Our Solutions Based on Your Custom Needs (Blog #2)

Part Two of Expanding Your Home

In this blog, we have included a few examples that will help you consider what route to take when flying into your new expansion. Consider the following options and decide on what to do based on your need, style, and H.O.A requirements from the “Things to Think About When Expanding Your Home” blog.

Types of Rooms

Based on your answers, the type of room you are looking for could offer you many different things. Rooms can help protect, diminish, and even alter the feel of your expansion. Consider which room will benefit your living situation to provide you with the happiest response. Some style options for rooms include:

 Screened Rooms are known to be the least expensive, yet the simplest form of a protected living space. Screened rooms are commonly used as additions to existing patios, porches, and decks. Specifically, screened rooms separate you from any outside disturbances with the use of uniquely designed screens. The biggest benefit? Keeping any bugs or critters away! If you wish to go with a screened room, you have two different types of screens to choose from. First, is a Fixed Screen, which simply holds your screen in place, year-round. Secondly, is a Motorized Retractable Large Screen—opposite from fixed screens—which can be adjusted with the press of a button, using a motorized system.

3-Season Rooms are sturdier than your average screened-in-porch or enclosed desk. They are fully separated from the rest of the house with an exterior door. Although they are not insulated, they do produce a separate heating and cooling system. 3-Season Rooms come with the option of two different types of windows. First, the ViewFlex Vinyl-Film 4 Track Windows, which allow the room to gain 75% more airflow when opened. Secondly, your 3-Season room can have glass sliders, which offer 50% airflow when opened. Both options provide an easy design for indoor and outdoor living.

Sunrooms are glass-enclosed porches or living rooms with a lot of exposure to sunlight. Sunrooms are normally an extension of a home that include HVAC systems, a lot of windows to bring in the natural light, and a roof and floor insulation. It is recommended to install insulated double-pane glass sliders to maximize light exposure, making it the perfect addition.

 Additions are different compared to other rooms, since they require a foundation, traditional doors and windows, and interior and exterior finishes. Normally, additions contain a type of flooring, such as LVP, tile, hardwood, or carpet. Just like the exterior of the home, additions will sometimes match the traditional siding on the outside, as well as the drywall and sheetrock on the inside.

Types of Roofs

Appearance is everything, especially when you wish to show off your new piece of art. The outside of your expansion is just as important as the inside, so make sure you are aware of what each type of roof can for your expansion. Some options of roof types include:

“Stick-built” frame & Shingled, which is when the framing is built on top of a concrete slab. It is the first initial construction phase that builds the bones of the home, space, or addition.

 Insulated Roof Panels are metal panels with steel skins and an insulating foam core. The foam core, otherwise known as PIR and PUR foam, usually add a layer of insulation to buildings and increases energy efficiency.

 Shingled Roofs are a type of roofing insulation covered with shingles. Shingles are flat, rectangular pieces of asphalt. They are composed of other roofing material that is applied from the base of the roof in an upwards position, often overlapping one another to provide full coverage.

 Aluminum “Skin” Roofs are flexible, durable and lightweight. Metal roofing succeeds in beauty, is energy efficient, and lasts for a long period of time.

 Acrylic Roofs are a type of roof coating that requires less insulation and reflects UV rays. Due to the use of acrylic plastic, Plexiglas, it is associated with a polymeric, plastic material that is extremely durable and has excellent weathering properties.

Roof Styles

When looking beyond the screen at roof structures, you want to make sure the addition is not only providing a scenic view, but also a stable roof over your head. You wouldn’t want to worry about anything collapsing while you take everything in. Some options for roof styles include:

 Gable Roofs, which has an inverted “V” structure, is one of the most common and popular roof styles. This roof structure is the triangular part of the wall that forms between the edges of a roof that have dual pitches. This roof typically points at the top, and slopes down on both sides. This provides a classic, timeless look.

Studio Roofs are traditional “Stick-built” wood structured Roofs with Shingles. It is both durable and extremely easy to manage.

 Aluminum Insulated Roofs are durable, easy to maintain, energy efficient, friendly for the environment, and customizable. What all could you ask for? Unlike wood roofs, aluminum structures do not rust, they maintain their overall form, and protect your addition from anything mother nature might throw at it. If you do not mind what the outside style looks like and just want a solid foundation, this is an affordable and durable solution that will not disappoint. You could go with an Aluminum top & bottom look that appears thinner or instead, try an Aluminum bottom & OSB and Shingled top that provides and intricate design above.

Make sure to check with your HOA for types of Roofs they allow in the neighborhood!

Screen Room & 3 Season Room Screens

When it comes to preparing the overall structure of the addition, it is important to look at the different screen options that will ensure the finishing touch to your room. This will better equip you for your expansion and help you find the right fit for your light preferences. Different types of screens include:

Fiberglass Mesh is a rather inexpensive option that offers good visibility and minimal glare from sunlight.

 Aluminum is otherwise considered as a standard screen material and offers excellent visibility. However, it does cause some glare when the light reflects off the metal screen.

 Pet-resistant, is recommended if you have furry friends who enjoy climbing your screen for sport. It provides less visibility due to its much thicker and stronger screen material.

Are You Ready to Begin?

In the end, the decision to bring on an addition is solely up to you. It all depends on your specific needs, budget, timeline, and preference. Overall, the space will bring a new and exciting space to enjoy with friends, family, pets, or just by yourself when you want a room to enjoy a good book or movie. Don’t hesitate and second-guess your decision; get started and have fun!