How to Choose Windows for Your Sunroom?

Windows provide natural light, allow ventilation, maintain cold or heat, isolate the interior from external noise and adds to the interior décor. When choosing windows for sunroom, it is important to consider factors such as the profile material (aluminum, wood or PVC), the type of opening, the color and the glazing.

When choosing windows for your sunroom, you must also take into account the available space, the measurements of the window and the exposure of the house to cold, solar radiation and noise.

Types of window materials

The window frames can be made purely from aluminum, wood and PVC. While wood frame provides acoustic temperature, it needs periodic maintenance. PVC hardly requires any maintenance. However, aluminum frames provide a wide range of benefits. They are resistant to fire. Aluminum offers more decorative possibilities since it can be made in a wide range of colors and textures.

The aluminum profiles improve the insulation since they include an insulating material (resin or polyamide) to avoid the transmission of cold and / or heat between the interior and the outside.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting sunroom windows;

Available space

The available space is one of the main determining factors for choosing the type of window opening for the sunroom. Let’s look at the different types of windows thus:

Sliding: The panels slide horizontally. It does not take up additional space when opened, making it perfect for areas limited by pillars, corners, furniture.

Folding: Side opening of the window sash. This window type takes up space when opened. The folding model offers a full opening angle and hermetic closing.

Swing: Opening inclined towards the inside. Peeking is not possible in this type of partial opening windows.

Tilt-and-turn: This system is one of the most versatile because it allows opening both laterally and inclined inwards. The latter is widely used to ventilate the room without opening the window. Provides the best sound insulation for a sunroom.

Insulation

The glazing can be single or double. The latter, consisting of two or more glass sheets separated by a dehydrated air or gas chamber, offers much greater thermal and acoustic insulation.

Insulation does not only depend on the layers of glass but also on the type of glass. The general rule ensures that the greater the thickness of the crystals and the greater space between the two, the greater insulation and therefore greater energy efficiency.

Air permeability (air tightness)

This defines the amount of air that passes (by the force of the wind) through a closed window. It is measured in m3 / hm.

Water tightness

It measures the ability of the closed window to stay watertight against the direct action of water on parts of the window not designed to get wet.  

Wind resistance

This test subjects the window to three pressure tests to determine resistance to deterioration by wind pressure. Resistance to wind pressure is especially important in windows located at high altitudes on facades exposed to considerable wind pressure.

Blinds and shutters

Blinds and shutters are elements that improve insulation against solar radiation in a way that optimizes air conditioning and minimizes noise.

The blinds can be made of aluminum or PVC. Aluminum slats incorporate an internal insulating layer and a wide availability of shades.

These tips will help when next you consider getting and installing windows for sunroom.