Learn more about our products and processes by browsing these frequently asked questions about Lumon retractable glass walls and condo balcony enclosure.
If you don't see the answer to your question here, one of our consultants would be happy to help.
Product Applications
What are retractable glass walls? How do they work?
Lumon retractable glass walls are glass walls for your porch or patio that slide easily along a low track and fold open. The innovative system means that you can have a fully protected sunroom, an open and breezy patio space, or a partial windbreak – simply by positioning the glass walls in different ways!
Lumon retractable walls are easy to use. Simply use the handle to open the first panel, and then slide the remaining panels along the track and fold them open against the first panel. See them in action below:
Is a Lumon sunroom a four season sunroom?
Lumon sunrooms are better understood as three season rooms rather than four season sunrooms. Unlike a four season sunroom, which is typically just a regular insulated room with standard double paned windows, our glass walls can slide open and retract fully for maximum flexibility.
A Lumon sunroom is not intended to be a thermal space like indoor rooms but rather a protected outdoor space that enhances the comfort and usability of your patio while maintaining that essential outdoor flavour.
Can I use a Lumon sunroom in the winter?
In a milder climate like the Greater Vancouver Area, homeowners typically find that they can enjoy their Lumon sunroom all year round.
Colder climates like Toronto, Hamilton, or the Niagara region have a shorter patio season, but depending on the orientation of the sunroom, you might still find that you can use it on sunny days in the winter.
In both climates, adding a heat source (such as a patio heater, electric fireplace, or other heat source) to your Lumon sunroom can extend the patio season substantially.
Can I use your retractable glass wall as the exterior wall of my home?
Unfortunately not. Our glass walls are single glazed, tempered panels with 2-3mm gaps between the glass to allow for adequate ventilation of your outdoor living space. They are not thermally rated to act as an interior-exterior barrier.
Can I use your retractable glass wall as an interior wall inside my home?
Yes, we have done many interior applications.
Do your patio covers retract?
No, our roofs are fixed structures to eliminate issues with snow load, wind load, and drainage. However, our glass walls are fully retractable.
Product Use and Maintenance
Can I lock my sunroom?
Yes, every type of sunroom can be equipped with a locking mechanism.
How do I clean my sunroom or patio cover? Can I use a pressure washer on my patio cover?
We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer on your patio cover, as it can damage the rubber seals that hold your roof panels in place. It's best not to use a pressure washer on your glass walls either.
For both glass and Acrylite products, we recommend using mild household cleaning products or soapy water on the surface. Cleaning glass with a long-handled squeegee will give you the best results, while Acrylite panels can be cleaned with a soft-bristle brush. Avoid using alcohol-based cleaning products on your Acrylite roof panels.
Materials and Specifications
Where do you get your materials from?
All of our product materials are sourced from Canada and Europe.
What are your retractable walls made of?
Our sliding walls are made of glass that has been tempered for strength and durability, which is then mounted on aluminum profiles and tracks. Tempered glass is 4-6 times stronger than annealed glass, and if the glass happens to break (which is extremely rare), it will break safely into small rounded pieces. It undergoes numerous product tests to ensure its quality and can withstand winds of 300 km/h.
What is your roof system made of?
For the frame of our patio covers, we use 10-gauge aluminum that is factory powder-coated and will not rust or deteriorate. The roof panels are crafted from tempered glass or Acrylite and fastened to the frame with rubber gaskets. All of our patio covers are fully engineered and comply with national and local building codes.
What is the difference between Acrylite and polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate breaks down with sustained exposure to the sun, so over time a polycarbonate patio cover will fade, turn yellow, and become brittle. Acrylite is an acrylic-based product engineered in Germany to provide strength, longevity, and maximum diffused light. Acrylite is completely UV stable, so an acrylic patio cover will look just as good in thirty years as it does now.
Can I get a wood frame patio cover?
Wood frame patio covers are currently available for homeowners in B.C.’s Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island.
What type of wood do you use for wood frame patio covers?
We use architectural glulams for wood posts and beams. Glulams are strong and have a smooth, attractive finish. Additionally, checking (cracking or splitting that occurs naturally as wood becomes seasoned) is typically less severe and happens less frequently in glulams than checking in rough or sawn timber, due to the drying process that occurs during glulam production.
Does using glulams mean I won't have any checking with my wood posts and beams?
Some checking will always occur with any wood posts and beams, since wood is a natural product. However, the checking is typically less severe than other types of wood, because glulams are kiln-dried and have lower moisture content in comparison. Checking does not affect the structural integrity of your patio cover or sunroom.
Warranty and Price
What is the warranty on your products?
We offer a five-year warranty on the materials for our patio covers and sunrooms, and a two-year warranty on the materials for our retractable screens and blinds. Installation is covered under a two-year warranty.
Lumon is committed to ensuring its products’ usability for years to come. For all Lumon glazings , Lumon blinds and Visor blinds we guarantee full spare part availability for 10 years from the original purchase date. In addition, functional and safety related components for Lumon glazings will be available in one color for 20 years. For other products purchased from Lumon , we guarantee full spare part availability for the warranty period.”
Additional warranties apply within certain product ranges – ask your local design consultant for more information.
What does a Lumon sunroom or patio cover cost?
Our sunrooms and patio covers are designed and built for your home and your lifestyle, so cost varies from project to project.
We use high-quality materials from Canada and Europe, rather than lower-priced and low-quality materials sourced from Asian markets like China and Malaysia. Our products are also designed and engineered to exceed industry standards. This means that our products cost slightly more than average, but we’re still competitively priced compared to similar outdoor living spaces. And it also means that you’ll be enjoying your outdoor living space for decades to come!
If you’d like to receive a free estimate, your local design consultant will come to your home at a time that’s convenient for you.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we have a number of different financing options available! Get in touch with your local design consultant for more details.
Manufacturing and Installation
Can you build the patio cover or sunroom on my existing deck or patio?
The majority of spaces will accommodate a Lumon room. We work closely with you to find the best solution for you and your home, whether that means using an existing space or starting with a fresh canvas.
Do I need a permit?
Requirements vary in different municipalities, so we encourage you to ask your local design consultant about permits. If one is required, our team will work closely with you throughout this process. Every structure that we build is engineered and complies with local building codes.
Can the installation be done in stages?
Yes. All of our projects are custom made to suit your needs. You can build a patio cover now and add retractable glass walls later, for example. You can also add blinds or screens to your sunroom at any time.
Who does your installations? Can I install it myself?
In order to ensure quality at every stage of the process, we take care of everything from manufacturing all the way through to installation. Our professional, full-time installation crews will build your project. Unfortunately we do not offer DIY kits.
How long is the process from ordering to installation?
It generally takes 6-8 weeks for a patio cover or glass sunroom to be manufactured once you have confirmed the final details and measurements with your design consultant. However, the length of the process can vary due to seasonal production volumes and other factors specific to your project, such as deck renovations or permits. Your design consultant will discuss all of this with you in advance.
Where are your products manufactured?
Our Canadian production facility is located in Vaughan, just north of Toronto, Ontario. Some components are produced at our manufacturing facilities in Finland and then shipped to Canada to reduce lead times.
Condo Buildings
Do I need to get permission from my condo board or strata council for this?
Yes, you will need to get approval from your condo board or strata council.
We have decades of experience in securing permitting and approvals, and we'll work closely with you through this process. We can provide your board with requested documentation, and speak to them directly on your behalf, to make the approval process go smoother.
Why would my condo board or strata council be interested in this?
The benefits of Lumon balcony glass aren’t just for you! Aside from protecting your balcony space from wind, rain, cigarette butts, and pigeons, there are numerous benefits for residents and condo boards alike. Independent studies have shown that our balcony system reduces noise by 50% and increases energy savings. Furniture is protected, and safety and privacy are increased. The balcony life is extended by up to 25 years, reducing maintenance costs and preserving reserve funds. Additionally, the charter to increase the value of the building is achieved with an elegant solution.
Best of all, Lumon’s retractable glass protects your balcony and provides all of these benefits without creating a permanent enclosure or adding to the building’s total square footage.
The balcony is a common area. Can we install on a common area?
We fully understand that you would be purchasing a product that would be installed on a common area. A bylaw would need to be passed or an alteration agreement approved allowing installation of our balcony system. Lumon has drafts of these items that can be obtained.
Will the city allow me to protect my balcony with your retractable glass?
Our product complies with municipal and national building regulations, and we have official certification from the Canadian Construction Materials Centre. We have completed numerous balcony glass installations in municipalities all across Canada.
What if not all of the residents in my condo building wish to purchase balcony glass?
Since the Lumon glass system is frameless, it does not materially change the façade of your building even if the glass panels are closed. Therefore, if some residents wish to purchase and others do not, it will not detract from the look of the building.
How long does the process of ordering and installation take from the time of interest?
Since every balcony system is a custom project, the entire process takes about 6 months. This includes presentations to your condo board and neighbours, engineering and permits, and installation. We are involved at every step of the process to ensure that everything goes smoothly and everyone is satisfied.
Is there a benefit to doing the entire building at once?
Yes. The efficiencies of manufacturing, transportation, and installation mean a lower price per balcony.
How can I find out more?
We offer free in-home consultations at a time that's convenient for you!
