Front view of deck / pergola
Asked on Aug 24, 2019
How can I convert a deck and pergola to a 4-season sun room?
by
Zanne
+2
I wish to enjoy the deck and continue growing my plants outside , I am looking for an economical way to enclose the deck pergola .1) I can't figure out how and the correct way to cover as the pergola is approximately 3 feet away from house and slider 2)what would the proper materials to use be as I hope to enjoy all year any advice , suggestions , ideas would be very appreciated as fall is in the air here in Connecticut and I am 🤔 I have PTSD from being at the Las Vegas Massacre and am home unless I am going to the Dr or therapy and I can't bear to part with the planting ,sunshine, and calm area I have enjoyed all summer.Thank You Very Much For Your Help 🤦♀️🌴😁😇🙏
Another pergola to the side of deck , of course if I could I would enclose that too
Space between deck / pergola that I can't wrap my mind around ???
The other side of same ares with different angle to house long
Longer view of area from the house slider
Different angle to house slider, I would like enclosed for ease of use , and possibly added warmth into house on sunny days
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfU_uzzsIUQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jhqbnM-5XQ
Get some free estimates from sunroom builders and ask lots of questions on how they would build it. Then you can decide if it is a project you could take on or if in fact you need a professional.
you could use glass storm doors or old sliding glass doors to enclose outer edges https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LytUeaRKHnQ with lightweight plastic clear corrugated sheets as roofing or do it like greenhouse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYxcXNRLjHw&t=283s more info. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4vU-jdaVY8 more https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=DIY+corrugated+plastic+greenhouses you could run heater on extension cord while it's cold and winter having it on just while you are sitting out there or add small wood burning stove of some kind; additional insulation idea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fw-_yGhJAE more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8jZ_le9-c4
Given what's there, you can't magically turn it into a 4 season room. The deck boards below require insulation/waterproofing. The pergola likely will require proper footings to foundation. Walls & roof + insulation/weatherproofing. This construction will need a building permit and then it's a whole 'nother set of requirements. You will be better off with a free standing greenhouse.
As beautiful as your deck and pergola are, especially in Connecticut, nothing existing is a starting point. It would all need to be demolished and start from scratch as a proper room addition to meet building code. Anything attached to an existing structure needs blueprints to be submitted for approval in order to obtain a building permit and inspection schedule. Here is how to hire a contractor:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor
Or use Lynn and Robyn's suggestion and turn the existing structure into a makeshift greenhouse.