Wednesday, February 2, 2003

Bring Back the Porch

(ARA) - Many Americans love the idea of porch living: the beauty of nature, birds chirping, a light breeze and lemonade. Too often however, humidity, bugs and rain drive us back inside, leaving the porch or deck unused.

Homeowners who want to enjoy their porch or deck more have discovered the benefits of enclosing all or part of their outdoor living areas with glass, creating a seasonal or year round retreat.

Enclosing a porch or deck with glass is the most cost-effective way to create a sunroom, according to Marc Fox of Patio Enclosures, Inc., North America's largest custom manufacturer and installer of glass enclosures.

"Homeowners are so pleased when we tell them they can save money by utilizing an existing cement porch slab and an overhang. We simply enclose the room with sliding glass doors or large windows and screens that are customized to fit their particular space," reports Fox.

The porch is transformed from a place only usable when the weather is right, to added living space that lets the homeowner "control the weather." Imagine staying out late on a warm summer night in screened comfort, even when the mosquitoes are biting, or watching the sunrise with a warm cup of coffee on a crisp fall morning. Envision experiencing a rainstorm, cozy and dry, from inside your new glass-enclosed porch.

By enclosing a porch with glass, a homeowner can actually turn outdoor space into indoor space, with the flexibility of screens to bring the outdoors in at any time. Three-season rooms are often decorated with wicker, rattan or wrought iron furniture for a casual, outdoor look. Vertical blinds or pleated shades give the room a finished feeling and add privacy and temperature control. Homeowners often find their new sunrooms make relaxing family recreation areas and lovely places to dine.

Adding a glass enclosure will increase the value of a home as well. The return on investment is 70 percent nationwide, and even more in areas where the weather is harsh, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

When considering a three-season glass enclosure, keep in mind that because it is not designed to be heated, it is typically closed off from the rest of the house in winter. If you want to use your room all year round, use insulated glass. Insulated glass, although it is more expensive, enables the room to be effectively heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer months.

With both types of rooms you can select full-length sliding doors, or sliding windows, which are built over a short knee wall. Either way, be sure to use 100 percent tempered glass for safety. Tempered glass is stronger than regular window glass and will not break as easily.

For a free booklet about creating a glass enclosure on your home, call (800) 480-1966 or visit www.patioenclosuresinc.com.

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