What a glass sunroom is
A glass sunroom uses floor-to-ceiling glass panels in a slim aluminum frame. A solarium, sometimes called a conservatory, adds a glass roof as well. The result feels like sitting outside, with protection from wind, bugs and weather.
Managing heat
All that glass lets in a lot of light and a lot of heat. In San Diego, especially inland, plan for:
- Low-E, dual-pane glass rated for solar heat gain
- A solid or insulated roof section, or tinted roof glass, if the room gets afternoon sun
- Ceiling fans, operable windows or a mini-split for summer
- Shades or blinds on west-facing walls
Permits
Sunrooms are reviewed as additions in most San Diego County cities, so plan on a building permit with structural plans. Building codes sort sunrooms into categories, from screen-only rooms up to fully conditioned rooms that open to the house, and the category sets the requirements for glass, structure and energy performance. A conditioned room also has to meet California's energy code. Your contractor should handle the plans and permit and include them in the quote. Glass rooms also need safety glazing where codes require it, which your contractor will show on the plans.
What it costs
National figures for solariums and glass rooms run about $30,000 to $75,000, with custom designs going higher. Glass type and roof design drive most of the difference. See the cost guide.
