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Bring Back the Porch
(ARA) - Many Americans love the idea of porch living: the beauty of nature,
birds chirping, a light breeze and lemonade. Too often however, humidity, bugs
and rain drive us back inside, leaving the porch or deck unused.
Homeowners who want to enjoy their porch or deck more have discovered the
benefits of enclosing all or part of their outdoor living areas with glass,
creating a seasonal or year round retreat.
Enclosing a porch or deck with glass is the most cost-effective way to create a
sunroom, according to Marc Fox of Patio Enclosures, Inc., North America's
largest custom manufacturer and installer of glass enclosures.
"Homeowners are so pleased when we tell them they can save money by utilizing an
existing cement porch slab and an overhang. We simply enclose the room with
sliding glass doors or large windows and screens that are customized to fit
their particular space," reports Fox.
The porch is transformed from a place only usable when the weather is right, to
added living space that lets the homeowner "control the weather." Imagine
staying out late on a warm summer night in screened comfort, even when the
mosquitoes are biting, or watching the sunrise with a warm cup of coffee on a
crisp fall morning. Envision experiencing a rainstorm, cosy and dry, from inside
your new glass-enclosed porch.
By enclosing a porch with glass, a homeowner can actually turn outdoor space
into indoor space, with the flexibility of screens to bring the outdoors in at
any time. Three-season rooms are often decorated with wicker, rattan or wrought
iron furniture for a casual, outdoor look. Vertical blinds or pleated shades
give the room a finished feeling and add privacy and temperature control.
Homeowners often find their new sunrooms make relaxing family recreation areas
and lovely places to dine.
Adding a glass enclosure will increase the value of a home as well. The return
on investment is 70 percent nationwide, and even more in areas where the weather
is harsh, according to the National Association of the Remodelling Industry.
When considering a three-season glass enclosure, keep in mind that because it is
not designed to be heated, it is typically closed off from the rest of the house
in winter. If you want to use your room all year round, use insulated glass.
Insulated glass, although it is more expensive, enables the room to be
effectively heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer months.
With both types of rooms you can select full-length sliding doors, or sliding
windows, which are built over a short knee wall. Either way, be sure to use 100
percent tempered glass for safety. Tempered glass is stronger than regular
window glass and will not break as easily.
For a free booklet about creating a glass enclosure on your home, call (800)
480-1966 or visit www.patioenclosuresinc.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content |
