Most important, you need something covering the glass on the roof to provide the room with shade--either a new solid roof or shades that pull over it. I don't suppose that painted glass, like you see in Victorian conservatories, would cool it down? I'm thinking of the conservatory in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, but I know SF is a much cooler climate than Sacramento. I assume that the windows along the side all open? If not, then those would need to be replaced/modified too.

I would investigate shades or blinds, or perhaps residential window tinting? Hope you get some more suggestions, keep us posted!

HI -- So, it's you again ! I hope I can help you again . If the sun room is hot in the summer then I will assume it's cold in the winter . Have a concrete floor poured with infloor heating. And add an A/C and ceiling fans and some vented top windows if you don't have any. You could also get some sun shades put in. Have someone (architect or contractor) check it out and if it is worth putting money into - if it isn't then have it removed and plan for a proper garden room. There have been lots of construction improvements since that was built.

Hi. We don't get much cold in the winter, just wet. Hot and dry in the summer/fall.
Yes, the lower windows open. I don't think tinting or painting would do enough; it can reach over 110 F outside in the late summer afternoons.
The concrete floor idea is great. (I've seen pretty ones, actually.) And I'll look into the cost of a solid roof versus shades. It has bamboo shades right now, which do absolutely nothing. So I could go with something like sunbrella-type fabric. And, yes, trees!
I had originally just planned to tear it down and build a trellis, but I'm concerned about the occasional downpours (in the winter and a little of the spring, but they're impressive).
But then I started fantasizing about a real sunroom/ breakfast room... Wouldn't that be lovely?
Please keep those suggestions coming, and thanks!!!

Pour the floor with tint, you can also get it stamped to look like brick or stone. That will keep the cost down from actually brick or pavers. Put a solid roof cover. That will help shed the rain and give you shade. You should be able to do those two things for far less than ten Gs. Look around.

It might be possible to install solar panels where the sloped roof is so you'll get some light coming through while generating energy.

Lots of inexpensive shade systems you can install right along the curve of the glass. I am attaching some photos. I also recommend you install a mister system around the perimeter and a couple of ceiling fans. Perhaps you can also pipe some ac into the room. In spite of the mild winters, I would still install radiant heat in the floor. Hope this helps!

If the budget is tight i 'd say some sun blocks and an AC..If you cannot install it somewhere there are portable ones.

Check out thermaldesignsinc.com for options on shades.

Plant a couple of deciduous trees as suggested by DeWitt.

Check your remaining budget and investigate how to AC the space. Portable ACs need to be vented. Maybe investigate ceiling fan locations.

Sunsetter mfg of awnings also make shades which can be custom to your sunroom dimensions - come in many colors too. Works really good.

We had a concrete patio poured with the tint and stamping - this was not an inexpensive process. You have a beautiful space- enjoy it!

Thanks, Everyone!
I can get a motorized, retractable Sunsetter awning installed (so that I have it open only in the hot afternoons), plant some deciduous trees,
Get a tinted concrete floor laid, and AC.
Thus, we'll be able to enjoy the room year-round without going broke or violating the Homeowners' Association rules.
(Heating the floor might be beyond our budget, but I'll investigate.)
Thanks!

The sun room kind of dates the house. I think that I would remove it and put a covered patio there instead. A flat roof the length of the sun room would continue the lines of the house and not interfere with windows. I would also try to open up the wall by adding a second set of French doors.

On second thought, you could make the covered patio a sun room instead of open patio but I think with your great weather you would want it open.

We are blessed by having a spacious trellised, shaded patio/garden on the other (north) side of the house. So that's where we'll do much of our BBQing, entertaining, hanging out.
So, with our current budget limitations, I think it makes sense to keep the solarium enclosed, but I will incorporate the (terrific!) suggestions for making it usable year-round.
Thanks again, everyone!

You have a great space! Enjoy it!

Take advantage of your space! Don't enclose the roof, it will made the interior room like a cave. You need to move air with a roof vent, fans and a a/c unit. Then window treatments! We specialize in window treatments for slope glazing. If interested give us a call.

Take advantage of your space! Don't enclose the roof, it will made the interior room like a cave. You need to move air with a roof vent, fans and a a/c unit. Then window treatments! We specialize in window treatments for slope glazing. If interested give us a call.