Can I Add a Sunroom to an Existing Deck?
In many ways, decks are a promise of things to come, especially during the winter when they may go unused for weeks or months on end. Excessive heat and inclement weather can also keep homeowners from enjoying their outdoor living areas as much as they’d like. If you’re tired of having to abandon your deck on days that aren’t idea for being outside, you may have given some thought to a sunroom. But is building a new addition on an existing deck advisable, let alone feasible? The answer is a resounding – “It depends.”
If you’re thinking about converting your deck into a sunroom, the first step is to have it inspected by an engineer or a company that specialized in sunroom construction. Not all decks are built to the same standards, and even those that appear to be in good condition, with no visible insect damage or rot, may still be inadequate as a foundation for a major addition. Sunrooms weigh a ton. Literally. That means a deck has to be able to support far more than an outdoor grill and some patio furniture. A professional inspector will carefully examine all decking components, including piers, joists, post, and carrier beams to determine the upper safe limits of its loadbearing capabilities. If your deck passes inspection, congratulations! The next step is to work with a contractor to select a sunroom design that suits your needs while also fitting your deck.
If, on the other hand, your deck does not meet the requirements for supporting a sunroom, there are two options. The first is to modify the deck with structural reinforcements. This may include adding more piers, joists, and cement footers, as well as pouring a new concrete foundation. The alternative is to remove the deck entirely and build a new one from scratch. While this is the most expensive option, it also provides the greatest amount of flexibility since your new deck can be customized to perfectly suit any size or style of sunroom you may choose, as well as having additional space for outdoor amenities such as benches, pergolas, and railings.
If you live in the San Diego area and are contemplating a new addition to your home, Pacific Patio can help. Having successfully completed thousands of additions since opening our doors in 1989, we are the sunroom, deck, and pergola experts in Southern California. Contact us today and schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation with one of our representatives to learn more about what we can do for you.
