Draft-proofing your sunroom should be a priority before the cold season arrives if you want to keep enjoying it as much in winter as you did in summer.
Sunrooms—often called conservatories, solariums, or garden rooms—can be challenging to keep at a comfortable temperature. They frequently become too warm in the summer and uncomfortably cold in the winter. Fortunately, there are ways to make them cozier.
We consulted several experts for their top DIY draft-proofing hacks to ensure your sunroom stays warm, no matter how low the temperature drops outside.
1. Seal Any Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Even if you've taken steps to avoid common heating errors in your sunroom, it can still feel too cold during winter if drafty windows and doors aren't addressed.
"All windows and doors have small gaps and cracks in the trim and framing that hold them in place," explains Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration LLC. "Sunrooms, which often feature more expansive and thinner windows, struggle more with maintaining a consistent internal temperature. Sealing these gaps can greatly enhance thermal consistency. Just apply caulking and weather sealant, and enjoy the savings on your energy bill."
"I recommend using flexible fillers, decorators' caulk, or weatherstripping to fill in any gaps around windows and walls," adds Timothy Wood, founder and CEO of Fix It Today. "Spray foam insulation can also be a great investment to help prevent heat loss from the ceiling."
All prices correct at time of publication.
Two-pack
This caulk is ideal for sealing gaps around windows and doors, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It won't shrink, is mold and mildew resistant, and dries in just 30 minutes, making it user-friendly for beginners.
Cut to size
Offering great value, this three-pack of adhesive weatherstripping comes in 50ft lengths and can be easily cut to fit your windows and doors. It not only keeps out drafts but also noise.
Four colors
Designed for placement beneath doors to keep out cold drafts, this stylish draft excluder can also be positioned beneath windows on a sill. It's machine washable, which adds to its convenience.
2. Use Tinted Glass or Window Film
While many associate window film with preventing overheating in a sunroom, certain types can actually help retain warmth as well. Given the cost of a sunroom, maximizing its usability is beneficial.
"Applying clear plastic insulation film to your windows is one of the most affordable and effective methods to improve insulation—sometimes by up to 90%," shares Yaeir Moinzadeh, a licensed contractor and owner of Blue Rise Baltimore Roofing.
This shrinkable window film provides a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to insulate your sunroom windows. The sheets fit standard-size windows, and all you need is a hairdryer to shrink them to size.
3. Install Thermal Curtains or Blinds
While you may want to enjoy natural light in your sunroom, quality thermal curtains can help retain warmth as night falls. For smaller sunrooms, thermal blinds, available at Wayfair, can be more space-efficient.
"To maintain warmth in your sunroom overnight, when heat loss is most significant, consider adding thick thermal curtains and closing them at night," advises Josh Rudin. "This will minimize the air's contact with the cold glass, thereby reducing heat transfer."
"Thermal curtains or blinds can truly make a difference," agrees Yaeir Moinzadeh. "They can significantly reduce heat loss through large windows, and installation is quite simple. Opt for light-colored curtains facing the window to reflect heat back into the room."
These curtains not only block out drafts and cold, but they are also useful in the summer for preventing overheating. Available in various colors, they are machine washable for added convenience.
4. Add Heavy Rugs
This is a commonly used tactic for homeowners wanting to keep a poorly insulated house warm. Soft rugs can help significantly with draft-proofing. While you may not want to install wall-to-wall carpeting in your sunroom, adding a large, thick rug (or two) is a fantastic idea.
"Consider a thick, insulating rug—not just for aesthetics," suggests Yaeir Moinzadeh.
If your sunroom serves as a pathway from the backyard to your home, choose a rug that is easy to clean or better yet, machine washable.
This rug is designed for a lived-in look, adding a relaxed feel to your sunroom. Available in various sizes, it can endure high foot traffic and is even machine washable.
5. Pay Attention to the Ceiling
If your sunroom features a glazed ceiling, check it for drafts just as you would windows and doors.
When preparing your home for cold weather, consider ways to draw the warm air back down into the sunroom.
"A common oversight is neglecting the ceiling," notes Yaeir Moinzadeh. "As heat rises, it can accumulate near the ceiling. Installing a ceiling fan that rotates clockwise can help circulate warm air back down into the room."
This easy-to-install ceiling fan can run in reverse and features a color-changing light, allowing you to create various effects and moods in your sunroom as the day comes to an end.
FAQs
Does a sunroom need ventilation?
If you're exploring ways to enhance ventilation in your home, it's essential to consider this for your sunroom as well.
"A common error in keeping the sunroom warm is overdoing the sealing," cautions Herbert Post, VP of safety and health at Tradesafe. "In our focus on sealing gaps, we often forget the need for proper ventilation, which can lead to condensation and mold growth."
There are several methods to ventilate a sunroom. If possible, you can connect it to your HVAC system. If that's not feasible, consider investing in a portable air conditioner.
This Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier from Amazon helps balance humidity levels and introduces fresh air.
Alternatively, you might consider adding a vent fan, which works like an exhaust fan but allows hot air from the ceiling to escape outside.
Meet the experts
Joshua Rudin is the Owner of ASAP Restoration, LLC and a Certified Restorer. Before opening the doors in 2008, Joshua had a successful career in the restaurant industry for over two decades.
Yaeir Moinzadeh is an MHIC licensed contractor and the owner of Blue Rise Baltimore Roofing.
As winter approaches, familiarize yourself with how to prepare your home for cold weather—you don't want to deal with burst pipes or boiler issues.
