If you’ve begun doing the research of adding a sunroom to your home, then you’ve likely encountered the term solarium. While it’s a term that is sometimes used interchangeably with sunroom, there are some distinctions to know so that you are better equipped to know what you want and the options available to you. So what is the difference? We’ve broken down the answer below.
What is a sunroom?
Let’s start with a sunroom. Simply put, a sunroom is a structure attached to the main residence of your house and is often an addition to an existing structure. The main thing that sets these rooms apart is that they’re made mostly, but not entirely, of windows. They are a single story and have an entry point from the main house as opposed to being only accessible from the exterior. That’s really the only elements that make a room a sunroom – from there, there are different types, which is where a solarium comes in.
What is a solarium?
A solarium is a type of sunroom, but one where the walls and roof are made entirely of glass. Because there aren’t any obstructions to the outside, solariums create an immersive experience and are ideal for people who want to enjoy the beauty of the outside but prefer some of the comforts of remaining indoors. Solariums are also often referred to as conservatories, however, solariums tend to have a modern, curved-edge design while conservatories tend to have a more traditional look with cathedral ceilings.
What are things to consider with each?
While both sunrooms and solariums can be made into a four-season room, the type of glass used in a solarium becomes worthy of extra consideration since the room has no other insulation. You’ll want to make sure you’re using high-performance dual-pane glass. The frame material, too, is important – though this is true of both kinds of structures. Global Solarium uses aluminum thermally broken for its frame material. This eliminates heat transfer, which helps to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Depending on how your house sits on your plot and where you’re planning on putting your sunroom or solarium, it’s worth considering a shade track system to make the space more enjoyable during the sunniest and hottest parts of the day.
Armed with this information, you are more ready to move forward with your new addition, one guaranteed to maximize natural light no matter which you choose.
If you have any questions about adding a sunroom or solarium to your home or if you’re looking to become a dealer call the experts at (800) 810-7666. Global Solarium has been providing excellent dealer service in the Portland OR, Los Angeles CA, – Sacramento CA,– San Jose CA, – San Francisco CA, – Salt Lake City UT, – Seattle WA, and Spokane WA areas.