortunately, no you can not. We can, however, install a separate zone heating and air conditioning unit for you depending on the type of room you choose.

12. What kind of warranty does my sunroom come with?

We confidently offer a lifetime limited warranty on all our sunrooms, solariums and screen rooms covering all manufactured products including glass, roof panels, framing, sealing and more. Ask your design consultant for more information.

13. What is the Difference Between a Patio Enclosures All Season and Four Season Room?

Patio Enclosures all season rooms are commonly referred to as four season rooms. The terms categorize a type of sunroom that can be heated and cooled throughout all four seasons! Depending on where you live, they may be more commonly referred to as one or the other. Patio Enclosures all season and four season rooms are engineered to be enjoyed every season of the year and typically have floor-to-ceiling windows and doors on three walls to provide you with an unobstructed view of the outdoors.