Complete guide to 3-season solariums in Quebec

The 3-season solarium is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to extend your living space in Quebec. It allows you to enjoy natural light, be protected from the wind and mosquitoes. spring until the end of autumn, without the costs of a full four-season expansion.

What is a 3-season sunroom?

A 3-season solarium is a free-standing or wall-mounted glass room, designed to be used at spring, in summer and in autumn, but not an insulated shed for winter, but a true 4-season extension.

It is generally made up of:

• of a Aluminum or steel structure
• of Single, acrylic, or vinyl glass windows or panels
• from a light roof (insulated or not, depending on the model)

Differences with a closed gallery

The two are often confused. A screened-in porch is often an existing wooden structure onto which screens have been added. A modern 3-season sunroom, like those from Solarium Ez Sun, is an engineering structure (often aluminum) equipped with sliding windows (made of glass or shape-memory polymer).

It offers superior water and windproofing compared to a simple mosquito net.

3-Season Solarium Usage Period

A 3-season sunroom is distinguished by:

• Usage period
  • Usable generally from March/April until October/November, depending on the region and the orientation of the house.
  • In winter, the room becomes colder and is not considered a permanently heated living space.
• Differences with a closed gallery or a simple mosquito net
  • A screened-in porch or mosquito shelter primarily offers a Insect protection, but often lets in the cold, wind, and sometimes rain.
  • The 3-season solarium, on the other hand, uses continuous fenestration (glass or vinyl) which cuts out the wind and rain, offers more comfort and better waterproofing.
• Differences with a 4-season solarium
  • The 4 seasons is Isolated, heated and usable year-round.
  • The 3 seasons is lighter, uninsulated, and environ 25 à 35 % moins cher at equivalent surface

3-Season Sunroom Types

3-Season Sunroom Attached to the House

This is the most common model. The structure is attached directly to the wall of your house, often over an existing patio door. It becomes a direct extension of your kitchen or living room.

3-season freestanding solarium

A solarium can also be detached from the house, for example:

• at the back of the property
• by the pool
• Spa shelter

It works like a glass pavilion or a closed gazebo, ideal for enjoying the view while staying sheltered.

Transformation of an existing gallery or patio

If you already have a roof over your balcony (covered patio), you do not need to rebuild everything. At Solarium Ez Sun, we can install custom fenestrated walls (with our polymer or glass windows) to close your existing structure and transform it into a waterproof sunroom.

Many projects consist of:

• close an already covered gallery with three-season windows
• transform an existing balcony or patio into a real glass-enclosed solarium
• reuse the existing structure reduce costs and limit the work

It is often the most cost-effective solution when the current structure is in good condition.

How much does a 3-season solarium cost?

Cost factors

The price varies enormously depending on:

• Size: A 10x10 costs less than a 12x16.
• The base: Do you already have a solid patio, or will you need to build a slab/structure?
• Materials: The Ez Sun polymer offers excellent value compared to tempered glass, while also being lighter (which saves on foundation costs).

Price ranges

While it's difficult to give an exact price without a visit, a turnkey 3-season solarium project in Quebec often ranges between 15,000 $and 35,000 $ +, including structure and installation. Transforming an existing gallery (walls only) is obviously more economical. For an exact price, a quote is necessary.