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Construction Zone: building, remodeling, additions: How to convert a screen-in porch into an all-season room?

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Forum: Construction Zone: building, remodeling, additionsReplies: 9, Views: 100
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Cordeledawg
Cordele, GA
(Zone 8a)

July 09, 2006
12:17 PM

Post #2485655

Can anyone tell me ( or give me a vendor resource) if it is possible to leave the framing from the screens on a screened-in porch and attach glass panels to the frames? My hubby and I are thinking about doing it ourselves.
I've googled sunrooms but I've only found vendors that want to sell you the complete package...Roof and three-sided kits.
I have have two carpenters come to measure for a sunroom conversion but they never got back with me on an estimate. I suppose the job was too small for them to commit. I also called our local Home Depot but they do not do service installations in our area. Bad advertising since they have this huge display at their front door plus sent us a sunroom post card!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. - Deborah

LynnCanGrowIt
Frederick County, VA
(Zone 6b)

July 11, 2006
05:28 PM

Post #2494310

Seems that small jobs aren't feasible for workers any longer. That's okay with us -- we love projects!

Back in the 50s (or thereabouts), some homes had conversion porches. Screened sections were about 3-feet above the base. The lower 3-feet were wood panels. When it was time to "winterize" these porches, framed window units were put into position for the cold season. During the warm season, the framed window units were removed (and stored). My husband and I did some think-tanking on this idea and he even discussed it with a friend who's an architect. It is entirely possible to make a porch like this, but I would not think that the majority could ever be air-tight due to the lack of seals.

As a kid, I remember one particular beach house that we rented for a summer. The home was turn of the century and had a number of porches. One had been converted in this manner and even had single beds to sleep on the screened porch. It was a novelty to my brother and me. I remember that the window frames were locked into place with some type of a hook and eye system. It was not air-proof, but it was not intended for true use during the winter since this was in the Rehobeth Beach NJ area.

Incidently, we didn't build a conversion porch. We opted for a detached greenhouse instead. LOL Good luck to you in the project!!


Cordeledawg
Cordele, GA
(Zone 8a)

July 12, 2006
06:15 PM

Post #2498562

Thanks Lynn. And I hope I'll be able to live up to your handle- code- name LOL.
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)

July 12, 2006
09:21 PM

Post #2499226

Do you have photos of the frame?
It would help to determine if they can stand the weight.
How about GH polycarbonite panels or do you need crystal clear?

Ric
Cordeledawg
Cordele, GA
(Zone 8a)

July 13, 2006
09:46 AM

Post #2500860

I'd want crystal clear for the view of my backyard. I'm a gardner and avid bird-watcher.
I'll try to send pic next couple of days.
Allison_FL
Dunedin, FL
(Zone 10b)

July 20, 2006
06:36 AM

Post #2526148

Have you got help with this year ?
My husband has done a couple of our's he is fussy
and they came out excellent if you could still need some help ??
Cordeledawg
Cordele, GA
(Zone 8a)

July 26, 2006
12:17 PM

Post #2550441

What my husband finnally decided to do was tear out the metal frames and build wooded frames out of 2x4's to install picture windows. Home depot will install new windows (15x 14 room) for around $6,000. More than we had hoped for but at least I'm going to have a nice sunroom sooner or later

What we are stuck on at the moment are several screws that have rusted into the anchors within the brick. We've tried driving a bit through the screw to back it out but can't drill deep enough. We don't have an industrial drill, just an electric screwdriver. I've sprayed the screw heads with lubricants but still can't get those suckers out. If your husband can advise us how to get those screws out I'd appreciate the help! We need the 2x4's to sit flush on the brick, that's why we need the screws out.
darius
So.Appalachian Mtns, VA
(Zone 5b)

July 26, 2006
12:27 PM

Post #2550477

Buy a set of Easy-Outs, available at HD for under $10.
fritoxtreme
Tallahassee, FL

August 03, 2006
12:28 PM

Post #2582689

a dremel multi tool with the fiberglass cutting wheel with take those screws off.
Cordeledawg
Cordele, GA
(Zone 8a)

August 03, 2006
01:00 PM

Post #2582789

Thanks!

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