Among all the additions available to homeowners, a sunroom offers unmatched versatility and comfort. A little research into designs reveals a pivotal dilemma: would you prefer a three-season or four-season room? This question entails numerous design factors—engineering, pricing, framing, and more—that lay the bones of your screened-in porch in Centreville, VA.
Phoenix Home Services can help you with this decision (and many more) while creating the home of your dreams! As Northern Virginia’s premier home improvement and remodeling contractors, our extensive building portfolio includes kitchen additions, master bedrooms, porticos, and more. Call (703) 543-6929 to start discussing your next project and receive a free project estimate!
Below, let’s explore the differences between sunroom types and help you determine which suits your lifestyle and requirements:
How Three-Season and Four-Season Rooms Differ
Both three- and four-season rooms allow you to enjoy your home’s outdoor space free from mosquitoes and poor weather conditions. However, you should be aware of these rooms’ distinctions before deciding on a design:
- Use
As you can guess, the most significant distinction lies in these rooms’ applications. Four-season rooms offer year-round usage, while three-season rooms are comfortable during spring, summer, and fall. However, a three-season room design may work for you all year in a mild enough climate.
- Engineering
Four-season sunrooms enable year-round use through their design and materials. Specifically, vinyl (with steel and aluminum reinforcements) and aluminum allow for efficient indoor heating and cooling no matter the conditions outside. These thermally-engineered frames differ from the aluminum frames of three-season sunrooms, which do not prevent heat loss.
Whether intended for three- or four-season additions, manufacturers produce sunroom materials to resist scratching, fading, and other damage. As with other home features, sunrooms must offer structural integrity and meet building codes.
- Price
The increased functionality of four-season rooms comes with an increased price. Specific rates depend on the sunroom’s size and additional features (like a fireplace or custom lighting packages).
- Glass Options
Phoenix Home Services can outfit your sun room with one of many glass types. Generally, three-season sunrooms are equipped with single-pane glass, and four-season double-pane (as the latter improves the room’s heating and cooling capabilities). Nevertheless, you can upgrade to double-pane for three-season sunrooms or high-performance double-pane for either. Speak to your contractor for more details!
- Fire Feature
Homeowners interested in a three-season sunroom but hoping to use it year-round should consider upgrading to a sunroom or screen room with a fireplace. The Phoenix team has designed and built many such installations, which can help the space feel cozy no matter the outdoor temperature.
Should You Install a Three- or Four-Season Room?
Ultimately, homeowners interested in a sunroom will want to know whether they should pursue a three- or four-season variety. In other words, which offers better value? Choosing one for your home depends on your answers to the following questions:
- What’s your sunroom’s primary purpose?
- What’s your realistic budget?
- How often do you (and your family) plan to use it?
- What features would you like to see included?
Homeowners with a relatively large budget who intend to use the space frequently should consider a four-season sunroom (or three-season with a fireplace). Those with limited funds who are often out of town and can’t commit to frequent use would find more value in a three-season room.
Call Phoenix Home Services for a Screened-in Porch in Centreville, VA!
Only you and your loved ones can decide how your screened-in porch in Centreville, VA, should look and operate. Nevertheless, Phoenix Home Services can answer all your questions about these additions and install yours once you’ve decided on your preferred variety. Our team’s step-by-step design and build process ensures our work matches your vision and lifestyle. Call (703) 543-6929 to learn more about how a sunroom can improve your life at home.