Converting a Screened Porch to an Enclosed Sunroom

Converting a screened porch to an enclosed sunroom is one of the most popular home improvements in Florida. You already have the structure—now you want protection from the elements and year-round comfort. Here's what's involved in making that transformation.

Why Convert to a Sunroom?

A screened porch is great, but a sunroom offers more:

• Climate control: Heat and air conditioning
• Weather protection: Use the space during any weather
• Fewer bugs: Complete enclosure vs screens
• Year-round use: Comfortable in any season
• Added living space: Becomes a true room, not just outdoor area
• Home value: Enclosed space adds more value than screened

For many homeowners, a sunroom becomes the most-used room in the house.

Assessing Your Existing Porch

Not every screened porch converts equally well. Evaluate:

Structural condition:

• Is the existing frame sound and square?
• Can it support windows and a solid roof?
• Is the floor level and in good condition?
• Are posts and beams adequate or do they need reinforcement?

Roof situation:

• Is the existing roof solid or screen-only?
• Does it need replacement regardless?
• Can it support insulated panels?

Size and orientation:

• Is it large enough to be useful as interior space?
• Which direction does it face (affects heating/cooling)?
• Are there any code setback issues?

A professional assessment identifies what's needed before you commit.

Roof Options for Conversions

The roof is critical for sunroom comfort:

Keep existing roof:

• Only if solid, well-insulated, and in good condition
• May need added insulation
• Saves money if roof is adequate

Install insulated panel roof:

• Best option for Florida sunrooms
• Insulated panels (R-12 to R-24)
• Keeps space 10-15° cooler than non-insulated
• Supports ceiling fans and lights
• Provides finished ceiling appearance

Standard aluminum roof:

• Less expensive upfront
• Poor thermal performance (gets very hot)
• Loud during rain
• Not recommended for enclosed, conditioned spaces

For a comfortable sunroom, insulated roofing is essential—not optional.

Window and Wall Options

Enclosing the porch requires walls and windows:

Window types:

• Single-hung: Most affordable, one moving sash
• Horizontal sliders: Good for wide openings
• Casement: Crank-out operation, good ventilation
• Fixed glass: Maximum light, no ventilation

Wall systems:

• Knee walls + windows: Partial wall to window height, then windows
• Floor-to-ceiling windows: Maximum light and views
• Combination: Mix of windows and solid panels

Glass options:

• Double-pane insulated (minimum for Florida)
• Low-E coating (reflects heat, saves energy)
• Impact-resistant (hurricane protection)
• Tinted (reduces glare and heat)

Consider your orientation—south and west facing need more heat rejection.

Electrical and HVAC

Converting to a sunroom typically requires:

Electrical:

• Outlets (code requires specific spacing)
• Lighting (ceiling fixtures, can lights)
• Ceiling fan pre-wire
• Possibly subpanel if extensive

Climate control options:

• Extend existing HVAC (if capacity allows)
• Mini-split system (independent, efficient)
• Baseboard or wall heaters (supplemental)
• No AC (only for three-season rooms)

Plan electrical and HVAC before closing in walls—easier to run during construction.

Flooring Considerations

Your existing porch floor may need attention:

• Concrete in good condition: Can be stained, tiled, or covered with vinyl/laminate
• Concrete with cracks/level issues: May need repair or overlay
• Wood deck: Usually needs subfloor system for finished flooring
• Slope for drainage: May need leveling for enclosed space

The floor should be level and suitable for interior use.

Permits and Codes

Porch-to-sunroom conversions require permits in Florida:

• Building permit for enclosure
• Electrical permit for new wiring
• Possibly HVAC permit depending on scope
• Must meet current building codes (including wind loads)
• May require engineering for structural modifications

We handle all permitting as part of our conversion projects.

Cost Expectations

Conversion costs vary based on scope:

Basic conversion (12x16 porch):

• Standard windows and basic roof: $15,000-$25,000

Mid-range conversion:

• Insulated roof, quality windows, basic HVAC: $25,000-$40,000

Premium conversion:

• Insulated panels, impact windows, mini-split, electrical: $40,000-$60,000+

Factors affecting cost:

• Existing structure condition (repairs needed?)
• Roof type (standard vs insulated panels)
• Window quality and type
• HVAC requirements
• Electrical scope
• Flooring work needed

Timeline

Typical porch-to-sunroom conversion timeline:

• Design and permit: 2-4 weeks
• Materials ordering: 1-2 weeks
• Construction: 2-4 weeks depending on scope

Total: 5-10 weeks from start to finish. Weather and permit processing can affect timeline.

Is Conversion Right for You?

Good candidates for conversion:

• Sound existing structure
• Good size (at least 10x12)
• Favorable orientation
• Budget for insulated roof and climate control

Consider new construction instead if:

• Existing porch is in poor condition
• Major structural work needed
• Want significantly larger space
• Different location would be better

Pro Specialty Services handles complete porch-to-sunroom conversions throughout Lake County, including sunroom roofing, windows, and finishing. We can assess your existing porch and provide options for your conversion.