Our New Sunroom Windows

The sunroom in this house was a later addition made by the previous owners. It was ugly and in desperate need of a complete facelift but definitely had potential to be a very nice room to sit and visit while enjoying the view of the open backyard and pond.

You can see the windows here in the middle of the replacement. The ones on the left wall are the new ones and the ones on the wall opposite the camera are the old ones before the new big ones went in.

Because the sunroom can make or break a house, we had to pay careful attention to every detail before just diving in.

Our first order of business was to address the windows.

There were 11 total and an old swing door that was so far out of being square you could actually see daylight in a couple areas around the door when closed.

The seals on nearly every window were bad and a foggy, cloudy mess could be seen between the two window panes on each of these windows.

There were four windows on the east side, five on the south wall, and two and the cruddy door on the west.

We had Renewal by Anderson Windows come out and give us some ideas and options. While we usually do things ourselves, I couldn’t make the windows I wanted in there and having someone else do them freed me up for some other projects in that room.

They were very expensive, but did a very nice job installing high quality windows. The final plan was to replace the four existing windows on the east wall and the two on the west with new lifetime warranted Anderson windows of the same size and configuration. I would later replace the junk man door on the west wall with a new slider.

For the south facing wall, which had the nicest view, we decided to replace the five single windows with two gigantic tempered windows that would really open up the viewing area. These were custom built and took months to get in.

The crew of 4 or 5 guys showed up and a couple paired up working on the direct replacements on the east and west walls while another team started on the larger project on the southern side.

I was surprised how fast they were able to remove the old single windows and replace them with the new ones, along with new J channel and calking.

They had all six of these done on the first day, along with some teardown and prep for the big windows. The following day the team showed up early and got right to work. They had all five windows on the southern wall out and the entire wall opened up in little over an hour.

They had to tear out the old weak, improper headers above all five of the old windows and install a strong proper header spanning the entire wall from two very long 2x12s. These were supported on the sides by new framework as well as along the bottom and the middle.

As soon as the new framework was built, they carefully hauled in and placed the two new massive windows, one at a time. Once square and level, they fastened them into place. They installed new sheetrock around the big windows on the inside, and called in a different two man team to finish up the corners and mud.

This was the only bad experience.

This two-man team was outsourced, and not actual Anderson employees, and it showed. The lead guy claimed to have 40 years experience with sheetrock and mud work, but the job they did was so bad I ended up tearing off everything they did over two days and re-doing it myself.

We knew the house needed some foundation work, which we had already scheduled in a couple months. With this in mind, there were a couple trim pieces and vinyl siding that was left off. After the foundation work was complete, the Anderson team would then return, reset the two big windows, if needed, and then finish installing the last of the trim and siding.

We weren’t certain we would ever see the Anderson team again, but sure enough, as soon as we told them the foundation work was done they showed up and finished their job.

Again, they were very expensive, but did an excellent job with high quality windows. It was a little more expensive to go with the two large windows on the south side instead of the original five, but so worth it. It’s almost as if that entire wall is one big sheet of glass. It really opened it up and allowed a much less obstructed view.

Sunroom Windows: Your Top Questions Answered

What types of windows are best for a sunroom?

Casement windows, sliding windows, and fixed pane windows are popular choices. Casement windows provide excellent ventilation, sliding windows are space-efficient, and fixed panes offer unobstructed views.

How do I ensure energy efficiency in my sunroom windows?

Look for double or triple-pane glass with low-E coating and gas fills like argon or krypton. These features reduce heat transfer, keeping your sunroom comfortable year-round.

Can I install different types of windows in one sunroom?

Yes, mixing window styles can provide both functionality and aesthetics. Just ensure the styles complement each other and meet your sunroom’s specific needs.

How much does it cost to replace windows in a sunroom?

Costs vary widely depending on size, style, and material. Generally, expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 per window for high-quality replacements.

Will new windows help with temperature control?

Absolutely. High-quality windows reduce heat gain in summer and prevent heat loss in winter, making your sunroom more comfortable throughout the year.

Do I need special permits to install new sunroom windows?

Permit requirements depend on local regulations. Contact your local building authority to determine if you need one.

How long does window installation take?

Typically, it takes 1-3 days, depending on the number and complexity of the windows. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done efficiently.

Can I DIY the window installation for my sunroom?

You ABSOLUTELY can. There is enough information out there to learn how to DIY ( we DIY MOST everything we can, unless we have to custom order something – which is what happened with the large windows). However, be mindful that incorrect installation can lead to energy loss, leaks, and costly repairs.

How do I maintain my sunroom windows?

Regular cleaning and inspections help maintain their condition. Check seals and caulking periodically to prevent leaks and drafts.