Patio Room

By Laura Evans
Patio rooms, or sun rooms, are becoming increasingly popular additions to today's homes.

What Is a Patio Room?

A patio room is a room added to the side of a home so that homeowners and visitors can see outdoors without having to be completely exposed to the weather. Patio rooms can be as simple or extravagant according to the tastes of the homeowner and according to local building codes. Patio rooms might include floorings, short walls, windows or screening, and roofing.

Types of Patio Rooms

The construction of patio rooms depends to a certain degree on the climate. For example, in a warmer climate with lots of sunshine, a patio room might consist of flooring, screening around the sides, and a roof, so that fresh air is allowed in and insects are kept out. In many cases, this type of patio room can be enjoyed all year long, although it might only be comfortable during the evenings and nights during the summer months. Homeowners may choose to include partial, knee-high walls so that electrical outlets can be installed for the convenient use of lamps or other appliances.

In less temperate climates, homeowners might install glass on the sides of the patio porch, either full length or with knee-high walls. This will optimize sunlight while minimizing the effects of temperature changes. This type of patio room can use blinds and ventilation through screen doors and the home to help control the temperatures throughout the year.

The Patio Room Panoramic

Patio rooms that admit the most light are those which use glass on the walls and as the roof. This type of patio room allows people to enjoy panoramic views all year long because these rooms typically have air conditioning and heating. Some people choose to include knee-high walls to give a feeling of separation from outside. Family and friends can enjoy this type of patio room whether it is snowing outside or if the sun is shining brightly on a summer's day.

Why Add a Patio Room?

Many people are choosing to spend more time at home these days. A patio room can be a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors without getting too hot or too cold. Patio rooms are great places to have breakfast or entertain a select group of friends. Patio rooms can be a quiet get-away within a home with bright, green plants during a cold winter's day. Patio rooms can be an exciting place to sleep or have a sleepover for the younger ones in a family on a special occasion. Last, but not least, patio rooms can also increase the value of a home.