From our house to yours...

The cool weather is finally upon us and it is time to start thinking about enclosing the screened in porch by adding windows. Glassed in porches (sun rooms) allow you to have more protection from the elements than a screened porch allows. It will keep out the cold air, pollen, bugs and the extreme heat of the summer.

Tip of the month: Sun Room – Glassed in porch

Maximize relaxation at home with a tasteful and well decorated sun room. Bring the outdoors in by adding skylights and full windows around the room. Add ceiling fans for added comfort in summer and winter. A sun room can add value and value and beauty to your home along with added security.

There are several things to consider before taking on a project of this caliber:

• Make sure there is enough strength in the columns or foundation to hold the additional weight of the glass and additional materials added to the current structure that will need to be integrated into the new windows, skylights, etc.

• Whether using aluminum or vinyl framed insulated windows, make sure to add the option of insulated glass, low E coatings and/or Argon gas filled (providing more thermal energy efficiency).

• Adding extra insulation, heating and air duct work to the room can be done if the room is attached to a common wall of the house. However, remember to check to see if the heating and A/C system is large enough to accommodate additional square footage.

• Another option would be a ductless system. There are many manufacturers of ductless systems with very high energy efficiency – up to 26 SEER. These systems would be added to an outside wall and function as a separate unit.

• A new sun room can qualify for tax credits under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Customers who purchase their sun room between 1/1/2009 and 12/31/2010 can be eligible for a tax credit of up to $1500.00. To qualify for the tax credit the products must be Energy Star qualified.

• Make sure that you add windows with optional screens to get air flow as needed when the days are at a comfortable temperature.

• Flooring area should be sealed before adding carpet, tile, or whatever floor covering you desire.

• Window treatments to keep out heat or cold should be added as well (if not using insulated, Low-E/Argon gas filled windows). There are several styles and colors to choose from.

We at Grayson Family Homes have built several sun rooms over the years and have done many screened in porch conversions. With our experience and attention to detail, we feel comfortable that we can offer you the finest quality possible.

Bring the beauty of nature inside...

Contact: Louie or Deborah Carter, Grayson Family Homes, 3391 Linger Longer Rd., Greensboro, GA 30642, (c)706-347-0424 or (c)706-453-6523, and let us bring your Screened Porch to life as a newly enclosed living area.