Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Awnsers
Q.: Do I need a building permit?
A.: Usually yes, but since laws and regulations vary greatly from one municipality to the next, before undertaking such work, you’d better ask your city’s planning department.
Q.: Architect's plan or not?
A.: Certain municipality requires one, in the other hand, a well-detailed estimate and the product data sheet of your Véranda Plus Sunroom is often sufficient. Ask the planning department of your city. Many retailers offer the technologist service for plan if necessary, inform yourself!
Q.: Do I build it myself or contract out?
A.: Of course, this depends on the skill level of each person and the scope of the work. If the roof and floor are existing and only the walls remain, an average DIYer can get by just fine. On the other hand, if it involves the construction of a complete structure, it is preferable to do business with a construction contractor.
Q.: 3 or 4 Seasons Sunroom?
A.: The question to ask yourself is relatively simple, do you or do you not retain the existing house wall? If the answer is yes, three seasons is enough.
Q.: Insulated roof or glass roof?
A.: The major problem with all sunrooms and verandas with glass or polymer roofs is the greenhouse effect. Even with energy-stained glass including Low-E film and solar shades, the heat from the sun still manages to warm the room enormously. The conventional roof, for its part, in addition to ensuring optimal watertightness as well as complete harmonization with the existing house, it allows the ceiling to be insulated and thus take full advantage of the sunroom.
Q.: Glass or Polymer?
A.: Although glass is slightly more expensive than polymer, glass remains the material of choice. It will not fade, does not stain, and is scratch-resistant to animals and sharp objects. The average lifespan of polymer is about 5 years, the glass, however, will last several generations.
Q.: Set on a conventional foundation or on screw piles foundation?
A.: Although small in number, some municipality still requires that any construction is sitting on a conventional-type concrete foundation with all the inconvenience this has, excavation, ground breaking, earth scrap, very high price etc .. Strength, durability and low cost of screw piles foundation are unquestionably a solution of choice for a 3 or 4 season sunroom.
Q.: Heating, conventional or infrared?
A.: In a three-season porch, when mentioning heating, we’re speaking about backup heating for the cold days of autumn and spring. Several good terrace heating units are on the market. We recommend electrically infrared-heated terrace unit. This type of heating is very efficient and fast so there is no need to start the heating unit hours in advance.
Q.: Facing North or South?
A.: The orientation of your veranda should allow you to take maximum advantage of sunlight throughout the year, and protect you during the summer. In northern areas, an orientation toward the southwest is best; while, in the south, where it is warmer, a south-easterly exposure is preferable.