Sunroom
You’ve heard talk about the wonders of the four-season sunroom, and you think it’s a Northern thing. These clever rooms aren’t just for cold climates. With a few tweaks, they work beautifully in the Sunshine State. Are you ready to discover the Florida version?
What Is a Four-Season Sunroom?
Four-season and all-season sunrooms are found across the U.S. What defines these rooms? Some sunroom contractors offer a specific formula with a list of must-have features for their region. Others insist the result is what matters. The final product must be a sunroom that is comfortable all year.
At Dulando Screen & Awning, we have a simple definition for the four-season sunroom. This room is the ultimate hybrid. It’s a space that strikes the ideal balance between outside vibes and inside ease. You get all the comforts of being indoors with a clear view of the natural beauty just outside.
How Do Floridians Flip the Script on Seasonal Sunrooms?
Windows are a key part of sunrooms’ DNA. Therefore, it’s no surprise that homeowners everywhere mention enjoying the view as a motivating factor for building one. Gaining additional living space is also a frequently cited reason. However, northerners designing all-season sunrooms tend to prioritize keeping out the biting chill of winter. In areas where mosquitoes are notorious, barring biting insects is also a popular goal.
Floridians flip the script. They opt for four-season sunroom additions to stay cool and dry. Insulated roofs, solar shades, and options like low-E glass or insulated windows use passive measures to limit the impact of the hot Florida sun. They also ensure that frequent afternoon showers won’t interfere with your enjoyment of the space. Adding features like ceiling fans and HVAC integration can actively increase cooling and help keep humidity at bay.
Of course, biting insects can ruin your fun no matter where you’re located. So, it’s handy that a Florida sunroom will do an excellent job of keeping no-see-ums and other pests at bay. Pollen and other outdoor annoyances are also kept away.
How Does Dulando Screen & Awning Build for Year-Round Comfort?
With more than half a century of experience building Florida rooms, Dulando Screen & Awning knows how to deliver the ideal sunroom for year-round comfort. Our custom-designed products are matched to your needs, style, budget, and home. You get the perfect fit.
With Dulando, you can be certain that your new sunroom addition looks fantastic and is built to handle everything from our state’s daily downpours to the occasional hurricane. Everything we build is designed to meet all relevant codes and regulations. It’s always constructed with meticulous care and top-quality, storm-resistant materials.
Four-season sunroom additions are a fantastic way to gain extra living space and boost your home’s value at an affordable price. What will you do with the space? Relax with a book? Entertain? Set up a play area for your children or pets? Exercise? You can do all of these things without worrying that heat, humidity, or rain will drive you back inside. To explore the possibilities, connect with Dulando Screen & Awning today to schedule a free in-home design consultation. Also, learn more about the cost by reading our article, How Much Does it Cost to Build a Sunroom?
Florida Room, Sunroom
Florida homeowners love sunrooms! Everyone wants one, but the number one question is “How much does it cost to build a sunroom.” This article will address that simple question. The first answer is “it depends.”
We understand homeowners don’t have an unlimited budget. Therefore, it’s essential to get a basic idea of pricing before approaching a sunroom builder. In that case, a good starting point is the Florida sunroom cost per square foot. In 2024, a range we’ve been seeing is between $35 to $120. Since that price range for sunrooms is so vast, we’ll focus on a few significant variables.
Pricing Sunrooms in the Sunshine State
There are multiple factors when quoting a price to build a sunroom.
- Is your sunroom under your existing roof structure? Or are you starting from scratch?
- What type of sunroom windows do you want to use?
- The materials used for construction.
- How many features will you add?
- And other factors
The above factors will affect the price. The only way to get a crystal-clear idea of what a sunroom will cost is to work with an experienced sunroom contractor. However, If you want a rough estimate to build a sunroom, this article will get you started.
Understanding Pricing for Sunroom Additions
Sunrooms or Florida Rooms are not a one-size-fits-all project. When you’re trying to determine the cost of a sunroom, ask these questions to make more sense of the pricing:
- Am I starting with an existing structure? If your home already has a lanai under your existing roof, that alone will save you an substantial amount of money. Even if you already have a porch, deck, or patio to enclose, then some of the work is already done. You can save on labor and materials.
- Am I starting with a blank slate? If you don’t have an existing patio under your current roof, then you’ll need to design and build a concrete pad and walls. It’s a great opportunity to create a space that’s ideally suited to your needs. The floor, roof, walls, windows, and more will be new.
- What size sunroom do I want? A bigger space requires more materials and more labor to build. It will cost more. Many homeowners think of their Florida room as a new room addition. The good news is that the cost of building a sunroom is less than a room addition.
- What materials do I want to use? Quality materials deliver better value therefore lowering the total cost of ownership. The right building materials tend to be more user-friendly, require less maintenance, and have longer lifespans. However, they often require a higher initial investment. Determine how long you want to stay in your current home as you build a new sunroom.
- Will there be additional features? Today’s sunrooms can come with a wide array of special features. Electrical outlets, skylights, ceiling fans, patio pavers, premium windows, and more. These features can make your room more comfortable, more attractive, and more usable. They can also add to its price tag.
Exploring the Possibilities at Various Price Points
We’ve made a list of a few items that are responsible for the costs of your new sunroom. But how does it translate into actual costs. Let’s explore examples at various price points:
- Lower price point of a sunroom: The best way to keep your costs lower on a quality custom sunroom is to enclose an existing porch or lanai. With the roof and floor already in place, you’ll enjoy substantial savings. Essentially, we are enclosing the walls and adding windows.
- Middle price point: For custom sunrooms that are affordable but deliver lasting value, a modest size of 150 square feet is generally wise. That’s roughly 12 feet by 12 feet. Vinyl windows are a great value that offer efficiency and low maintenance. While you may need to be selective with special features to stick to your budget, adding important ones like electrical outlets can make a huge difference.
- Higher prices: When the cost to build a sunroom isn’t a major concern, the sky is the limit. The larger the space, the larger the budget. Upgrade a plain concrete pad for concrete pavers to enjoy a floor that’s more attractive and easier to repair. Add more special features.
Dulando Screen & Awning has more than 50 years of experience in designing and building custom sunrooms. We know that spending money wisely can produce a fantastic sunroom that’s energy-efficient, easy to maintain, and built to serve your family’s needs effortlessly for years. Contact Dulando Screen & Awning today to arrange a free in-home design consultation.
Florida Room, Sunroom
You’re ready to make your home and outdoor living space a little brighter. If you’ve been researching Florida Rooms, you’ve probably seen the term Sunroom. What’s the difference between a Florida Room vs. Sunroom? This article will define their separate terms and any differences. We define the commonalities and understand the benefits that these structures offer.
Exploring Florida Room Vs Sunroom
The good news is that a Florida room and sunroom are synonyms. Both terms describe the same structure, so they have no meaningful differences.
Defining a Florida Room or a Sunroom in Florida
What makes a Florida room or sunroom a fantastic choice for your home in the Sunshine State? Whichever name you choose, these are four-season rooms. Their defining characteristic is a bounty of windows that lets the sunshine in. The term “four seasons” is more of a term for northerners. Or maybe not. Since the Florida summers are scorching, we can use our Florida room in the summer too! The expansive windows allow us to sit comfortably while enjoying a fantastic view that blurs the line between indoors and out.
A sunroom roof is solid. Many sunrooms have insulated roofs. This choice delivers greater comfort and energy efficiency. Does the addition in your fantasy have a glass roof? If so, you’re picturing a solarium. However, these structures aren’t common in Florida. With the strong sun here, a glass roof makes things unpleasantly warm.
Creating a Florida Room or Sunroom
If you’re interested in building a Florida room or sunroom, there are a few different ways to approach the project. Do you have an existing patio or porch? Enclosing this structure is an option. However, if you don’t currently have a patio, or if it’s not quite the right size or shape, modifying it as part of the project is a possibility.
Discovering the Benefits of Florida Rooms and Sunrooms
In the battle of Florida Room vs Sunroom, the winner is obvious: you. Call it a Florida room or a sunroom. By either name, adding one of these custom structures to your home brings significant benefits:
- Florida rooms are an affordable way to gain more living space. Sunrooms are less expensive than a traditional room addition; however, they deliver just as much usable square footage.
- Want to add flexible space to your home? They can be used for almost any purpose. Relax, exercise, entertain, eat, let the children play, or simply enjoy feeling like you’re outside with fewer hassles.
- Florida rooms deliver the opportunity to delight in the outdoors in comfort. They provide a clear view of your gorgeous surroundings while shielding you from the heat, the sun, the wind, the rain and irritating insects.
- Sunrooms give your property values a bump because they appeal to prospective buyers.
Dulando Screen & Awning is your resource for sunrooms and Florida rooms. Serving Florida since 1968, our experts understand what it takes to deliver a top-notch product that stands the test of time. When building a sunroom or Florida room, there are abundant options. How do you get the best result? Work with an experienced Florida room contractor to secure a custom sunroom. Contact us today to learn more about Florida rooms or discuss a custom sunroom design.
Sunroom
You know you want a sunroom, but making that first call is hard. Dulando Screen & Awning can help. We’ve been designing and building custom sunrooms in the Sunshine State since 1968, so we’re very familiar with the many benefits of building an aluminum sunroom in Florida. Here are a few of the most persuasive reasons to help you make that call.
Advantages of Building an Aluminum Sunroom
Built In Safety
When building a sunroom, you always want an attractive room with great value. However, safety is undeniably important. Aluminum frames can be rated to withstand even Florida’s stormy weather. Aluminum is also a fire-resistant material, so it provides extra protection.
Maintaining Aluminum Is Simple
The goal of building a new sunroom addition is to enjoy the space and time spent there. Homeowners who opt for wood or vinyl frame sunrooms will have a higher cost of ownership in maintaining their additions. An aluminum room addition is different. Because aluminum doesn’t corrode, rot, warp, or split, it requires very little maintenance. Investing in an aluminum frame sunroom ultimately saves you time and money.
Attractive Colors and Designs
When building a sunroom, matching or complementing your home is important. An experienced sunroom contractor knows how to help you achieve the look you want while ensuring you get great value. For example, if you want the look of wood and the ease of aluminum, we’ll show you sameples of Aluma-wood. If you want your new sunroom addition to match your home, we can do that. We can help you look at materials, design and colors to suit your needs.
Resistant to Humidity
Humidity is a fact of life in Florida. Many popular construction materials struggle to cope with persistent moisture. Unless these other materials are maintained regularly, they rust, warp, or rot. Aluminum doesn’t flinch in the face of high humidity or sea air. In fact, it is often used around hot tubs, pools, or water features.
Natural Pest Deterrent
Termites and other wood-destroying insects will literally eat you out of your house and home. After all, they feast on wood. However, they don’t eat aluminum. Since they can’t consume the material, building an aluminum frame for a sunroom is an intelligent choice.
Green Building Delivers Advantages
Aluminum is a sustainable material that tops many environmentally friendly construction products lists. It’s non-toxic, lightweight, long-lasting, and requires less energy than many other metals during manufacturing. In addition, aluminum is 100% recyclable. Many homeowners relish the chance to make an eco-friendly choice, especially one with so much practical value. Dulando recycles both on the front end of construction with any scrap pieces left over and also when tearing down an old structure. The choice can also pay off if you decide to sell your home. Many buyers appreciate green construction.
Increased Home Value
A sunroom addition is a clever way to boost the value of your home by adding square footage. To get the best results, use quality products and work with a skilled sunroom contractor who can create a custom sunroom that perfectly fits your property. We want you to enjoy your new sunroom for years to come before you ever consider selling.
Additional Reading: Price Factors of Building a Sunroom or Florida Room
When you’re ready to enhance your living space with an aluminum sunroom, count on the experts at Dulando Screen & Awning. A family-owned and -operated company, we’re committed to delivering top-quality products to our fellow Floridians. Contact us today to request your in-home design consultation.
Florida Room, Sunroom
Your sunroom is your escape. Choosing the right sunroom roof panels can help ensure that it’s a comfortable getaway that delivers superior performance while requiring minimal upkeep. Let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect insulated roof panels for your sunroom.
What You Need to Know About Sunroom Roofs
Sunroom roofs come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and materials. However, some materials inevitably outperform others. For example, the ability to keep out more heat from the sun. In a bright, steamy place like Florida, that’s obviously something to think about. Aesthetics and costs are also natural concerns.
After weighing these factors, Dulando Screen & Awning recommends insulated aluminum roof panels for sunrooms. In fact, we like to use Structall Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels.
How an Insulated Aluminum Roof Panel Works
Insulated roof panels are sometimes called structural insulated panels, or SIPs. These clever innovations bond a foam core between thin sheets of aluminum. Assembled under controlled conditions in a factory, they’re quality products that are made in specific sizes and designed to fit together smoothly and efficiently.
Why an Insulated Sunroom Roof Is a Smart Choice
A sunroom roof made from Structall Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels is a smart choice that comes with several benefits:
- Durability: These durable aluminum panels don’t flinch in the face of bad weather. They resist common Florida threats like high winds, condensation, and pests.
- Affordability: These panels are strong, but they are also surprisingly lightweight. The inherent strength of the aluminum roof panels means your materials cost will be lower. Heavy equipment is not necessary for installation. They also snap together quickly when handled by trained pros. This keeps labor costs down. As a result, installation is more affordable.
- Flexibility: Aluminum roof panels come in several sizes. They can also be used to fit almost any floor plan.
- Aesthetics: Insulated panels look amazing and come in a range of colors and textures. You can also install shingles or other types of roofing over them if you choose. What about the look of your sunroom inside? When you’re craving lighting, ceiling fans, or skylights, these panels make installation a breeze. It’s important to notify your installer you want these features during the initial consultation. Many features must be built into the panels during manufacturing.
- Safety: Hazards abound, but choosing Structall’s product for your Florida room roof panels can make that room a safer place. These panels have a high fire resistance. Their effective moisture barrier reduces the risk of leaks, which makes mold or mildew less likely. In addition, these panels are environmentally friendly. There’s no need to worry that they might release formaldehyde or other unpleasant gases like some plywood can.
- Comfort: As the panels snap together, the patented Snap-N-Lock technology uses internal sealants to form a continuous waterproof barrier. The result is an insulated roof that maximizes your energy savings and your comfort.
Dulando Screen & Awning takes great pleasure in creating the right sunroom for you, your home, and your budget. We know that choosing the right sunroom roof panels is a key part of that process. We’re happy to walk you through every step of the journey. To explore the possibilities, reach out to Dulando Screen & Awning to set up a no-obligation in-house consultation.
Florida Room, Sunroom
Windows are a major feature of any sunroom. Investing in sunroom replacement windows is an excellent way to breathe new life and new style into your favorite space.
Several things can inspire the urge to replace sunroom windows. The desire for an upgrade in quality or style could be a driving factor. Damage from a storm or some other disaster could make new windows a necessity. Or, time might be to blame. Sunrooms that have served for a decade or two often need replacement windows. Whatever your reason for replacing the windows within your sunroom, one thing is certain. You’ll have options. Let’s explore the top three kinds of sunroom replacement windows to help you decide.
Types of Sunroom Windows
Acrylic Windows
A clear, rigid plastic, acrylic is a popular sunroom window replacement pick. It’s affordable and lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and store. Plus, it doesn’t shatter, so some feel it’s safer than glass if it breaks.
Acrylic’s downside is that it isn’t as durable as other sunroom windows. Acrylic and ultraviolet light play poorly, so these panels will yellow with time. The panels are also at greater risk of bowing and scratching than windows made from other materials.
Vinyl Windows
A sunroom vinyl window replacement is a clear vinyl panel. It’s an elegant solution because the result is a window that is flexible, lightweight, affordable, durable, and safe. These panels deform under pressure, but they return to their designed shape almost immediately when freed. If one is damaged, they don’t shatter, so there’s little worry of injury.
Glass Sunroom Windows
Glass is more expensive than acrylic. However, it offers greater durability, higher UV resistance, and higher insulation. That means it’s better for your energy bill if you want to use climate control in your sunroom.
There are some cons to replacing windows with sunroom glass. For starters, glass is heavy. Standard glass can also be dangerous when broken. Finally, glass is pricey. Of course, there are different tiers, so you can choose the right level of investment:
- Single-pane windows provide an attractive starting point.
- Tempered-glass windows are made from a special safety glass. Also called toughened glass, this material is four times harder to break. If it does break, the pieces are small with rounded edges.
- Insulated tempered glass windows are double- or triple-paned windows made from tempered glass. The layer of air or gas between the panes delivers additional insulation and improves efficiency.
At Dulando Screen & Awning, we delight in making the most of the opportunity to help our customers create their best space. When you’re ready to upgrade your sunroom with sunroom replacement windows, we’re ready to help. Contact Dulando Screen & Awning to schedule a consultation.