We usually start installations the second week of April and this year was normal in that respect. After a mild winter, this Spring we’ve had both above average temperatures as well as below average temperatures.
While the weather is somewhat normal what is not is the soil conditions that I have seen this spring. Although it was a fairly mild winter with not much snow, it melted very quickly and we had a bit of rain mixed in which has caused some ground movement. Most people relate to this movement by the shift in fenceposts, gates not latching properly, sidewalks and driveways heaving and in some cases cracks in their homes and "sticky doors". I relate to these conditions by the movement I see in some of the decks and sunrooms we have built. Fortunately, we have developed a unique "floatation system" (which we have been using successfully for close to 30 years) specifically for our "gumbo" (that is prone to movement) that enables us to build on decks that sit on a surface mounted concrete pads. This eliminates the need for costly piles or "groundhogs" (a pile substitute).
The floatation system in our sunrooms compensates for the ground movement thereby eliminating damage (broken glass, cracks, twisted panels, etc.) that could occur in conventional construction methods. This system becomes especially beneficial when we experience a severe year such as this. I have several customers who despite the fact that they had existing piles beneath their existing decks (16 inch diameter and 16 feet deep) they have experienced movement of up to 3 inches which could have caused major damage with any other system.
If you are considering a sunroom addition call 204-940-3030 for a free in home estimate or stop by 265 Sutherland Ave. to see our display and tour the factory.