Submitted by Teddy_canuck t3_z142n0 in DIY
Have a 12 x 15 sunroom framed with 2x4 walls. Always cold in there cause the walls are too thin. Only alternative is to pull walls off and strap it out enough to reinsulate or just pull out the old batts and spray foam the whole thing. Ideas? Canada so cold climate.
Enclosed?
It had glass on top and surrounding. Darn thing also leaked. Had two fans and blinds on top and sides but one had to physically close them. So took out all the glass, put on a roof, redid the sides (real walls w insulation) and just have big double pane glass windows in front for the view.
When I think sunroom, I imagine lots of windows. Triple paned, argon filled, coated windows are still only ~R5. Older double-paned windows, are probably closer to R2-R3. (Typical 2x4 fiberglass insulation is like R12-15). Closed cell spray foam is ~R7/in, You don't typically fill the wall space 100%, so Maybe R18.
If the windows make up, say 50% of the wall, your whole wall will only be ~R7. Don't forget all the wall framing surface area is counted at R1 and probably makes up about 15% of your wall space.
Depending on how much glass you have, More insulating is probably not going to help much. Newer windows can help a lot if you have older windows. Filling drafts will make a huge difference. New window installers will usually use spray foam in the gaps, so that also helps.
Yes two giant windows and two exterior doors.
spray foam for vapor barrier and insulation. only way. is it slab on grade? when i did mine, we laid down 1” of pink board and poured a new 4” slab with hydronic in it. revolutionary.
No it's a crawlspace and cinder block foundation
if it is possible, a hydronic slab would work wonders. cold floors kill those spaces in cold weather. pity to insulate and still have it be uncomfortable.
Oh jeez I'd have to tear the whole floor up and spend forever dealing with it. It'd be my last resort if changing windows and spray foaming didn't work
I have a 12 x 16 sun room 2 layers of brick and plaster with 8 windows. Studded it out with 2x4s and foamed it. It went from the coldest room to the warmest.
Oh wow I have this exact problem. I did spray foam and insulated as much as I possibly could. Frankly, I didn't feel much difference. The best thing i've done is I bought a thick curtain and hung it in the entry to try and isolate the cold to the sunroom.
Keeping an eye on this thread for any solutions too!
Same issue here. I have newer construction so I don’t think adding more insulation will help. My issue is mainly the newer contractor grade cheap-o windows and patio door that leaks massive air. I’m thinking about adding a curtain to prevent the cold air from entering into the main room and just leave the sunroom cold as it is. I’ve already added a curtain to the patio door and cellular shades on all of the windows. I bought a thermal imaging gun and it’s cold from the floor to the ceiling since this is a raised sunroom. I think the only thing that can help keep the heat in is bubble wrapping the entire sunroom from the outside lol. Plastic wrapping the windows help a bit but it takes too long to do per window. I’m thinking about getting those snug removable plastic window panel inserts that I can re-use.
Ours is just a deck someone enclosed and enclosed very poorly. Cheap huge windows and and cheap flooring. So essentially an icebox in the winter. I plastic wrapped the windows last year and it was such a pain in the ass -- i never plan to do that again.
Check that your windows aren't the main issue (sunrooms have lots of 'em) - infiltration will trump insulation by a freaking mile. A tiny gap letting cold air in will mitigate all the insulating work pretty quickly. And if the windows are low-E, they may be radiating cold in (technically leaching heat out), so storm windows/etc. may be a more useful option. If you're sure the windows are tight and don't feel like touching a freezer wall when it's cold out, I imagine you'll get the latest scoop on insulation as the comments pile up! And consider the floor as well, it may be a big cold-sink depending on its construction.
Yeah we have that plastic film over them so at least they're not letting in any drafts but they're also a culprit
Ya lots of windows make it tough. Ceiling insulation might help but with the windows at a r2 or 3 you are in deed fighting a loosing battle. I have a room with lots of windows as well. I added a gas stove that compensates for the windows. I use it when I’m in the room typically. Also if you wanna add new flooring you could consider in floor heat. Good luck!
FckMitch t1_ix8zj06 wrote
I had a sunroom that was too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Enclosed the whole thing and only have big windows in front.