Sunrooms & Four-Season Rooms in Wentzville, MO

Glass is the design challenge

Windows insulate far worse than walls, so a room that is mostly windows needs good ones: double-pane low-E with argon at minimum, with coatings chosen for the direction the room faces. South and west exposures want a lower solar heat gain coating to tame summer sun. Operable windows on two or more sides give cross-ventilation in spring and fall. We frame enough solid wall and header to carry the roof and resist wind, then fill the rest with glass.

Heating and cooling it separately

A sunroom gains and loses heat faster than the rest of the house, so tying it to the main thermostat leaves it uncomfortable. A ductless mini-split heat pump is the usual answer: efficient, quiet and independently controlled. Add a ceiling fan, and consider electric radiant heat under a tile floor.

Converting a porch or deck

We are often asked to convert a screened porch into a four-season room. It can be done if the foundation and framing are adequate. The floor has to be insulated and sealed, walls framed for windows, the roof insulated and everything brought to energy code. Frequently the original porch was not built for that, and we will tell you whether conversion or rebuilding is the better value.

How the work runs

1. Orientation and useWhich way the room faces and how you will use it drive glazing and HVAC choices.
2. Design and permitPlans, energy compliance, structural details and approvals.
3. Build the shellFoundation, framing, roof tie-in, windows and doors.
4. Condition and finishMini-split, electrical, insulation, drywall or wood ceiling, flooring and trim.

What moves the price

We do not publish square-foot prices, because they mislead more than they help. These are the factors that actually change the number on a proposal.

• Window count, size and quality.
• Foundation type and height above grade.
• Roof style, vaulted ceilings and skylights.
• HVAC approach.

How long it takes

Six to ten weeks of construction after permits.

Permits

Required. It is conditioned living space and is reviewed as an addition, including energy code. See our guide to which projects need a permit.