What exactly is a sunroom?

The concept of the sunroom began decades ago with the earliest homemade attempts using wood posts and stapled screens to enclose front or back porches to keep out bugs.

Over the years, technology has taken the screened-in porch idea, added advanced thermal window and roof systems and created an engineering marvel in what is known as today’s contemporary sunroom.

Homeowners can now effectively solve the problems of the outdoors, enjoying it more, and extending the ways a sunroom can be used. Additionally, advances in sunroom design now give homeowners a wide range of attractive construction options – a far cry from the “box on a house” look popular throughout the 60s and 70s.

In short, our sunrooms are a quality-manufactured addition to your house that provides extended use of outdoor recreational space. Our sunrooms provide a place to unwind, relax and spend time with your family and friends.

Why should I choose a sunroom over a standard room addition?

Each type of room has its own specific purpose and you should first determine how you want to use your space. A standard room addition (studs, drywall, standard roof, windows, integrated permanent heating/cooling systems) is designed to meet certain codes as a year-round, permanent living space, like a kitchen or a bedroom.

A sunroom is designed as an additional room on your house that protects you from weather and insects during the times you would want to be outdoors. It offers incredible flexibility to enjoy many activities, such as soaking in a spa, entertaining, exercising, working, relaxing and so much more. It is designed with wall-to-wall windows that provide panoramic views and protection from wind and weather. Screen systems control insects and allow refreshing breezes. Thermal engineering and design helps regulate the interior environment of the sunroom to keep you comfortable throughout many days throughout the seasons and many seasons throughout the year (depending on your geographic region.)

There are various options in our sunroom wall systems that are designed to provide maximum thermal protection against cold and heat, depending on your geographic region and needs. This will extend the times throughout the day and the days throughout the year that your sunroom can be used. You may also add sunroom-approved, non-permanent heating or cooling sources to extend your sunroom use.

In addition, a sunroom can be installed at a fraction of the cost and time, compared to a standard room addition. Sunrooms may be installed on a variety of approved foundations (deck, concrete) in just one to two days, compared to the weeks or months required for a standard room addition.

If you like the appearance of a traditional room addition, but the idea and benefits of the sunroom with wall-to-wall windows, then our sunrooms may be right for you! Designed to integrate your home’s architectural features into the sunroom – roof, knee wall, overhangs, siding materials – offers all the benefits of sunroom living with an entirely fresh appeal!

What size are sunrooms?

The beauty of our sunrooms is that they are custom built to fit your home and needs. Some are even circular and hexagon shaped, and we even have 2 story sunrooms. Basically you can create a cozy sitting area or something large enough to cover a built-in pool. Some of the more popular sizes are: 12’ x 20’, 12’ x 12’, 16’ x 20’, 10’ x 14’, 10’ x 12’, 10’ x 8’, 8’ x 12’, and 12’ x 15’.

Can I add skylights? Do they really add more light and do they leak?

Yes, skylights are an option (as well as overhead ceiling fans and custom lights)! A skylight adds to the beauty and enjoyment of your sunroom by allowing additional sunlight into key areas. Our certified installers ensure proper installation to guarantee against leaks.

Can I use a spa in my sunroom?

We highly recommend it! A sunroom with a spa is a perfect way to increase your enjoyment of your sunroom. Imagine soaking away stress at the end of a busy workday, or enjoying the company of family or friends on a summer night or crisp fall afternoon.

Spas are best installed at the time of original installation of the sunroom. In addition, you’ll want to consider the electrical needs for the spa during the sunroom’s installation. However, a spa can be added after your room is installed, but requires dismantling a portion of your room. Only a authorized dealer should handle this process.

Can you provide a cost per square foot?

As much as we would like to, every one of our Sunrooms are custom, thus prices vary according to each custom project since square footage is not the only determining factor in the cost of your sunroom. We offer a free in home consultation which can provide specific cost evaluations in relation to your custom sunroom project.

What is the warranty on products?

Fairbanks Construction proudly produces a high-quality sunroom and stands behind it with a Lifetime Warranty. Our warranty is unique in the industry, compared to other warranties of 10, 15 or 20 years. Our lifetime warranty means YOUR lifetime. In addition, our warranty is transferable to another homeowner should you sell your home. This is a tangible plus on resale.

What type of glass is used in the windows in your sunrooms?

The most defining feature of your sunroom is its windows. That’s why we pay particular attention and choose the highest quality sunroom windows. Our manufacture make their own window systems, as opposed to using “stock” windows purchased elsewhere.

They feature a tempered HPG 2000 glass– four times stronger than annealed glass. The HPG 2000 series of glass (available in single-pane and double-pane IG glass) is an exclusive product that decreases solar heat gain and provides protection against harmful ultraviolet rays.

How will my sunroom stand up to severe weather?

Absolutely great! Our sunrooms have been designed and developed by an engineering department who has consistently provided industry-leading innovations in sunroom design for more than 30 years. They manufacturer all our sunroom products on site to ensure superior quality control over every aspect of the room from the skeletal structure, to the windows and walls, the roof and all other details of the room.

In addition, the components and rooms are independently tested to meet or exceed all national building codes. In fact, the sunroom structure is built to meet rigorous building code requirements, comparable to those required for the residence itself. The sunrooms meet the standards for high wind conditions (up to 110 mph).

Each sunroom is a custom room that is designed and approved by our engineering department to meet all the codes of your community as well as all national codes.

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