Choosing Sunroom Windows & Doors

Choosing Sunroom Windows & Doors

During the warmer months, few things are more satisfying than having a corner of your home that’s bathed in sunlight to retreat to. A sunroom or solarium is the ideal space for families to work, relax, entertain, and dine. Plus, who wouldn’t want to enjoy views of the garden free from creepy crawlies, wind, rain, and direct sunlight? 

Choose windows and doors based on your priorities and what you use your sunroom for. Continue reading to discover which sunroom windows and doors are best for insulation, aesthetics, and viewing the scenery.  

 Popular Sunroom Window Types 

It’s usually best to install a mixture of different window types to get the most out of your space. Below is an outline of the most popular styles and what they’re best suited for: 

  • Awning windows: Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outwards. This allows air to escape while preventing rain from getting in. 
  • Hopper windows: Hopper windows are inverted awning windows. The hinge is on the bottom, so air can escape and debris stays out.  
  • Casement windows: Casement windows are hinged at the side and open out. They’re functional and energy-efficient.  
  • Fixed windows: A fixed window doesn’t open at all and sits perfectly on the top and/or bottom row of your sunroom windows. 
  • Picture windows: Picture windows are perfect for taking in the view outside and letting in light.    
  • Double-hung windows: Double-hung windows open from both the top and bottom to maximize ventilation.  
  • Slider windows: Slider windows are great for smaller spaces as they don’t open inwards or outwards. They let plenty of air in while open and seal shut tightly for energy efficiency. 
  • Bay windows: Bay windows (with a central picture window framed by two ventilation windows) look beautiful from the inside and outside. They let in plenty of light and maximize space in your sunroom. 
  • Bow windows: Whereas bay windows have three sections, bow windows usually have four or five.  
  • Custom windows: Thompson Creek builds and installs custom windows based on your needs and preferences. Custom window shapes, colors, specialty grid patterns, and triple-pane glass are just a few options.  

Additional Considerations 

Other ways to maximize energy efficiency include opting for low-e glass, gas fills, warm edge spacers, and/or multiple panes and only using high-quality materials. 

With Sound Shield™ sound reducing windows from Thompson Creek, you have the option of minimizing outside noise. They’re ideal for home offices or any place you want to keep as tranquil as possible.  

 

Popular Sunroom Door Styles 

When it comes to choosing a door for your sunroom, there’s more to consider than you might think. Not only can beautiful doors allow light to flood into your home and sunroom, they impact the energy efficiency and security of your space. 

  • Sliding doors
  • French doors 
  • Entry doors 
  • Storm doors 

Many people opt for an external entry door for security and to keep the warm in and the cold out. For the internal door, which acts as a transition between your home and the sunroom, French doors or sliding doors are stylish and maximize light. 

If you live somewhere that’s prone to bad weather, a storm door could help keep the solarium warm and save money on utility bills. 

 

Windows and Doors To Suit Your Style 

Customize a brand-new sunroom to suit your needs or let us design the ideal solarium based on your preferences and space. Get in touch with Thompson Creek today for a free estimate.