The most durable materials for a solarium
The choice of materials is essential to guarantee the durability and energy efficiency of a solarium. Whether it’s maximizing natural light.
Maintaining a comfortable temperature or ensuring structural strength, each material plays a key role.
In this article, discover the most sustainable options for building a solarium to suit your needs and lifestyle.
To find out more about the different model types, visit our dedicated page on Luc Fauteux Group.
Aluminum: Light and strong
Aluminum is a popular material for solarium construction.
Not least because of its lightness and resistance to corrosion.
Unlike other metals, it does not rust.
This makes it an ideal choice for structures exposed to humidity and the elements.
Advantages: Aluminum is easy to maintain and can be customized in terms of color and finish to suit different architectural styles.
It’s sturdy enough not to require complex foundations.
This makes it both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Price range: Between 200 to $500 per square metre, depending on the quality of the aluminum and the finishes chosen.
*All prices are approximate and may vary from company to company.
Tempered glass: Safety and thermal performance
Tempered glass is another essential material in sunroom construction, mainly for glazed surfaces.
It is stronger than ordinary glass and, in the event of breakage, shatters into small, non-sharp pieces.
This makes it safer for residential structures.
Advantages: Tempered glass enhances the solarium’s safety and thermal performance. It can be treated to limit heat loss in winter.
It also blocks UV rays in summer, providing better insulation.
Price range: Between $250 to $400 per square metre, depending on thickness and specific treatments applied.
*All prices are approximate and may vary from company to company.
Thermally insulated glass (double or triple glazing)
Double or triple glazing is an excellent choice for those who want a solarium that can be used all year round.
By creating a barrier between the inside and outside, this glazing reduces heat loss in winter and limits overheating in summer.
Advantages: Thermally insulated glazing is indispensable for 4-season solariums, as it contributes to energy efficiency while reducing condensation inside the structure.
Price range: Between 300 and $600 per square metre for double glazing and 400 $ à 800 $ for triple glazing, depending on added treatments.
*All prices are approximate and may vary from company to company.
Wood: Warmth And Natural Aesthetics
Wood is a traditional material often used for solariums because of its warm, natural appearance.
It’s particularly suited to traditional or rustic-style homes, and woods like cedar and treated pine stand up well to the elements.
Advantages: Wood is an excellent natural insulator, helping to maintain a pleasant temperature in the solarium.
Although more demanding to maintain than aluminum, wood offers a timeless aesthetic.
Price range: Between 150 to $400 per square metre, depending on wood species and treatments applied.
*All prices are approximate and may vary from company to company.
Polycarbonate: Lightweight and durable
Polycarbonate is the material of choice for solarium roofs.
It’s lightweight and impact-resistant.
What’s more, it offers UV protection while being almost as transparent as glass.
Advantages: More affordable than tempered glass, polycarbonate also offers good thermal insulation and is easy to install.
It’s an ideal choice for lightweight roofs requiring less load-bearing structure.
Price range: Between 100 and $300 per square metre, depending on thickness and UV-resistant finishes.
*All prices are approximate and may vary from company to company.
Stainless steel: solidity and modernity
Stainless steel is a robust material that resists weathering and corrosion.
Although heavier than aluminum, it offers exceptional strength, making it an ideal choice for solariums requiring a stable structure.
Advantages: Stainless steel requires little maintenance and stands up well to extreme weather conditions.
It is ideally suited to modern, industrial designs.
Price range: Between 300 to $700 per square metre, depending on thickness and finish.
*All prices are approximate and may vary from company to company.
Composite Materials: Versatility and Strength
Composite materials, such as polymer wood or reinforced resins, combine the advantages of several materials.
They are lightweight, durable and particularly suitable for solarium frames and roofs.
Advantages: Composites require little maintenance and offer excellent thermal and sound insulation.
They can be customized to suit different styles and colors, while offering weather resistance.
Price range: Between 200 to $500 per square metre, depending on composite type and workmanship.
*All prices are approximate and may vary from company to company.
To ensure the durability and efficiency of your solarium, it’s crucial to choose high-quality construction materials.
By selecting robust materials such as aluminum, tempered glass and composites, you guarantee not only the longevity of your installation, but also its efficiency over time.
Each material offers distinct advantages in terms of aesthetics, thermal comfort and resistance.
We invite you to consult our experts at Groupe Luc Fauteux, who will be happy to guide you towards the most suitable and effective solutions for your solarium.
Thanks for reading, see you at the next blog!
If you have any questions or would like to tell us about your project, please contact us at [email protected] or call 1-800-823-2109.
