6 Expert Tips for Enclosing a Porch for a Living Space

Maybe you want to expand the livable square footage of your home. Or, maybe you want to spend more time connected to nature without fully enduring the elements. Enclosing a porch for a living space can embody both of these desires, but it requires a great deal of planning for homeowners. 

From aesthetics to safety, there’s a lot to consider before you can make any design moves for an enclosed porch. Here are the six expert tips to make the most of this new area of your home. 

1. Have a Goal in Mind

Before starting the construction process, have a clear goal for the space. In other words, what do you want to use the enclosed porch for? It might seem straightforward, but everyone has a different purpose in mind for this extension of their living spaces. 

Is it a front porch you’ll want to use as a mud room? A sunroom for lounging and relaxation? A greenhouse for your plants?

Knowing your goals will help you decide on the right materials, furniture, and color scheme for your space. You will have a clearer idea of the design you want to go with, influencing which windows and doors are right for the enclosed porch. 

If you need something custom to get the desired effect, you can start to plan for it from the beginning. 

2. Let in the Light

This is your opportunity to make this new space very different from the rest of your home. The best way to make this difference notable is by installing large floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light. The effect is a sunroom that seems closer to nature and gives you the feeling of being connected to the world around you. 

Plus, you can add lots of plants and greenery to your new enclosed space because they’ll get far more sun than other places in your home.  

Slim profiles give you an unobstructed view of the great outdoors. Panda Windows & Doors offers some of the thinnest profiles without sacrificing security and durability. These doors and windows are not bulky or hard to maneuver, making it easy for anyone to move from inside to outside. 

What if you want something more private for your enclosed space? If that’s the case, you can explore cladding systems like PandaTEK that offer a stunning, modern look for your enclosed space without compromising on your privacy.

3. Consider Your Door Type

Some homes will have porches that are small, narrow, or have a limited amount of space. In these situations, you might consider sliding glass doors over folding or French doors. Sliding doors allow you to maximize your space and give you more freedom for furniture options in an enclosed area. 

Our glass wall systems marry the best parts of large windows, doors, and walls together. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you should also consider a door that is hurricane-rated to minimize damage in the event of a natural disaster.

4. Upgrade to Recessed Tracks

If you’re looking for a truly seamless transition between your home and the enclosed porch, then you need a recessed track. This makes walking from one part of the home to the next smooth with no trip hazards. 

We offer many doors with recessed tracks to make the transition as simple and elegant as possible. 

5. Don’t Forget Hardware 

Of course, there is more to choosing the right windows and doors for your space than aesthetics alone. One of the most overlooked aspects of enclosing a porch for a living space is the hardware. Hardware installed on your new exterior should be strong and secure enough to resist bad weather or forced entry. 

For many would-be burglars, sliding doors tend to be the weak point that permits them access to the rest of the home. Instead, invest in sliding door security like laminated glass and a quality frame. Multi-point locking systems keep thieves from prying open the lock or forcing the door off its track.  

In addition, you should look for corrosion resistance in coastal areas where salt in the air could lead to rust and degradation of the metal. 

6. Maintain a Comfortable Temperature

Think about it: when your sunroom is hit by direct sunlight, the wide-open windows and sliding glass doors can make it feel like an oven. Or, in winter, your windows might not have enough insulation to keep out the winter chill. 

If you want to enclose your porch for a living space, it needs to be comfortable! Eliminate some of these issues by using thermally broken glass to help keep your desired temperature throughout your home. The thermally broken systems prevent the flow of thermal energy and protect against the elements.

However, this won’t correct all temperature concerns with your new enclosed porch. Unless you install air conditioning and heat as part of your upcoming project, your enclosed porch will likely still be slightly warmer or colder than the rest of your home. Thermally broken glass simply makes it a less extreme difference. 

That said, this can be a good thing. After all, imagine cozying up in your sunroom on a crisp winter day, tucked under your favorite blanket and cradling a warm cup of tea. The sunroom can offer a desirable compromise between the too-cold outdoors and the too-warm of your main home.

Build Your Dream Enclosing a Porch for Living Space

With some of these tips in mind, you can take the first steps toward creating a unique space that differs from the rest of your home. To get the stunning look you are after, you will need windows and doors that match the height, width, and shape of your space.

Panda Windows & Doors can make your vision a reality. We pride ourselves on offering custom, premium-quality windows and doors made to your exact specifications. When you’re ready to make the most of your new enclosed porch, contact us to learn more about our offerings!