skylight blinds, shades and awnings

Skylights can cause overheating in hot weather conditions. But they may also be a cause of undesired heat losses, in cold weather nights - a phenomenon responsible for drops up to 10º F below ambient temperatures. Shades and blinds are a way of minimizing overheating and unwanted losses.

Larger manufacturers are offering shades and blinds that can be installed either during or after the installation of their models.

Remote controls, Wall Switch and Manual Operation

Current offer includes electric blinds and awnings operated by remote control or by optional wall switches (some remote controls can operate multiple blinds). However, some models and devices (roller blinds) only admit manual operation.

Skylight shades and blinds disadvantages

Some skylight shades and blinds are relatively expensive and challenging in terms of installation (unless associated with the skylight model/manufacturer).

Another possible disadvantage concerns their effectiveness: shades and blinds block solar overheating between them and the glass (and not outdoors), which in some cases isn't efficient enough. Besides, in some cases the heating they block can break or damage the sealing systems or in extreme and rare cases even crack the glass.

Alternatives to skylight shades and blinds: insulated thermal glass

A well located skylight with a good insulating glass, responding to specific climate demands can often dispense with skylight shades and blinds. An appropriate glass is crucial: tempered or laminated low-emittance (Low-E2) glass will assist cooling in summer.

See: Skylight Glasses

Tubular skylights

If you aren’t looking for views or ventilation, tubular skylights are also an excellent way to prevent overheating or heating losses, and, consequently, to dispense with blinds and shades...

Tinting the skylight glass

A proper window tint (also called window films and solar films) applied to the skylight glass, will filter UV rays and prevent some undesired heat. Tinting is a cheap solution you may want to consider.

See: Window films

Insect screens and UV reduction

Insect screens are also an indirect way of reducing excessive solar heating. When buying a venting skylight, a fiberglass insect screen can reduce solar heating and loss (UV can be reduced by up 70%).

See: Skylight Insect Screens

When to buy a skylight blind or shade

If you have an already installed skylight that causes overheating or heat loss problems, and if you can’t control that features by other means (location, low-e glass…), then skylight blinds, shades and awnings are a solution to consider. They can be important energy-efficient devices.

See: Types of skylight blinds and shades