If you need more living space but want to incorporate the outdoors into your home improvement plan, you have two options: a sunroom or a screened-in patio. A sunroom is a glass-enclosed structure that offers a panoramic view of your yard, while a screened-in porch or patio is essentially a deck enclosed by a bug screen to keep pests at bay. Consider the following introduction to each and a discussion of their pros and cons.

An Introduction to Sunrooms

A sunroom is an indoor space surrounded by windows. In some cases, even the roof is transparent, giving you an unobstructed view of the outdoors. Sunrooms are also called solariums or three- and four-season porches. They offer a certain amount of protection from the elements, but the trade-off is that you never feel like you are outdoors. When the windows are shut, it feels very much like just another room of the house. However, on cold days, the glass provides excellent air circulation, so the room stays more comfortable than a screened-in room would. On the other hand, on warm days, the sunroom might prove to be unbearably hot. For regions that see four distinct seasons, such as Missouri, the sunroom may not be comfortable enough for regular use in winter or the hottest parts of summer.

An Introduction to Screened-In Patios

A screened-in porch or screen room is an outdoor space enclosed by mesh screens that protect the occupants against gnats, mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects. Unlike a sunroom, it is not considered part of the indoor living space and is only comfortable during warmer days. The benefit of a screen room is that it lets you enjoy unobstructed breezes and the feeling of being outdoors without worrying about rain, sleet, hail, or bugs. This type of solution is typically much less expensive than a sunroom and takes less time to construct. It is also usually very low maintenance. Note that some screen rooms have glass storm windows you can install during winter to extend the use a bit longer and to protect items stored on the porch.

To have a sunroom or screened-in patio installed in your home, contact Gateway Exteriors in Wentzville, MO. They have been serving clients throughout St. Charles County and the Greater St. Louis area since 1982. Their motto is, "Quality first," whether they're building a sunroom, a custom deck, or room additions. They also specialize in window and siding installation and take a specialized approach to each project to ensure that you are fully satisfied. Visit their website to read what their previous clients have to say about them or call (636) 327-8609 to schedule a consultation.