Sunroom ideas - Help!

[tractorman99]

Artistic Enclosures


Screened Porches and SunRooms by Artistic Enclosures for Patio and Deck Enclosures

 

[skidoo]

can you replace the gable screens with ridge vent?
pretty quick, simple, and economical to do, and would solve the potential excess heat issue in the summer.

I'm thinking that may be a good option. Anyone with experience with them can you tell me if they may be more prone to allow insects in. Are there some ridge vent designs that work very good relative to insect intrusion or dead insect buildup. I may consider converting to a metal roof. Maybe there are more options available for that?

 

[Gittyup]

Ridge vents won't let bugs in, nor any build up. They are cheap and easy to install, and are generally viewed as "better" than gable vents because they span the whole roof. Usually they are coupled with vent openings in your soffits.

I had a similar situation when I added a garage. I took out one cable vent, added a ridge vent, and drilled vent holes in my soffits. I left the other gable vent as it doesn't hurt. Later I added a power vent on the roof. Not because of moisture, but just to remove the excess heat in the summer. My AC is now much more effective after doing that.

If you switch to steel, the venting will be unique to the steel system. I think steel systems also support a ridge vent design.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

the ridge vent I've used in the past had a fiberglass lining that let air flow through without letting bugs etc... in.
there are ridge systems for steel roofs.
there are also peel and stick solar PV electrical systems designed to go in between the ribs on a standing seam roof. (12" or 16") the power connections all tie together at the top under the ridge and feed into your house wiring thorugh the ridge vent.
of course, if you do this route, you'll also need some sort of breaker box tie-in/disconnect so you don't electrocute the utility workers during a power outage. (just like using a generator)