“We had no idea we’d use it as much as we are.” – A common reaction from our customers.
Here in Eastern Iowa, we love our four (or more!) seasons. But they don’t always make it easy to enjoy our outdoor spaces. Between gusty winds, early snowfalls, summer bugs, and all the dust that comes with fields and construction zones, even the nicest screened-in porch can sit unused for half the year.
That’s why more homeowners are turning to our team at Hometown Restyling to enclose their screened-on porch and create a custom sunroom space they can enjoy year-round. Some are looking for a three-season room designed to take advantage of the months from spring through fall. Others want a four-season space that can handle Iowa winters like a champ!.
Here are seven of the top reasons to consider converting your screened-in porch to a sunroom, and what it can do for your home and lifestyle.
1. Keep Dust and Debris Out of Your Space
If you live near farmland, a gravel road, or one of those “eternal” construction zones around Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls, or Iowa City, then you know: dust is a way of life. Add in a stiff Iowa breeze, and your screened-in porch becomes a magnet for grit, leaves, and cornhusks. You find yourself constantly wiping down surfaces or just giving up on using the space for weeks at a time.
By choosing to fully enclose your porch with glass windows, you can create a four-season sunroom with a clean, sealed environment where the dust stays outside, and your furniture stays fresh. It’s one of the first things our customers notice after their project wraps up. (often large or floor-to-ceiling).
Designed to let in sunlight while protecting from wind, rain, and bugs.
Often insulated and may have heating/cooling for year-round use.
Sometimes called a four-season room or three-season room (depending on insulation).
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“We’re very pleased with the conversion of our screened-in porch to a sunroom. Looking forward to spending more time in our lovely room.” – Dennis H.
It’s a home upgrade with a quick payoff in comfort. And it’s just the beginning of how a well-built sunroom will improve your space.
2. Shut the Door on Summer Bugs
Eastern Iowa summers mean two things: gorgeous sunsets and plenty of uninvited guests. Mosquitoes, gnats, and flies always find their way into even the best screened-in porch, making it tough to enjoy dinner, conversation, or a peaceful night outside.
That’s where enclosing your porch really shines. With high-quality glass or vinyl windows, you let in the breeze and sunlight, but you’re thoroughly protected from insects invading your space.
No buzzing. No bites. Just uninterrupted enjoyment.
And because everything’s tailored to your home and style by our local crew, we make sure the fit, finish, and function are just right for you.
3. Convert Your Screened Porch to a Living Space You Can Use Most of the Year
In early March, when the sun finally feels warm again, or in late October when the leaves are putting on a show, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy those moments from a room that’s just right? That’s exactly what a three-season room makes possible.
Instead of packing up your outdoor furniture and shutting the door on your porch until June, you get a space filled with natural light. It can become your go-to spot for lounging, reading, dining, or just soaking in the beautiful views! With the right ventilation and insulation, you can create a second living room that smoothly connects your home to the great outdoors.
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“Hometown updated our back porch to a 3-season sunroom. We are delighted with our new room!” – Tim A.
And if you’re thinking, Will I really use it that much outside of summer? You’d be surprised. Most folks do.
4. Block Snow and Rain with a Four-Season Room
We all know Iowa weather doesn’t hold back. Sideways snow, sleet turns everything slick, and the cold finds every crack. The shade of a screened-in porch is inviting in the summer, but once the snow starts flying, it’s off-limits until spring.
When you convert that space into a four-season room, you gain an insulated, protected part of your home that you can actually use year-round. Add heating or even a fireplace, and suddenly your forgotten-all-winter porch becomes the coziest seat in the house.
And for families who host during the holidays, this extra space can be a lifesaver. Expand your hosting space and set up the kids’ table out in the sunroom during Thanksgiving or holiday meals. It can’t be done with a screened-in porch, and it gives everyone more room and makes the kids feel like they have their own space.
Our local team builds each sunroom to handle Eastern Iowa winters: custom-built, sealed tight, and installed with care and expertise by our trained in-house crew. You can count on us to treat your home like it’s our own, providing the quality craftsmanship you expect.
5. You’ll Use a Sunroom More Than You Think
Time and again, homeowners tell us the same thing: “We thought we’d use it in summer, but we use it all the time.”
We’ve seen clients turn their enclosed porches into cozy reading nooks, play areas for the grandkids, sunny breakfast spots, and even full-fledged home offices. When a space is designed well, it feels good and it gets used. That’s exactly what we aim for in every project we build.
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“The whole process of converting our screened porch into an all-season sunroom was a pleasant experience with Hometown Restyling.” – Neil B.
It’s a transformation that changes how you live in your home. All from what used to be just an outdoor porch.
6. Extend the Life of Your Space with a Sunroom
Outdoor furniture and finishes take a beating in Iowa’s climate. Hot sun fades cushions and warps wood, while snow and rain lead to moisture damage and mold. Over time, the wear adds up, and so do the replacement costs.
When you convert a screened-in porch to a sunroom, you protect your belongings and materials and extend their life. Our four-season rooms feature the ultimate performance glass on the market. It allows visible light in while reflecting damaging UV rays, providing energy savings and protection. Not to mention, you get a space that stays beautiful longer, without the constant upkeep and maintenance.
That’s why we’re proud to partner with TEMO Sunrooms, a trusted name in durable, high-performance outdoor living products. TEMO’s engineering is exceptional, and their impact-resistant glass just received Florida Product Approval for hurricane protection, so you can feel confident it can handle even the toughest weather. Read more about TEMO’s hurricane-rated glass.
With a sunroom built using TEMO products and installed by our skilled, local crew, you’ll get industry-leading protection and a room built to last.
7. Add Privacy With a Custom Enclosed Porch
Maybe you’re close to your neighbors, but that doesn’t mean you don’t crave a little extra quiet time. Privacy can be hard to come by in open outdoor spaces. An enclosed sunroom gives you a way to enjoy the outdoors without feeling on display.
We’ll help you create a layout that lets in the light but keeps out the distractions, with options like tinted glass panels and custom wall heights. It can be a perfect place for a hot tub, a mid-day nap, or just watching the rain fall in peace and quiet.
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“We chose Hometown to convert our screen porch into a three-season room. They came to the house with several options and ideas to choose from.” – Elaina K.
BONUS: Increase Home Value and Livable Space with a Sunroom
When you convert a screened-in porch to a fully enclosed living space, you’re not just improving how your home feels; you’re increasing how much it’s worth. An enclosed porch adds valuable square footage that enhances your home’s functionality and visual appeal, especially when it’s custom-built to match your home’s architecture.
A well-designed three- or four-season room can serve as a second living room, an extension of your kitchen, a bright and airy office, or a cozy guest area. And because these spaces are so versatile, they appeal to future homebuyers looking for flexibility in how they use their space.
Investing in a sunroom home addition is one of the top home improvement projects for ROI. It’s a beautiful upgrade that brings daily enjoyment now, and potential return if you ever decide to sell.
And with us, you can trust it will be done right, from the foundation to the final touches.
Why Choose Hometown Restyling for Your Screened-In Porch Enclosure?
For nearly 40 years, Hometown Restyling has helped homeowners across Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and all of Eastern Iowa bring their home improvement dreams to life. Our process begins with an in-home consultation where we listen to your ideas and learn about your goals. And it ends with a new space that feels like it always belonged in your home (and a final cleanup, of course). Whether you’re looking to enclose a screened-in porch or start a different home improvement project, we’re here through every step. And well beyond! Our lifetime workmanship warranty means you can give us a call and we’re just a short drive away.
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“From the initial removal of existing windows the final, pleasant surprise was that the windows were washed as a last activity, the crew was efficient and pleasant.” – Neil B.
Let’s Talk About Your Screened Porch Conversion Project
We know you might have a few questions about converting your porch. Maybe you’re wondering how much it costs to enclose a screened-in porch or what style would look best with your home. We’re here to chat! We’d love to hear all about your space, walk you through the options, and help you create the perfect fit for your needs.
Reach out for a free consultation and see why more homeowners in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and beyond trust Hometown Restyling to bring their ideas to life.
Savor More of Iowa’s Seasons with These Outdoor Living Ideas
