The Difference Between a Sunroom & a Conservatory Thursday, December 12, 2019

When you're thinking about adding a new room onto your home, you may hear the words "sunroom" and "conservatory" used interchangeably, but these two terms are actually quite different from each other. There are several differences in their structure and materials used to construct them.

Learn about the differences between sunrooms and conservatories for central Florida homes in Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel, and nearby areas.

What Is a Conservatory?

Often confused with a greenhouse, a conservatory is a room on the side of a home that has glass or polycarbonate roofing and walls. It's a perfect room for growing plants and protecting them from wind, but it's also a room where the homeowner and their family can gather and enjoy the weather without worrying about the nuisance of bugs such as mosquitoes.

Generally, this room is not connected to a home's heating or cooling system, which means it could end up getting rather warm or cold in there depending on the season. There is no protection from the sun since the roof is completely see-through, meaning this room gets a lot more sun than a sunroom would.

A Sunroom Has a Roof that Protects from the Sun

On the other hand, a sunroom does have a roof, usually made from tile or shingles. This roof helps to insulate the sunroom, especially when the sunroom is usually connected to the house's cooling system. The walls of a sunroom are usually predominantly glass or vinyl windows which provide better insulation, giving you a room that can be used no matter what the temperature outside may be. These rooms can become a dining room, family room, office, or another type of room.

Which Is Better: Conservatory or Sunroom?

Ultimately, the choice is up to you when it comes to choosing a conservatory or a sunroom. It also depends on what you plan to use the room for, whether that's a place for plants or for people to gather. In our area of central Florida, we generally recommend that you choose a sunroom when you're thinking about adding a living area to your home. We have several days during the year that are very warm, which could make it more difficult to enjoy a new space.

Conservatories are probably better suited for areas that are north of us unless you want to add on a space specifically for growing plants and protecting them from the elements.

Have you been considering adding a sunroom to your central Florida home?

At True Aluminum, we design and build quality, custom sunrooms that look beautiful and add value to your property as well as new, livable space. If you've been considering adding a sunroom to your home in central Florida areas such as Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel, and more, then give us a call today at (863) 804-6021 to learn more. You can also submit our online contact form and one of our team members will reach out to you shortly to discuss your needs!