Betterliving Sunrooms of New Hampshire Q&A

We recommend professional installation for your awnings, to achieve the best use and operation. We also manufacture a line of Do-It-Yourself awning.

Awnings and canopies are primarily a sun shade, not a rain cover. As such, the fabric is designed to "breathe" so you don't swelter under your awning. Our Teflon® coating helps repel moisture, but it is not waterproof. Keeping the awning extended during a heavy rain will cause water to collect in the fabric and could cause the awning to collapse.

Retract the awning or canopy for winter. If your awning has a hanging valance, remove it by sliding it out from the front bar. Put it in a well ventilated dry area where it won't be bothered by squirrels or mice. Don't store it in a plastic bag, as this will trap moisture and could produce mildew.

People use the extra space the sunrooms provide as a place to retreat and relax. Some people use their sunrooms for: family rooms, library/reading room, dining and entertaining areas, as a playroom for children or grandchildren, workplace area, exercise room, reading room, room to do arts and crafts, a room to gaze out at the stars or simply a room to close your eyes for a few minutes on a Saturday afternoon. The possibilities are endless.

Awnings block 97% of the harmful UV rays. They significantly improve the comfort of your patio or deck.

Our awnings come with a variety of options and the best way to find out about them is to call us and schedule an in-home consultation.  All consultations and estimates are FREE.

• Motor options include remote control operation, switch operation, motorized with manual capability for areas with frequent power outages, and automatic sun and wind sensors.

• Telescoping legs for extra stabilization

• Vario Valance for additional screening

• Awning light bar

• Retractable canopies

• Pergola canopies

• Under pergola covers

• Exterior solar shades

Tempered glass is the safest. It breaks into tiny pebble–like pieces, while standard glass breaks in sharp serrated debris. Single pane windows have just one pane of glass. They offer less insulation protection from heat or cold. Double pane (or insulated) glass contains a sealed air pocket between the inner and outer panes to resist the flow of heat. Find out if Low-E glass is available. Think about how you plan to use your sunroom, and choose the type of glass that is most appropriate for your needs and budget.

Awnings, canopies and shades will lower your cooling costs. In addition, the benefit of retractable awnings is that you can allow the winter sun into your home for extra warmth.

• Why should I choose a sunroom over a standard room addition?

• What size sunrooms are available?

• How long will it take to build my sunroom?

• Why should I do business with you?

• Why are you the best at what you do?

• Tell me about the company that is going to manufacture the materials for my sunroom.

• How many rooms have your crews built?

• What type of Warranty is available?

• Are your installers' employees of your company or are they subcontractors?

• Who trains your installation staff?

• What percentage of your overall business are sunrooms?

• What is the process for obtaining a building permit for the sunroom?

• Is there a sunroom that your company has recently built that we could see?

A sunroom is designed for comfortable outdoor living – it's not "just another room in the house." The expense for a sunroom can be considerably lower than a conventional room addition. Unlike conventional construction, a typical sunroom can be built in as little as a week with little mess or disturbance to your lifestyle. Because sunrooms have the feel of the outdoors, they have a different feel than a typical family room. They lend themselves to casual furnishings such as wicker and rattan, and provide a wonderful environment for plants. Most sunroom owners say it is their favorite room in the house.

Many reasons: sunrooms expand your living space and increase the value of your home. They bring the outdoors inside and offer an area for relaxation and enjoyment.

Homeowners who sell their homes say their sunroom helped their homes sell quickly, and they received a more than reasonable return on their sunroom investment. Families who have sunrooms talk about them as a place to relax, de-stress, and get away from it all.

Aside from being an investment that enhances your own personal lifestyle – you'll get value when you sell.