Technical standards

The difference lives inside the build.

ASSEMBLY LIBRARY / REV 01

This is the framework we use to ask better questions, define a complete scope, and coordinate the systems hidden behind the finished work.

Important distinction

Technical guide, not a project drawing.

These standards explain how we think. They do not replace site measurements, engineering, manufacturer instructions, approved plans, permits, code review, or the signed project scope. Final requirements change with the house, climate, jurisdiction, selections, and conditions found in the field.

The control layers

Every layer has one clear job.

Durable work keeps the structure, water, air, heat, and finish layers continuous through corners, openings, and changes in material.

Simplified enclosure sequence

Exterior finish05

Rain control04

Air control03

Thermal control02

Structure01

Site, foundation & support

Carry the project safely into suitable bearing while managing grade, frost, water, and access.

ASM-01

Verify in design and field

Existing grade, drainage paths, utilities, and work access
Footing, pier, slab, crawlspace, or deck-based support strategy
Local frost depth, soil and project-specific design requirements
Post bases, anchors, concrete clearances, and moisture separation
Stair and landing relationships to final grade

Field note

Foundation type and dimensions are project-specific and must follow the approved design, engineering where required, and local code.

Primary structure & load path

Move roof, floor, wind, snow, occupancy, and lateral loads through every framing member and connection.

ASM-02

Verify in design and field

Joist, beam, header, rafter, post, and ledger sizing
Bearing points and load transfer into the existing home
Fastener, hanger, strap, anchor, and connector selection
Roof pitch, span, overhang, uplift, and lateral stability
Openings, point loads, and changes in framing direction

Field note

Member sizing is not selected by appearance. Spans, species, grade, loading, support, and connection details all affect the answer.

Roofing, flashing & drainage

Keep bulk water moving outward and downward through durable, layered paths with no single point of dependence.

ASM-03

Verify in design and field

Roof-to-wall flashing and counterflashing
Valleys, step flashing, kick-outs, eaves, and penetrations
Window and door sill pans, jamb flashing, and head flashing
Water-resistive barrier laps and drainage-plane continuity
Gutters, downspouts, splash control, grade, and discharge location

Field note

Sealant is a maintenance joint, not a substitute for layered flashing or gravity-directed drainage.

Insulation, air sealing & comfort

Match the enclosure and mechanical system to the room’s intended use, glass area, orientation, and local climate.

ASM-04

Verify in design and field

Floor, wall, roof, rim, and transition insulation strategy
Air-sealing continuity at openings and house connections
Low-E selection, argon fill, safety glass, and solar exposure
Heating and cooling load, zoning, controls, and condensate
Ventilation, ceiling fans, shading, and overheating control

Field note

A true all-season room needs a complete thermal and air-control layer plus properly planned conditioning—not just insulated walls.

Windows, doors & wall systems

Select openings for use, ventilation, safety, energy performance, water control, and the proportions of the room.

ASM-05

Verify in design and field

Rough-opening support, square, level, shimming, and anchoring
Operation, egress, safety-glazing, screen, and hardware needs
Double-pane Low-E argon glass for conditioned-room applications
Multi-track vinyl panel and screen systems for seasonal rooms
Sill height, transom alignment, trim depth, and view lines

Field note

Simonton 5500 windows are a common all-season option; final product and glazing specifications are confirmed for each project.

Electrical, lighting & equipment

Coordinate outlets, switching, lighting, fans, media, heating and cooling, and exterior loads before walls close.

ASM-06

Verify in design and field

Circuit availability, panel capacity, and dedicated-load needs
Outlet layout, exterior protection, and code spacing
Lighting layers, ceiling fans, controls, and fixture support
Mini-split power, disconnect, line-set path, and condensate
TV, data, low-voltage, floodlight, and future-use preparation

Field note

Electrical and mechanical work must be completed and permitted by properly qualified trades where required.

Exterior & interior finish

Protect the assembly and make new work look intentional at every visible transition.

ASM-07

Verify in design and field

PVC, composite, treated wood, siding, soffit, and trim exposure
Band boards, risers, fascia, skirt, column, and beam wrapping
Tongue-and-groove pine, shiplap, wallboard, and finish choices
Expansion, ventilation, drainage, fasteners, and finish maintenance
Color, profile, reveal, joint, and existing-material alignment

Field note

Materials are selected around exposure, movement, maintenance, appearance, and the approved scope—not by color alone.

Room-system comparison

Screen, three-season, and all-season are different assemblies.

Decision	Screen room	Three-season	All-season
Intended use	Open-air insect protection	Spring-through-fall extension	Conditioned year-round living
Opening system	Fiberglass or specified screen	Multi-track vinyl panels + screens	Insulated double-pane Low-E glass
Thermal envelope	Not a conditioned envelope	Varies; not designed as living space	Continuous insulation and air sealing
Heating & cooling	Fans or outdoor comfort options	Not designed for permanent conditioning	Designed and sized as part of the room
Foundation / floor	Project-specific porch or deck structure	Project-specific support and floor	Code-compliant conditioned-room assembly

Open the complete sunroom guide Use the buyer checklist

Climate

Wind, snow, humidity, solar gain, and exposure

Water

Every lap and transition drains in the right direction

Comfort

Room use and glass area drive the conditioning plan

Experience

Switching, lighting, view lines, and furniture are planned early