What is the purpose of a Carolina Room? (house, living)

[Retire in MB]

In looking online for homes in the area I see a lot of mention of a Carolina Room. I understand the concept of a 3 season room that is glassed or screened in but not on the house's heating and cooling system, but many of these rooms are not closed off from the rest of the house. They appear to be large alcoves off the family room. How are these rooms decorated? separate sitting room? additional family room?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Retire in MB

In looking online for homes in the area I see a lot of mention of a Carolina Room. I understand the concept of a 3 season room that is glassed or screened in but not on the house's heating and cooling system, but many of these rooms are not closed off from the rest of the house. They appear to be large alcoves off the family room. How are these rooms decorated? separate sitting room? additional family room?

You have to distinguish between how the Realtor staged the house and the reality of 3-season room. In the best weather they are an additional sitting room. We have our furnished with patio furniture, and use it frequently during moderate weather.

However, the reality is they are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. We have a compromise: plastic windows, a window unit air conditioner and two ceiling fans. We also have it wired with a separate television set.

The ones that are not closed off must be heated and cooled by the house system, otherwise they are a waste of electricity.

[Umbria]

I was recently in NC looking at homes and the way it was described to me is: The areas that are not closed off from the rest of the house are referred to as sun rooms and are an extension of the rest of the living area. The areas where there are patio doors, or some other type of door, are called the Carolina room. These are mostly decorated with patio type furniture since it can get hot & humid in the summer. If you open the patio door between the Carolina room and the rest of the house then the home's AC or heating can take care of the temperature/humidity - if you have glass or plastic on the windows. I wonder how the plastic holds up (pets, storms, people, kids, etc...).

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Umbria

I wonder how the plastic holds up (pets, storms, people, kids, etc...).

Actually, what we have is a special plastic window called Eze-Breeze. It is strong and flexible, and would hold up if a dog crashed into it. The windows are also available with screens and the plastic, so you can slide up the plastic and just use the screens. I don't have an interest in the company, but I have been very happy with them.

[Umbria]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

Actually, what we have is a special plastic window called Eze-Breeze. It is strong and flexible, and would hold up if a dog crashed into it. The windows are also available with screens and the plastic, so you can slide up the plastic and just use the screens. I don't have an interest in the company, but I have been very happy with them.

What do you think would happen if a dog jumped up with it's claws on the plastic? Would there be the ripple marks on the plastic?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Umbria

What do you think would happen if a dog jumped up with it's claws on the plastic? Would there be the ripple marks on the plastic?

Yes, claw marks would show. There are limits to its durability.