I've been living in my home for about seven years now, and I'm considering what to do with this 400 sqft area that has a roof made of 4.5 aluminum panels. The house was built in the 1950s, and I think this space was originally a sun room. The previous owner covered it with drywall and windows. I'm unsure if the walls have insulation, especially since one wall shares space with the garage, which has exposed wood beams. During the day, our AC barely keeps the temperature down, and it can rise to 84-87°F on really hot days. Since the area is on a raised foundation and a few steps lower than the rest of the house, it seems like it used to be a sun room. My main questions are: Can I replace the roof? If so, what would that typically cost? Also, how can I add insulation to help keep the space cooler?
1 Answer
First thing I'd suggest is to figure out where the issues are, so renting or buying a thermal camera to check for leaks would be a smart move. If there's an attic space above, blowing in cellulose insulation is usually the cheapest way to go. But if you've got a flat or vaulted ceiling without attic access, you'll probably need to take down the drywall and go with spray foam insulation instead. Just keep in mind you'll need to think about ventilation depending on your local climate. Also, don't forget to seal any leaks around windows and other openings you find with the thermal camera.
That makes sense! I didn't think of checking for air leaks first. Thanks for the heads-up!