How much does it cost to repair a sunroom?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Sunrooms add value and space to a home, usually featuring glass walls and roofs. They allow homeowners to enjoy natural light and unobstructed views. These rooms come in various types and sizes, from simple screen rooms to high-end solariums, and last for decades when well-maintained. However, issues arise with sunrooms like cracked windows, broken frames, and moisture damage. Seek professional repairs as soon as issues are identified.

The national average cost for sunroom repair is $500 to $5,000. Most homeowners pay $2,500 to replace a sliding door for a sunroom. This project’s low cost is $150 for simple screen repairs. The high cost is $20,000 for a complete roof replacement for a large solarium.

Sunroom Repair Cost

Sunroom Repair Cost by Type of Sunroom

There are various types of sunrooms. Some are simpler and more affordable to repair than others. A basic screen room is easier and cheaper to fix than a luxury four-season sunroom with high-quality materials. The table below shows different types of sunrooms and average repair costs for each.

Three-Season Sunroom Repair

Repairs for a three-season sunroom cost between $300 and $10,000. A three-season sunroom can be used in the spring, summer, and fall, but it is not suited for winter. The room does not have enough insulation to stay warm in winter and can suffer damage from low temperatures. Moisture builds in the windows, which could lead to window frame or door damage, and issues can arise on the roof.

Four-Season Sunroom Repair

Average repair costs for a four-season sunroom average $300 to $12,500. This sunroom can be used all year, and it is usually tough and durable with strong insulation and high-quality frames. These sunrooms are less likely to get damaged because they are made to withstand low temperatures and difficult weather conditions. However, the costs for repairs and replacements can be higher if issues occur because of the standard of materials used.

Conservatory Repair

The average cost of repairs for a conservatory ranges from $300 to $15,000. The price depends on the damage, amount of repair work, and materials. Conservatories often feature glass panes along the walls and roof, so there is a higher-than-average risk of the glass cracking or chipping. These rooms suffer when temperatures drop, so you might need work on the insulation or heating and cooling units to be used during the winter.

Orangery Repair

The cost of orangery repair is $300 to $15,000 on average. Orangeries are often compared to conservatories, although they may have different wall structures. Orangeries may have brick walls and a glass roof rather than having glass walls as well. With a glass roof, the most common issues include cracking and chipping of the glass. However, very old bricks may need to be repointed or also have the mortar replaced. Because these spaces are designed for heat, they are usually well insulated, which may need upgrades over time as the material degrades.

Glass Atrium Repair

The cost to repair a glass atrium averages $300 to $15,000. Glass atriums generally have glass on all sides and the roof. They may also have glass doors that allow access to the outdoors from the atrium. This glass can be chipped or cracked and, therefore, is the most common area for repair. Depending on the atrium age, you may want to upgrade the glass frames as well to create a better seal and help improve the energy efficiency of the interior. Depending on the frame, this can have a wide range of costs.

Solarium Repair

Homeowners spend between $500 and $15,000 for repairs to a solarium. This is because solariums are enclosed with glass on all sides and often have wooden frames and built-in heating and cooling systems, so many things could go wrong. You may need regular repairs and maintenance to the HVAC systems and glass panel repairs or replacements.

Sunroom Repair Prices by Type of Repair

There are many parts to a typical sunroom, including the roof, windows, and screens. Issues arise with each part, and the repair cost depends highly on the affected parts and the damage. Since many sunrooms have windows or glass for the walls and ceiling, this is one of the most common areas to be damaged and require repair. The damage can be to the glass or the weather seal around the glass. Similar issues can occur with windows and doors. The glass may crack or chip, or the opening may need a new seal. If your sunroom has an HVAC system, this can also be a common issue or area to repair because HVAC systems need more maintenance than other areas of the room, including filter changes, tune-ups, and occasional repairs. If the sunroom is insulated, keep in mind that some types can degrade with time and may need to be adjusted. The cost varies depending on the amount and type of insulation chosen.

The roof and frame are the most expensive parts of the sunroom to repair. Roof leaks can be a serious issue because they can cause damage to the rest of the space. Frames, particularly those that hold glass, can warp, which can be difficult and expensive to repair, often necessitating the replacement of entire sections of the room. The table below shows common areas of repair for sunrooms and average costs for each.

Sunroom Repair Prices by Type of Replacement

Sometimes, repairs are not possible, and you have to replace the part. This can be a good way to breathe new life into an older sunroom and extend its lifespan without resorting to a full replacement. Because many parts of a sunroom are made of materials that can break easily, including glass, windows, and screens, these materials often need full replacements rather than simply being repaired. This may be because the damage was too big to repair or the way it was damaged means it is easier and less expensive to replace. This can include doors, wall panels, glass, windows, and screens.

For sunroom roofs, depending on the material, it may need to be treated like the house’s roof, which means that when the material has reached the end of its lifespan, it may need to be replaced entirely. The table below shows common replacements and the average costs for each, including materials and labor.

Sunroom Repair Prices by Type of Problem

Many problems can arise with your sunroom, and various parts might need repairing or replacing, so the repair costs vary. Fixing torn screens is usually simpler and cheaper than dealing with a leaking roof or termite infestation. The table below shows common sunroom problems and the average repair costs for each.

Torn Screens in a Sunroom

Repairing torn screens for your sunroom averages $150 to $300. If the tears are small, you can use adhesives and patch kits to repair the screens and leave them in place. New mesh or vinyl screens might need to be installed if the tears are larger, costing more money. The total price also depends on the number of screens that need fixing.

Sunroom Too Hot

Fixing a sunroom that is too hot costs $150 to $3,000. Depending on how your sunroom was constructed and the climate, the room might get too hot during the summer. The glass type used might be increasing the heat inside the room, so you may have to install new less-thick glass, or you can install window tinting to block out some light and heat. You could install blackout blinds in the sunroom or add fans or an air conditioner unit.

Leaking Sunroom

Fixing a leaking sunroom averages $200 to $1,500. Various areas might be affected by the leak, including the windows, doors, and roof. Roof leaks are usually the most serious and require more work, but minor leaks in the windows and doors may be fixed with weather stripping or fresh seals.

Mold in a Sunroom

Dealing with mold in the sunroom ranges from $200 to $5,000. Mold occurs when sunrooms are not properly cleaned or when excessive moisture builds in the room. Cleaning the room often and installing a quality HVAC system can help, and the windows and frames might need weatherstripping to reduce the risk of moisture and mildew. Additional insulation might be required, or you may have damaged frames or windows that require repair.

Condensation in a Sunroom

Fixing a sunroom with condensation on the windows costs between $200 and $15,000. This issue is usually caused by excess moisture and humidity in the sunroom, and the windows and doors might need weatherstripping. It could also be that your sunroom is not strong or well-insulated enough to cope with the climate in your area. In this case, new windows and even new roof panels might be required, leading to high costs.

Cracked Frame in a Sunroom

Repairing a cracked frame in your sunroom ranges from $250 to $500. Cracks may appear around window and door frames from weather damage or general wear and tear. Cracks can usually be patched or filled in, so there is no need to worry about removing or replacing the frame.

Rotted Floor in a Sunroom

Fixing a rotted floor in the sunroom costs $1,000 to $5,000. Rot may set in from water damage or excess moisture, and it causes serious issues if it starts to spread around the structure. The rotted pieces must be removed and replaced, and a new floor might need to be installed in the worst case.

Storm Damage in a Sunroom

Repairing storm damage to a sunroom averages $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the damage’s extent. In the worst storms, sunrooms can suffer a lot of damage. Debris carried on the wind could collide with the walls and windows, leading to shattered glass and frame damage, requiring extensive repair or replacement. The window panes might become chipped or cracked in less severe instances, so the repairs are not as costly.

Termites in a Sunroom

Dealing with termites in your sunroom ranges from $1,500 to $20,000. This can be one of the worst problems to deal with for a sunroom owner because termites can do severe damage in a short time. Termites can weaken the entire structure if your sunroom has a wooden frame or walls, and you might need new walls, frames, and professional pest control services to get rid of the termites.

Labor Costs to Repair a Sunroom

If your sunroom is the traditional kind with glass walls and a roof, you should have it repaired by a sunroom company. Contact the same company who manufactured and installed it because they are in the best position to assess the issue and make the necessary repairs. If that is not possible, a sunroom manufacturer and installation company is your next best bet.

A general contractor is probably the best choice for repairs in an all-season sunroom. Contact the builder if you had the room built because they are already familiar with the room. If this is not possible, a general contractor can assess the damage and coordinate the repairs on different areas simultaneously.

If the damage is limited to one small area, such as a short section of a leaking roof or damaged flooring, it is acceptable to contact a specialist like a roofer or tile installer.

In most cases, sunroom repair costs are done on a flat-fee basis that considers the damaged area and price of the parts to repair it. For example, a three-season sunroom with glass walls and roof experiencing leaks with a cracked window pane costs around $2,000 to weatherstrip the glass panels and replace the broken panel and damaged screens. Some repair workers charge by the hour, ranging from $75 to $200 a hour.

Maintenance

A good way to reduce the risk of issues with your sunroom and cut down on the cost for repairs and replacements is to look after it. There are plenty of maintenance tasks you can do that should extend your sunroom’s lifespan.

Sunrooms must be regularly cleaned inside and out. Since these rooms often feature glass, use proper glass cleaning products to get rid of dirt, dust, and grime. The frames also need cleaning because dirt can gather in the nooks and crannies around each door and window.

Be careful when cleaning frames because abrasive cleaners can damage the vinyl or other materials, so it is wise to use gentle cleaning products and tools. Avoid walking on the roof at all costs and do not put excess weight against the walls or windows when cleaning the outside.

Inspect the sunroom regularly and look for minor damage. Your repair and maintenance costs are lower if you spot problems early and fix them quickly, and you should not have to worry much about serious issues.

Pay attention to the sunroom surroundings and have proper landscaping to avoid possible hazards. If there are trees nearby, branches could grow too long and collide with the sunroom or fall and smash the glass during a storm. Trees and large plants should be pruned, trimmed, and kept clear of the sunroom walls and roof.

Many sunrooms also feature weather sealing. Keep an eye on the seals and update them if damage or cracks appear because this leads to leaks. You should also monitor the HVAC system and get it checked regularly by a professional. Check the roof and clean the gutters as well.

Cost to Remove a Sunroom

The cost to remove a sunroom averages $1,000 to $7,000, depending on the size and type. A simple screen room may not cost much to get rid of, but a large solarium or extensive conservatory can cost more to demolish. This is because more work is required to disassemble the frame and dispose of all the parts and materials. Given the value of sunrooms is high and they add substantial value, think carefully before arranging a removal or demolition.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Safety Glass

If your sunroom is made of primarily glass panels, you may want to invest in safety glass, which is either tempered or covered in a film that stops it from shattering into sharp pieces. Safety glass still breaks but does so in a way that is less likely to cause harm. Panels start at $300 a piece, depending on additional features.

Add a Wall System with a Thermal Break

A thermal break prevents heat transfer between the indoors and outdoors. This system is most often used in four-season sunrooms with walls that can be given a tight building envelope rather than glass. However, you can also install better glass with insulation to create a thermal break for better performance and extended seasons in a non-year-round sunroom. Expect to pay at least $500 a panel for this feature.

Remodeling a Sunroom

If your sunroom is old, you may want to remodel it rather than only making repairs. The cost of a new sunroom is around $360 per square foot, and a full remodel likely costs in this ballpark, depending on the size and features.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Cleaning. Most people are aware that they must clean the glass of their sunrooms, but it is equally important to clean the frames and gutters. Cleaning the gutters prevents leaks, and cleaning the frames gives you a chance to inspect them and catch issues like deteriorating weatherstripping.
• Age. Newer sunrooms have connectors between the glass panels that reduce or eliminate leakage, but older sunrooms may have water or air leaks. Weatherstripping helps.
• Glass quality. If you invest in a sunroom with window panels, make sure they are at least double-pane with argon or krypton to make the room as energy-efficient as possible.
• Safety glass. Many sunroom panels are made with safety glass, but you may want to upgrade to glass that provides safety and better solar protection and insulation if these become damaged.
• HVAC. Adding electrical or HVAC vents to the room extends the use of the space and helps meet local building codes for an all-season room.
• Speed. Always make repairs as soon as the issue is detected. Many issues can grow and lead to further problems and need for repair, increasing costs.
• Permits. You do not necessarily need a permit for sunroom repairs, but major projects may. Always check with your town hall to be sure.