Frequently Asked Questions
All the answers to your questions about 3-season solariums, awnings, carports, verandas and other products available at SOLARIUM Optimum!
Certification: Quebec Products
Q. Which products are certified as "Les Produits du Québec" at Solarium Optimum?
A. All the following manufactured products are certified “Produits du Québec”: Solariums, Permanent Awnings, Verandas, and Carports.
Q. What is "Les Produits du Québec"?
A. “Les Produits du Québec” is a non-profit organization whose mission is to facilitate Quebec purchasing through the creation of a family of certification marks. These serve as a point of reference and a guarantee of trust for consumers by ensuring the origin of products. There are three (3) certification marks, listed here from the most prestigious: Produits du Québec, Fabriqué au Québec, and Conçu au Québec. For more details: Les Produits du Québec
3-Season or 4-Season Solariums
Q. What are the differences between a 3-season solarium and a 4-season solarium?
A. The biggest difference is the cost: a 4-season solarium typically requires a concrete foundation for installation; adding a 4-season solarium is considered an extension of the house, requiring additional expertise such as an architect/engineer’s plan, for example.
A. 3-season solarium also requires a permit issued by the city, but it is considered an accessory to the house. It can be installed on terraces with wood, concrete, or paver structures, which significantly reduces the total costs.
Permit Application
Q. Is it mandatory to obtain a city permit?
A. For new installations, it is highly recommended to obtain a city permit. However, for the replacement of an existing shelter, it is not necessary to obtain a city permit.
Pricing
Q. How much does your solarium cost?
A. The cost of a solarium can vary depending on many factors: size, materials used, selected options, and the specific situation of your project, etc.
However, you can quickly get a basic estimate via the following link: Calculate your price, or get a free estimate by completing the estimate request on our website by clicking on: Free Estimate, or by calling 514 878-1500 to speak directly with one of our representatives.
Q. Can we finance our solarium?
A. Yes. We offer financing through our partner Financeit. Financeit SOLARIUM Optimum Inc – Financing PLAN
Served Territories
Q. Which territories are served by Solarium Optimum?
A. Solarium Optimum has a network of distributors across Eastern Canada.
Delivery Times
Q. How long should we expect before the installation of our solarium?
A. From the moment all conditions are completed, you should expect 2 to 3 weeks for a standard solarium and 4 to 5 weeks for a custom solarium, as in the latter case, some materials need to be ordered specifically for your custom project.
Installation
Q. How long does an installation usually take?
A. One to three (3) days depending on the complexity of your project.
Q. Can we install our solarium ourselves?
A. Yes, the solarium is modular. An installer manual and videos are available to assist the DIY enthusiast who wishes to install their solarium themselves.
Q. On what type of surface can a solarium be installed?
A. Any solid and stable surfaces can accommodate your solarium (wood, concrete, aluminum, composite, etc.)
Q. What happens if my terrace moves with the freeze/thaw during seasonal changes?
A. In this situation, it is highly recommended to stabilize your structure by adding screw piles below the frost line to address this situation BEFORE installing your solarium.
Q. Can I put glass on the contour?
A. No, the products manufactured at Solarium Optimum are designed to be as light as possible, which is why the roofs are made of tempered glass for durability and the contour modules are covered with elastomer fabric.
Types of solarium
Q. What are the different types of solarium possible?
A. At Solarium Optimum we have the following different models of solariums:
- SunLOFT Traditional solarium with a roof pitch;
- SunLOFT Cathedral solarium with 2 roof slopes;
- SunLOFT Solarium Veranda for walls (with existing roof);
- SkyLOFT permanent awning;
- Abri d’auto CarPORT.
Q. What is the maximum size available for solariums?
A. Our SunLOFT Traditional sunrooms can have a maximum depth of 15 feet and a virtually unlimited width. However, our SunLOFT Cathedral solariums allow us to obtain a maximum depth of 21 feet and a width limited to 30 feet.
Colours and shades
Q. What are the different solarium colours available at Solarium Optimum?
A. Our base colors are White, Capri (Beige) and Black. All other colours are available on request.
Q. What are the different elastomer shades offered at Solarium Optimum?
A. We offer 2 types of elastomer: Smoked (light) and charcoal (dark). In both cases, the elastomer fabrics protect against UV rays, but the darker fabric allows for greater privacy.
Structure, roof and components
Q. What size poles are used for awnings and carports?
A. The posts are available in two variants: 2 1/2 and 3 inches.
Q. What are the differences between a glass roof, a polycarbonate roof, a polymer roof and other types of roofs?
A. Glass is a material that does not degrade and allows full light to enter. All other materials can dry out and/or wear out prematurely and they don’t let light through as well.
Q. Can glass roofs support the weight of a man?
A. Yes, our solariums are designed and approved by engineer’s seal to support the weight of snow in Quebec. Even though the solarium can support the weight of a man, it is not recommended to climb it to avoid the risk of injury and/or damage or scratching of the glass on the roof.
Q. What is the overhang for?
A. For the same reasons that overhang are built on the majority of houses, the overhang protects the façade of the solarium against bad weather and dirt. They reduce the risk of water infiltration and allow, if necessary, to leave the windows ajar on rainy days.
Q. Can I leave my windows open when it rains?
A. The windows on the façade can be opened slightly thanks to the overhang that protrudes, which will always promote better ventilation.
Q. What is the difference between elastomeric walls and glass walls?
A. Elastomer walls are very light and can be installed on any surface and allow you to absorb ground movement without breaking, while glass walls are much heavier and less resistant to ground movement.
Q. What are the advantages of having PVC finishing caps?
A. No visible screws which improves the aesthetics of the solarium.
Q. What are the advantages of having an aluminum structure?
A. Aluminum is a rust-free, maintenance-free material that comes in a variety of color options.
Q. Can I install a front door?
A. Yes, our solariums are modular and the different modules (doors or other) can be installed in any location where there is enough space to meet the customer’s needs.
Q. What are the different types of windows offered at Solarium Optimum?
A For all our solarium models, you can choose between Sash windows with fixed or retractable screens.
Q. How many windows do I need to install?
A. We recommend installing at least one window every two sections. The more windows there are, the better your solarium will be ventilated.
Q. Can I modify my solarium by adding windows later?
A. Yes, you can add windows and doors later, at your convenience. You can also expand or change the size of your solarium from your existing solarium, since our solariums are modular.
Q. How much does my solarium weigh?
A. The sunroom with glass roof weighs between 2 and 2.5 kg per square foot. It all depends on the size of your solarium. For example, a standard 12 X 12 foot sunroom weighs 742kg or 1630lbs.
OptiBLOC Blinds | Contour curtains
Q. What are the advantages of having roof blinds in your solarium?
A. Blinds are a great option for heat protection on a hot, sunny day.
Q. What are the different types of curtains offered for permanent awnings and carports at Solarium Optimum?
A. Our most popular products are polyethylene fabrics (Fabrene) and textilene fabrics (PVC-coated polyester fibers). These products are available in different colours.
Maintenance
Q. What maintenance does a solarium require?
A. This varies depending on your environment and the façade and side cornices protect the contour walls and reduce maintenance. For glass and elastomer, we recommend using a microfiber cloth with Sprayway’s Glass Cleaner (available at Solarium Optimum). It is recommended to do this during periods of little sunlight or at the end of the day. The elastomer should never be cleaned with a product containing ammonia, which will reduce its useful life. The durability of the elastomer depends on the maintenance it receives. A good cleaning in the spring and another in the fall is normally sufficient to maximize the useful life of the elastomer.
Q. In winter, is it necessary to add support legs for the roof?
A. No, our solarium is specially designed to withstand snow loads in Quebec in addition to complying with the National Building Code.
Q. Do I have to clear snow from my solarium roof in winter?
A. No, our solarium is specially designed to withstand snow loads in Quebec in addition to complying with the National Building Code.
Q. Does the solarium support the weight of the snow?
A. Yes, our solarium is specially designed to withstand snow loads in Quebec in addition to being compliant with the National Building Code.
Q. Does the elastomeric fabric at the contour support the weight of the snow?
A. Yes, because it is very flexible, no action is required when snow accumulates on it. The snow will eventually melt and the canvas will return to its place.
Q. Is the canvas resistant to the cold?
A. The fabric is designed to withstand the Canadian climate down to -40 degrees Celsius.
Months of use
Q. How many months can I use my solarium per year?
A. Depending on the position of your solarium in relation to its sunshine, it is possible to use your solarium more than 9 months a year in addition to the beautiful sunny winter days!
Q. Can we use our solarium in winter?
A. Yes, depending on the temperature. It is possible to install an auxiliary heater down to about -8 degrees Celsius. However, it is necessary to provide good ventilation of the solarium to avoid condensation during the night and on non-sunny days.
Comfort throughout the seasons
Q. Is it hot in a solarium in the summer?
A. Yes, it can get hot in the solarium in the summer. However, it is possible to limit the heat inside the solarium to equal that of the outdoor environment. Here are the proposed solutions: Installing OptiBLOC blinds to add shade and cut off the heat, Maximizing the number of windows and doors with screens and adding fans to maintain good ventilation.
Q. Can we use a gas fireplace in our solarium?
A. It is not recommended to have a gas fireplace due to the CO2 emissions that are released from the appliance.
Q. Can we have a hot tub in our solarium?
A. Yes, you just have to make sure to maintain good ventilation throughout the season to avoid retaining too much moisture inside the solarium, hence the importance of the sash window that opens from the top, allowing good air circulation while being protected from drafts.
Sustainability | Guarantee
Q. How durable is my solarium?
A. Unlimited, depending on the maintenance provided.
Q. How long does elastomer fabric last?
A. The elastomer fabric can withstand more than 20 years with good maintenance. Solarium Optimum has been in existence for 20 years and some customers have never changed their elastomer fabrics. The elastomer fabric is guaranteed for 10 years against manufacturing defects.
Q. What are the warranties when I buy my solarium?
A. All of our sunrooms, awnings, carports and verandas are backed by our 10-year prorated warranty. The glass on the roof comes with a limited lifetime warranty (see details in store).
Q. What are the guarantees for the elastomer?
A. Elastomeric fabrics are guaranteed against manufacturing defects.
Q. Does the warranty still be valid if I install it myself?
A. Yes, the structure and elastomeric fabric of the solarium are guaranteed on a pro-rata basis for a period of 10 years.
Economy | Value added
Q. How can I save on the total cost of my project?
A. By choosing models with standard measurements, which are multiples of three (3) feet in depth as well as in width at Solarium Optimum. You can also reduce the number of options you choose and add them later when your budget allows!
Q. Does the solarium increase the value of my property?
A. Absolutly, it is an investment that adds value to your property.
SOLARIUM Optimum Exclusives
Q. What are the exclusivities offered at Solarium Optimum?
A. Here are our main exclusives:
• The retractable mosquito net (unique and patented);
• Protective cornice in glass and aluminum on the entire perimeter;
• The inverted sash window (multi-point lock);
• Hybrid aluminum and PVC structure;
• Hybrid elastomer modules;
• Glass roof guaranteed for life;
• Modular system pre-assembled in the factory;
• Blinds that open at both ends with integrated braking;
• Possibility of extending the solarium later (scalable);
• Possibility of transforming doors and windows later;
• Universal door;
• Offering seven (7) models;
• Turnkey offer (Project management from the construction of the balcony to the installation of the solarium);
• Integrated LED lighting system;
• Plant hook system;
• 15 feet of glass projection;
• Loyalty program.