We have a network of factories that we work with that specialize in glass buildings. These are stand alone, or add-on structures for a home or building. They generally go by the more common names of “sunroom” or greenhouses. They might also go by the name “patio enclosures”. We have a wide selection of readily “off the shelf” designs, and we are able to design specific products to meet your parameters and needs. We can help the design, manufacture, production, testing and logistics for these types of products.
The term sunroom can also refer to sunspaces, conservatories, solariums, patio enclosures, patio covers, porch enclosures and other related structures. Some typical styles of sunrooms are conservatory, gable and shed (studio).
These products basically consist of a frame, a roof, and windows and doors. These are very well made structures and are designed for a wide variance in weather, temperature swings and environments.
“Sunroom” is a broad term that generally refers to any room designed to let light in and give you access to the outdoors, capitalizing on the view of your surroundings. Technically, there are specific differences between sunrooms and patio enclosures. They vary by construction, materials, intended use and the installation of heating and cooling systems.
There are different kinds of sunroom structures. All of which we can supply, though one or more of our partner factories. All you need to do is tell us your requirements.
Supplier Concerns
We do not supply these products to individuals. We supply to retailers who will have a staff and a team that will erect these systems on their customers’ build site. They will arrange the construction permits, assign the tasks, and make sure that the build is successful.
And if you are a person or a company that does this kind of work, we would be more than happy to discuss ventures and project together with you.
Let’s quickly review some of the many types of sunrooms and systems that we can provide.
PVC sunroom
PVC is the least expensive material for sunrooms. Available in a wide variety of colors and forms, a PVC sunroom is both quick and easy to install. PVC is also known to offer good insulation (compared to metal), this is in addition to being relatively easy to maintain.
However, there are certain disadvantages that pretty much explain the low price of PVC.
Over time, corrosion problems may appear. Also, PVC cannot be painted so you will have to choose a shade that will suit you for a long time, even though that color will end up fading. However, PVC is quite resistant. All in all, this means that PVC can make for a good overall, low-priced sunroom.
Aluminum sunroom
Aluminum sunrooms are the most common form on the market due to their durability and their accessible price. Much like PVC, aluminum sunrooms are quick and easy to install. Aluminum does not rust, it corrodes into a white powder that is only an issue in marine environments. What this means is that it will have a long lifespan and require very little maintenance. The only thing you will have to do will be to apply a new coat of paint every thirty or forty years or so.
If any physical damage is sustained on the aluminum surfaces, separate parts can easily be replaced since aluminum sunrooms are usually made with different parts. Aluminum sunrooms made by different factories come with different quality levels. The factories that we work with tend to be on the middle to high ends in regards to quality.
Wood sunroom
If you wish to invest in something that will look more like a home extension, wood is the way to go. Wood is the most effective material in terms of natural thermal insulation and soundproofing. Next, if you wish to extend the roof, wood is one of the only materials able to support the extra weight on its structure.
However, wood can be much more expensive than other materials. If you choose low-end wood, the price will be very reasonable but every two to three years, you will have to treat the wood to avoid damage caused by insects and weather conditions.
If you select a wood essence that is more robust and resistant against insects, you will pay a lot more money than for a PVC sunroom.
Steel or wrought iron sunroom
Still, within the high-end category, wrought iron or steel sunrooms are especially luxurious and they add a lot of value to your house. Steel and wrought iron are also very resistant and able to support the extra weight of a roof if you wish to extend your house’s roof on top of the sunroom.
However, in terms of insulation, steel and wrought iron do not have a good reputation. In cold weather, the temperature inside the sunroom will be very cold. Another important thing to know is that this type of material will have to be treated against rust on a regular basis.
Glass Roof Sunrooms.
Glass roof sunrooms are sunroom additions that look like conservatories and are built with a glass roof. Although you may think you know off the bat whether a glass roof sunroom is right for you, there are many aspects of this style of sunroom to consider.
Glass roof sunrooms are a marvelous way to brighten up the home, as an abundance of natural light flows directly from above. If the ability to maximize natural light is one of the most important features of a sunroom for you, a glass roof sunroom will be the better choice compared to a solid roof sunroom. It will provide you with an unobstructed view, allowing you to fully appreciate your surrounding property from all directions.
For some, a glass roof sunroom may provide too much light and heat.
In terms of architectural design, many people love the way an all-glass sunroom looks in contrast with their home. It can certainly add intrigue and dimension to your home’s existing design while transitioning nicely with its architectural features. However, some people may prefer that their sunroom’s roof remain solid to match their home’s roof.
With a glass roof sunroom, you also have the option of matching or contrasting the glass roof’s slope with your existing roof’s lope. Three primary architectural designs exist — curved eave, straight and cathedral.
Conservatories
Conservatories are separate but enclosed structures that extend from a home.
Also known as solariums, conservatories are designed to capture and retain the warmth and light of the sun with their all-glass design. They’re constructed with a sturdy metal frame, typically made from aluminum, giving this traditional sunroom type a durable build without compromising the continuity between the sunroom and your home.
Acting more like a greenhouse, conservatories were traditionally used for growing plants and providing them with the warm environment and sun exposure they need to thrive. People who have conservatories installed also love these glass sunrooms for relaxing and reading in a space that provides ample natural light.
Patio Enclosures
If you’re looking for a sunroom feel without the commitment of a full sunroom addition, a patio enclosure could be the solution for you. Patio or porch enclosures are built from your existing porch or patio structures by using your home’s roof that covers your porch or patio.
Though patio enclosures don’t feel quite like a direct extension from the inside of your home like sunroom additions do, they’re still a good compromise for many families.
With a patio enclosure, the contractor installs walls under the roof or replaces any screens you currently have with glass walls. A patio enclosure is customized to work with your home’s design, matching its siding, trim and color scheme. In fact, they can be customized to any extent, such as installing insulation to help you get more use out of your patio enclosure.
Even without proper insulation, patio enclosures can still cover you against the elements and let abundant light in, allowing you to get as much use as possible from them.
One of the most attractive reasons for choosing a patio enclosure over a sunroom addition is that it gives you the flexibility to upgrade down the road. Upgrading a patio enclosure turns the space into a more liveable or permanent structure. However, if you’re looking to achieve the feeling of having a sunroom directly in your home as opposed to it being an external room, one of the many other sunroom options might be a better choice for you.
Solid Roof Sunrooms
A solid roof sunroom offers homeowners just as many benefits as a glass roof sunroom but in different ways. This option would blend in well with your home and can be designed to look seamless, never letting on that an addition was built. These sunrooms use roofing materials that can match your existing roof. The consistency of a solid roof sunroom creates a more cohesive look that doesn’t change abruptly like a glass roof does. Maintaining this cohesive style may help your home stand up better at resale if you ever plan to sell.
Because solid roof sunrooms use traditional roofing materials as opposed to glass, the costs tend to be lower, as the material used in glass roof sunrooms is state-of-the-art. Without glass overhead, many people find that the solid roof sunroom provides greater protection from UV exposure and heat. However, from within, the solid roof sunroom limits your view and natural light compared to glass roofs, which might deter sun-lovers.
As with any sunroom, you have the luxury of customizing your solid roof sunroom however you choose. A traditional cathedral roof frame may complement your home’s style, or you might select a straight roof that transitions or contrasts from your home’s roof angle. The interior of your solid roof sunroom can also be customized to match your home’s style, including natural wood beams.
Three Season Sunrooms
Three season sunrooms are rooms designed to be enjoyed in all seasons except during extensively cold winters. This term came into being in the state of Pennsylvania, in the USA. Where people wanted to have sunrooms, but the harsh winters prohibited using them year around.
They’re fully enclosed additions made with glass walls that allow you to appreciate your view, bask in natural light and increase the usable space of your home.
What three season sunrooms aren’t designed for is keeping in heat during winter. They aren’t installed with the same thermal glass that’s in a four season sunroom. For this reason, three season sunrooms are more affordable than four season options, as they require fewer materials and less expensive glass to construct.
Three season sunrooms are a good compromise, especially for homeowners who tend to spend their winters out of the Pennsylvania area. Even if you aren’t a snowbird, a three season sunroom may be a good option if you and your family prefer to spend cold winter nights in front of your living room’s fireplace.
Four Season Sunrooms
A four season sunroom is a full and complete extension of your home that can be enjoyed all year, even in the winter months. These rooms are designed to be a part of your home with proper insulation from heat loss. The glass used in these structures are designed to be energy-efficient, this glass is strong and highly insulated, preventing heat transfer from your sunroom to the outdoors.
The ability for a four season sunroom to be enjoyed even in winter is appealing to many people. It’s a good investment for those who are constrained in their current home’s layout and plan on using the sunroom not just for enjoyment but for extra and continual living space as well.
Though installations of four season sunrooms are more expensive than other sunroom types, they’re worth the investment when you know without a doubt that it will improve your overall lifestyle every day of the year.
Conclusion
We at Smoking Lion work with factories to provide the best possible solutions to the needs of our clients. We source, select, manufacture, and produce the agreed upon products, then check for quality all prior to us shipping and handling the logistics involved. We also provide design assistance, testing, DFM and other services as needed. If you have questions or concerns about pollution, child labor, or other issues and compliance, we would be happy to provide auditing services for your operations.
If you are a company that specializes in selling these products to your local market, we can help you increase the size of your product line, have direct contact with the factories and be assured that someone is watching over and maintaining the quality to fit your needs and the needs of your customers. It’s what we do.