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Which Is Best for Your Pacific Northwest Home?

If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors without battling the Pacific Northwest rain, you’ve probably considered adding a sunroom, patio cover, or porch enclosure.
Each offers unique benefits, but which is right for your lifestyle, budget, and home?

Let’s break down the differences so you can make the best choice.

1. What Is a Sunroom?

A sunroom is a fully enclosed, glass-filled addition built onto your home, often with heating, cooling, and insulation for year-round use.

Benefits:

• Enjoy natural light even during rainy months
• Can be heated/cooled for four-season comfort
• Adds usable square footage and resale value
• Perfect for home offices, reading nooks, or plant rooms

Cost:

Typically $30,000–$60,000+, depending on size, materials, and features.

Best For:

Homeowners seeking a true indoor-outdoor space that adds long-term value and functionality.

2. What Is a Patio Cover?

A patio cover is a roofed structure, attached or freestanding, that provides shade and weather protection but remains open on the sides.

Benefits:

• Affordable and quick to install
• Great for outdoor dining and grilling
• Protects furniture from rain and UV rays

Cost:

Usually $5,000–$20,000, depending on materials and design.

Best For:

Those who want a budget-friendly, low-maintenance option to enjoy the outdoors rain or shine.

3. What Is a Porch Enclosure?

A porch enclosure converts an existing porch into a screened-in or glassed-in space.
It’s more open than a sunroom but offers more protection than a patio cover.

Benefits:

• Keeps out bugs, debris, and light rain
• Can be upgraded with windows or panels
• Cost-effective way to extend seasonal use

Cost:

Typically $10,000–$30,000, depending on enclosure type (screened vs. glass).

Best For:

Homeowners who want to extend use of an existing porch without full construction costs.

 

4. Choosing the Right Option for Your Home

Feature	Sunroom	Porch Enclosure	Patio Cover
Enclosed	Yes	Partially	No
Climate Control	Yes	Optional	No
Cost	$$$$	$$–$$$	$–$$
Usable Year-Round	Yes	Limited	Seasonal
Adds Home Value	High	Moderate	Low–Moderate

 

Local Considerations for PNW Homeowners

In the Pacific Northwest, homeowners value:

• Protection from rain and moss
• Spaces usable during wet winters
• Energy-efficient glass and insulation

A sunroom offers the most year-round benefit, while a patio cover is ideal for summer enjoyment and porch enclosures balance comfort and cost.

Ready to Enhance Your Home?

Whether you envision a bright sunroom, covered patio, or enclosed porch, Ampro Builders can design and build the perfect addition for your Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

Contact us today or schedule a free consultation to explore your options.

Key Warning Signs Homeowners in King, Pierce, Kitsap & Thurston Counties Should Watch For

Your roof is one of your home’s most important defenses against Pacific Northwest weather, especially with our heavy rainfall & moss growth. But over time, even the best-built roofs start showing signs of wear. Knowing when to replace your roof can prevent costly water damage, energy loss, and structural issues.

If you live in King, Pierce, South King, Kitsap, or Thurston County, here are the key warning signs to watch for.

1. Curling or Buckling Shingles

When shingles start to curl, buckle, or lift, they’re no longer sealing properly against wind and moisture.
In the PNW, where damp conditions are common, this can lead to water seeping underneath and rotting the roof deck. Curling often happens with aging asphalt shingles or due to poor attic ventilation.

Pro Tip: If more than 25% of your roof is curling, a full replacement may be more cost-effective than spot repairs.

2. Leaks and Water Stains

Have you noticed water spots on ceilings, stains in your attic, or drips during rainstorms? These are clear signs your roof is failing to keep water out.
Even a small leak can lead to mold, insulation damage, and structural rot; all expensive problems if ignored.

Ampro Builders can perform a free inspection to identify leaks and determine whether repair or replacement is best.

3. Granule Loss on Shingles

Check your gutters! If you find black, sand-like granules, your shingles are wearing out.
Granules protect shingles from UV rays and weathering, so losing them means your roof is aging and less resistant to moisture.

Most shingles start showing granule loss after 15–20 years, depending on material quality.

4. Sagging Roof Deck

A sagging roofline is a serious red flag.
It could indicate trapped moisture, rotted decking, or structural failure; all of which require immediate attention.
If you notice dips or uneven areas, call a licensed roofing professional right away.

5. Moss, Algae, and Mold Growth

In our damp Pacific Northwest climate, moss and algae thrive.
While a little moss might seem harmless, it holds moisture against your shingles and causes premature deterioration.
If moss has taken over, it’s often a sign the shingles are past their prime.

Professional cleaning can help, but if moss has caused lifting or cracking, replacement is the best option.

6. Age of Your Roof

Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20–25 years, while metal or tile can last longer.
If your roof is approaching the 20-year mark, especially if it’s showing any of the above symptoms, it’s time to plan for replacement.

Why Timely Replacement Matters

Delaying roof replacement can lead to:

• Interior water damage and mold
• Decreased home value
• Higher energy bills
• Costly structural repairs

Schedule a Roof Inspection with Ampro Builders

Serving King, Pierce, South King, Kitsap, and Thurston Counties, Ampro Builders specializes in roof inspections, replacements, and repairs tailored to the Pacific Northwest climate.

Call us today or request a free estimate to protect your home with a roof built to last.