A Closer Look at the Windows & Doors Porch Conversion Installs on the Coast to lessen the impact of Hurricane Season 2013!

Administrator — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:49:56 +0000

The North Atlantic hurricane season, officially kicked off last week. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the next six months could be rough for folks along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts in 2013. NOAA predicts that this is going to be a busy year for hurricanes, with an estimated 14 – 23 named storms in the Atlantic, up to seven of which could be major hurricanes. Headquartered in Wilmington, NC, Porch Conversion takes the Hurricane Season seriously and when we design our sun rooms this is just one of the things we consider in the design. We thought that you would like to take a closer look of the glass windows that we use in our sun rooms.

EPIC Series – High DP Vinyl Frame Windows

We have completed our new line of Epic Series windows and have received their FPA numbers. The line includes a Single Hung (8500), Horizontal Slider XO, OX and XOX (8600), and a Picture Window (8550.) Design pressures can reach +/-90 on Single Hung and +/-120 on Horizontal Slider units. The frame features a jamb thickness of 4-5/16″ and externally glazed IG of 1-1/8″. This is the perfect window for condos and multi-story applications. And to make it even better, these windows can be
installed from the inside of the building!

Prestige Collection Swing and French Doors

This is the first French door designed from scratch for replacement or new construction in coastal environments.

CWS invested nearly two years on the design and construction of this door and are proud to provide you with the most innovative hinge door system on the market today. All of the frame parts are machined on a state-of-the-art CNC cutting machine for accuracy. Stainless steel tie rods reinforce the stiles and prevent any cracking while maintaining the structural integrity. This door is available with many glazing options to enhance the beauty and efficiency of your home.

Just look at the features:

High design pressure – up to 100 DP with some glazing
Fully impact tested and rated with HVHZ approvals
Custom sizes

30 Billion Cicada’s to emerge in the North East- Are You Prepared?

Administrator — Thu, 30 May 2013 17:37:25 +0000

Thirty billion cicadas are poised to swarm the northeastern United States and have already began to emerge in some areas after spending the past 17 years underground. Many on the east coast will stay inside for four to six weeks while the cicadas dutifully buzz, breed, and die; others are dreading the inevitable clean-up of the billions of crunchy post-coital cicada corpses. For a lot of lucky people, they have already constructed their enclosed sunroom. They will be able to enjoy the outside without having thousands of these critters invade their home space.

For folks who have an enclosed sunroom, they will be able to enjoy their coffee. We can’t guarantee peace & quiet because experts have determined that the Cicada’s sound decibel could reach levels of being at a rock concert. You still have time to order and install before they emerge in some parts, but until then here are some facts about the Cicada’s:

Why do some people love cicadas?
Some are fascinated how nature responds to the processes and interplay of life on this planet. The cicada’s “purpose” is to replace itself for the continued existence of the species. Their strategy is fecundity and a nymphal stage that lasts up to seventeen years. The faithful iteration of their form and associated behaviors passed down through geologic time scales needs to be respected.
What sets cicadas apart from other insects?
Their remarkable circadian “clock”, which appears to be a single gene, prompts the cicada nymph when it is time to finally grow up and dig for daylight.

Why do they make that noise?
It’s cicada LOVE! The main buzzing you hear is a chorus-buzz by many males gathered together to attract females. When the females are detected by males they will make little wing-snaps, causing the males to create a species-specific love buzzzzzz in the hope of sealing the deal.

Where does the buzzing sound actually come from?
Tymbals. These are the sound producing organs of the male cicada. There are paired cavities covered by a membrane at the base of the abdomen surrounding rib-like structures attached to muscles cords. These muscles contract, deforming the “ribs” and causing them to SNAP into a tension position. As the muscles relax the rib snap back into its original shape. Do this fast enough and you get the BZZZZZZ you will come to love.

What advice would you give to people who are freaked out about the impending cicada invasion?
Depends upon the basis of their apprehension. If they have been through a mega-hatch before such as the one predicted for this May-June, their disquiet might be based upon volumes: volume in sheer numbers of insects and the volume of cicadas’ 100 decibel buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz 24/7 for several weeks.

Can cicadas hurt people? Do they bite?
Cicadas do not have chewing mouth parts so they cannot bite. They do have a proboscis (straw-like mouth part) used to suck plant juices. This feature could puncture the skin if the insect decided to taste you but it is very unlikely. Other ways cicadas could hurt someone is flying into their eye, e.g. while riding a motorcycle. While they like to climb up things and orient themselves on vertical surfaces, they could congregate on a road in sufficient numbers to cause a vehicle to lose control from multitudes of squashed bodies.

Many people just think cicadas are creepy. What is your response to this?
I think this effect arises from their face. Their eyes are multi-faceted and act as a jillion tiny retro-reflectors, whose shifting highlights creates the appearance of “following you.” They are also a relatively big insect and this often triggers some primal avoidance behaviors in humans.

Why do cicadas wait so long between appearances? What are they doing the whole time they’re underground?
The nymphs hatch and drop to the ground, burrowing down to any roots they can find where they undergo five nymphal stages before they emerge and become an Imago or adult form. All this is quite conventional, with some variations, for many insects until the years start rolling by. Why and how cicadas live so long is a big and basic question. What is in it for the cicada? What selective benefit does a long life span and coordinated emergence confer upon a species? One strategy is to overwhelm predators with more cicadas than they can possibly eat.

A Customer Testimonial

Administrator — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:18:21 +0000

Check out this video of another happy PorchConversion customer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRX3_TqvYOU&feature=youtu.be

Conservatories – a Beautiful Option!

Administrator — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:04:47 +0000

More than just a sunroom, a conservatory creates an elegant exterior flourish and a unique signature in your neighborhood.

Since the 17th century, conservatories have graced the lawns of European nobility and added space, style, and a genuine sense of luxury to many of the most enduring homes worldwide.

Their versatility and ethereal nature create a space unlike that found in any other room in your home.

The conservatory is truly the ultimate home addition.

While a Porch Conversion conservatory delivers the traditional European charm you expect, it’s engineered and constructed to meet the severe wind, heat, and snow conditions typical of North America. Your Porch Conversion conservatory will keep you safe and comfortable, all year round.

All Porch Conversion conservatories are custom designed and engineered for each particular installation. This gives the conservatory its strength and makes possible the wide expanses of open space which give the conservatory its ethereal character. The entiresystem is clad in PVCu to provide a wider range of colors and finishes and add thermal insulation. All members are
connected with a bolting system which eliminates unsightly external screw heads, fasteners and caulk.

Porch Conversion provides a breathtaking open space which will change the way you interact with your home.

We Now Construct Solar Sunrooms

Administrator — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:03:55 +0000

If you are considering a sunroom, think about the advantages of making your sunroom solar powered. PorchConversion now has a solar division http://www.solarpowersunrooms.com. Below is an excerpt on renewable energy that appeared in the Star News on May 5, 2012:

“Renewable technologies have had their successes. Solar now generates six times more electricity in the U.S. than it did a decade ago, and wind produces 18 times more. Most major automakers offer some type of electric vehicle.”

And a good explanation of renewable energy also from the Star News:

“RENEWABLE ENERGY: Energy derived from renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal or plant matter. This type of energy is growing fast in the U.S., but it remains a small contributor to the nation’s energy mix. Ten percent of U.S. gasoline demand was met with biofuels and 4.8 percent of the nation’s electricity was generated by wind, solar, and geothermal last year.”

Tips on Choosing a Sunroom Contractor

Administrator — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:17:11 +0000

Once you decide to have a sunroom built, the number of different sunroom companies and contractors available in can easily overwhelm you. How do you choose the right one? Anytime you are making a large investment in your home, you want to thoroughly research the company you plan to use for sunroom construction. And it should be a company that specializes in sunrooms – sunroom construction is unique and you want a contractor/company that has ample experience with the best designs and quality products.

Many homeowners start their sunroom research online. On their website, do they list how much experience they have and if they are licensed? Do they have pictures of actual sunrooms they have built? Is their contact information readily available – do they have a local phone number and address? Have they posted testimonials from their customers?

Apart from their website – what are other websites saying about the company? A great place to research sunroom contractors is Angie’s List. Sunroom companies and contractors don’t pay to be on Angie’s List so there is less chance of skewed results. They have a certified data collection process that prevents sunroom companies from writing their own reviews or reviews on competitors. No reviews are anonymous and sunroom companies can respond to complaints. Read sunroom contractors’ reviews carefully to get an idea of the quality of construction and customer service provided.

Once you make the decision to call a Sunroom company, ask if they provide free estimates. The company should have a knowledgeable person come out to your home to get an idea of the full scope of your sunroom project. The contractor should be able to answer your questions clearly and give you different options and pricing. They should be able to provide drawings if the homeowner requests them or if they are needed to get home owner association approval – as many subdivisions require in NC. Make sure the sunroom company handles building permits since many sunroom additions will require one.

Your sunroom contractor should provide you with a list of local references. They should encourage you to call past customers and even go see the sunrooms in person. The more references provided, the better. Make sure some of the references are of recent installations. Talking with past customers is also an efficient way to get an idea of the sunroom company’s customer service and communication.

Another factor to consider is the warranty offered by the company or contractor. The sunroom company or contractor you choose should offer a warranty on the parts and workmanship. A lifetime warranty is the best and could help you if any of your windows or other parts got broken in the future. This is also why you want a sunroom company that has been in business for a long time and has a good reputation. If you chose a sunroom company that goes out of business shortly after construction of your sunroom, you would be out of luck if anything were to get broken. You want a sunroom company that will stand behind their work.

Perhaps most importantly, after meeting with your sunroom professionals, do you feel comfortable? A good sunroom contractor should be able to put you at ease about the construction process. They should be upfront about the cost to ensure that there are no hidden expenses for the homeowner.

A reputable sunroom company will strive to create lasting relationships with homeowners. Contractors realize how vital word of mouth is in the sunroom business. They depend on referrals based on quality workmanship and excellent customer service. Homeowners should be completely satisfied with their sunroom and a good company will make sure that is the case.

Nothing Better than a Sunroom on a Rainy Day!

Administrator — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:32:33 +0000

When most people think of a sunroom, they envision all the bright natural light that will pour through their expansive glass windows. But on days like today, when its rainy and dreary, sunlight is hard to come by. But personally, a stormy day is my favorite time to enjoy my sunroom. I grab a good book and curl up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of coffee. I can watch the rain pouring down and enjoy the storm in total comfort. A spring thunderstorm can be just as beautiful as a sunny day!

How Long Will It Take to Build a Sunroom

Administrator — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:39:54 +0000

Building a sunroom in Wilmington, NC will vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. If our Porch Conversion Sunrooms crew is converting an existing screened in porch that already has a roof and foundation, construction can take as little as a day or two for a 3 season room – one made with vinyl EzeBreeze windows.

A four season room will take longer to build – it can take several weeks depending whether it is being built from scratch or it is a conversion. Of course, a larger space will take longer to construct.
The heating and cooling mechanisms the homeowner chooses can also impact the time frame. Interior finishings play a huge role in determining how long your sunroom will take to build. If the homeowner is opts to leave existing ceilings, walls, and floors it will take significantly less time to finish. For example, a customer who wants their walls to be sheet rocked and painted with crown molding will expect a longer construction time than one that chooses to keep an existing vinyl siding wall. Other factors that can add time to your Wilmington sunroom include skylights, decking off the sunroom, pet doors, and other custom features homeowners request.

Our experts at Porch Conversion Sunrooms will do their very best to be upfront about the time frame of the project. We analyze all the factors that go into the quality construction of your sunroom. We realize that construction can be an inconvenience and homeowners are anxious for their room to be completed as soon as possible. Keep in mind though, that unforeseen factors can sometimes delay the process. Building permits, inspections, and HOA requirements can add to the total time needed to complete your sunroom. Extreme weather like hurricanes and snow can interrupt construction, although this is rare. Porch Conversion Sunrooms will never sacrifice quality for speed. The job is not finished until the homeowner is 100 percent satisfied.

Decorating a Screened Porch

Administrator — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:10:20 +0000

How you decorate your screened in porch will depend on what screened in porch ideas you have for its main use. Many Wilmington homeowners use their screened in porch as another family room, a family room where the outdoors and indoors can be combined. The most common screened porch ideas for a family space include comfortable furniture in a conversational seating style. Please keep in mind when you are shopping for your screened in porch, that the furniture needs to be weather resistant. Some owners have the idea that a screened porch will be protected from rain, but that is not always the case. In Wilmington, wind will blow in rain, dirt, dust, and pollen to some extent. The most popular screened in porch ideas for furniture include wicker, wood, and rattan. Your Wilmington screened in porch will also get lots of natural sunshine so fabrics and furniture have the possibility of fading over time. There are several stores here in Wilmington who sell wonderful indoor/outdoor furniture. Many manufacturers make sun and water resistant fabric designed for outdoor and indoor use, specifically for patios, porches, and screened porches. If you have any doubt as to your furniture’s durability, make sure you ask the manufacturer and see what screened in porch ideas they might have.

Another great Wilmington screened in porch idea is using it as an additional dining room. You get all the advantages of eating al fresco without the annoying mosquitos and flies that are prevalent in Wilmington. Again, keep the outdoor elements in mind when thinking of screened in porch ideas for a dining area. Your table and chairs in your screened in room need to be fairly weather resistant – made with materials like composite wood, wrought iron, tile, and water and UV resistant seat cushions. Make sure you have ample seating in your screened in porch if you entertain often and plan on dining in your screened porch.

The furniture you chose to make your screened porch ideas a reality will really depend on your personal taste. Some owners stick with a neutral color pallet, while others prefer cool or warm tones for their screened in porch. Many Wilmington screened in porch homeowners really enjoy a cohesive color scheme while others opt for more eclectic ideas and furnishings. Are you going for a coastal look for your screened in porch, as many Wilmington locals do? Great coastal screened in porch ideas include white wicker furniture or rustic white wood framed furniture with cooler toned cushions.

Since the majority of screened porch floors are concrete or tile, a popular screened in porch idea is using an outdoor/indoor area rug. These are made with weather resistant material and can be quite striking in a screened in porch. You can place the rug underneath furniture to add a splash of color or use an oversized rug over the majority of the screened in porch floor to add softness and warmth to the whole room.

Other screened porch ideas include lighting fixtures and ceiling fans to help create the right mood. Wood and wrought iron fixtures can evoke a rustic atmosphere in your screened in porch. A tropical ceiling fan with large leaf-like blades can enhance a coastal style screened in porch. Soft lamplight and candles can also help make a screened in room shine. Be sure that all of the lighting in your screened in porch is exterior grade to withstand the elements.

Screened porch ideas for finishing touches include using shade-loving plants. This will help give you that indoor/outdoor atmosphere in your screened in porch. Wooden pictures, signs, and other wall décor can really help make your screened in porch a space that reflects your unique personal style. Please feel free to look around our website for more

What are The Flooring Options for a Sunroom, Four Season Room, or Three Season Room?

Administrator — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:57:13 +0000

PorchConversion can install any type of flooring that you choose for your new sunroom. The most popular flooring is ceramic tile because it is durable and low maintenance. The glaze on ceramic tile makes it moisture and stain resistant. This is especially important because the sunroom is often the first room people and pets enter from their yards, often with dirty feet! Ceramic tile is very long-lasting and will have minimal fading/aging from the abundant North Carolina sunshine. Ceramic tile is also very attractive and comes in many different styles, sizes, and colors. Ceramic tile will help give your sunroom a coastal feel.

Another popular choice is wood flooring. Wood is beautiful and can definitely give your sunroom a very natural feel. There are countless different types of wood and plank styles. There are some factors you need to take into account. UV rays from the bright sun can fade wood over time. Woods can also be expensive and higher maintenance. You must be careful when cleaning them. You can have the look of wood without some of the added expense with a nice wood laminate floor. These floors are fairly easy to install and will give your sunroom a warm and inviting look. It is not recommended to install hardwood or wood laminate flooring unless your have a climate controlled four season room.

Some homeowners opt for carpeting. Carpeting feels soft on your feet and can give your sunroom a cozy appearance. You can choose a color and style to suit any décor. Carpeting is easy to install and fairly easy to change out in the future if you redecorate. Disadvantages are that certain types can fade over time and be subject to stains. If your sunroom is a high traffic area, the carpet can get worn down. Homeowners can have some of the advantages of carpet by adding an area rug to tile or hardwood floors for a splash of color and warmth.

Vinyl flooring is another great low maintenance and inexpensive option. It can replicate the look of tile, wood, and stone at a fraction of the cost. Vinyl is very easy to install and clean. Higher quality vinyl can be very durable.

The above options are just some of the most popular choices for sunroom flooring. Homeowners have also used concrete, stamped concrete, cork, stone, brick, and even granite or marble. PorchConversion can help you with your design choices and help you determine with products will work best for your home and family.

PorchConversion.com Blog

A Closer Look at the Windows & Doors Porch Conversion Installs on the Coast to lessen the impact of Hurricane Season 2013!

30 Billion Cicada’s to emerge in the North East- Are You Prepared?

A Customer Testimonial

Conservatories – a Beautiful Option!

We Now Construct Solar Sunrooms

Tips on Choosing a Sunroom Contractor

Nothing Better than a Sunroom on a Rainy Day!

How Long Will It Take to Build a Sunroom

Decorating a Screened Porch

What are The Flooring Options for a Sunroom, Four Season Room, or Three Season Room?