What type of solarium would suit me best?

by | Jun 19, 2024

More and more homeowners are choosing to add a solarium to their homes. Before choosing a model, several questions need to be considered: Would I like to use it year-round or only from spring to fall? What is my budget? Three types of solariums are available to you: the 3-season, the 3-season plus, and the 4-season.

3 Types of solariums

3 seasons sunroom

A 3-season solarium will extend your summer. It provides shelter from wind, rain, and mosquitoes while giving the feeling of being outdoors thanks to its large windows. This new room is attached to your house and separated by an insulated door. For example, it’s possible to cover your terrace to transform it into a solarium.

This room cannot be heated, so you can enjoy it from spring to fall. If your solarium is in a sunny location, you can start using it as early as March. By offering a less insulated product than a room that can also be used in winter, it provides a durable solarium that adapts to your budget.

3 SEASONS PLUS SUNROOM

The three-season plus solarium is a hybrid between the 3-season and the 4-season. It features double thermos glass, Energy Star-rated, meaning it uses the same structure as a 3-season solarium but with better insulation. This provides better insulation than a 3-season without reaching 4-season standards. This room can be heated without any problem, so you can enjoy it year-round. However, note that this type of solarium will be cooler than other rooms in your house during very cold weather.

4 seasons sunroom

When we build a 4-season solarium, we extend your house. This type of solarium will keep you warm at all times, even in winter. To achieve this, we insulate the walls, floor, and ceiling according to building standards. Quality materials are used to ensure you are comfortable in your room all year round. A 4-season solarium requires a higher investment than a 3-season solarium but adds more value to your home.

The differences

3 seasons sunroom

 

  • Non-insulated treated wood floor
  • 2-inch aluminum structure
  • Vinyl or single glass windows
  • Acrylic or insulated 4-inch roof
  • The door between the house and the solarium cannot be removed

3 SEASONS PLUS SUNROOM

 

  • Insulated R32 floor
  • 3-inch aluminum structure with thermal break
  • Double thermos glass windows, low-E, Argon, Energy Star
  • Insulated 6-inch roof
  • The door between the house and the solarium cannot be removed

4 seasons sunroom

 

  • Insulated R32 floor
  • Fiberglass structure covered with PVC
  • Double thermos glass windows, low-E, Argon, Energy Star
  • Insulated 10-inch roof, R42
  • The door between the house and the solarium can be removed
Want to learn more about our different models and see them up close? Visit one of our showrooms, where our team will be happy to answer your questions.