Asked on Jun 19, 2013

Ideas to block heat from skylights.

Judith F
by Judith F
I get too much heat from 4 skylights during the summer and want to find a material that will block the heat and somehow fit up into the surround around the skylight.
  20 answers
  • Judith F Judith F on Jun 19, 2013
    Thanks I have a call in with them. I was told awhile back, that they could not be tinted because the curved skylight. I was talking to a business that tinted windows for cars!.
  • You can do the tint but it has to be real glass, not plexi or plastic. Try a local window treatment retailer. Cellular shades can be manual or motorized to open and close the opening. Plantation shutters are a good choice as well. An extension pole can be used to open and close the slats.
  • Energy Wise Mfg. Energy Wise Mfg. on Jun 20, 2013
    Judith, We noticed your post and wanted to make you aware of the double glazed interior storm windows we manufacture. These will simply push up into the framework surrounding your skylights forming an airtight seal to prevent heat loss or heat gain, by creating two substantial new dead air pockets. Take a look at our website for further info to determine if these may be your solution and then feel free to get in touch to discuss this topic further. www.energywisemfg.com or call 563-542-2134
  • Judith F Judith F on Jun 20, 2013
    Yes, I found out about the plexi glass.The thing is, I have a very small budget and would not be able to afford either solutions, checking into covers, for outside. Next, I will have to figure out how to make something on my own.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 20, 2013
    I know some green houses will paint on a "white wash" type of product to reduce solar loading in the summer. It still allows light to pass but reduces the heat build up.
  • Paula Paula on Jun 20, 2013
    I had the same type of sky lights in my previous home. I purchased a sheet of 4 inch foam like that you would use to cushion a bench, cut it to slightly larger than the opening of the skylight and hot gluded an atractive piece of fabric to the side that would be visible. I'd shove it into the opening and it would stay in place on it's own. It made huge difference in the heat but we sacrificed the light. Once August was past, I remove them and store in the top of the closet.
  • Lori J Lori J on Jun 20, 2013
    We are having a similar issue with the skylights in the media center end of our elementary library--lovely light BUT the glare on computer screens is an issue for instruction. Energy Wise Mfg., feel free to contact my husband at ejackson@esu10.org.
  • Judith F Judith F on Jun 21, 2013
    Thank you Paula, I may have to do this.It would be the cheapest solution,
  • Judith F Judith F on Jun 21, 2013
    Thank you Lori J. will check it out,
  • Renee Renee on Jun 24, 2013
    Use Wallpaper For Windows, all their films are a static cling so they are so easy to work with. You just install with water. They can be used on glass and plexiglass, and if you want to change out the design later you just peel it away (it can even be re-used). These films really cut down the heat, but still let in the natural soft defused light. They have beautiful etched and stained glass designs. www.wallpaperforwindows.com
    • See 1 previous
    • Renee Renee on Jan 05, 2015
      @Mary Yes, Wallpaper For Windows will work wonderfully on your plexiglass cover over your deck. There are wonderful designs, or just plain tint colors. There's one called Sky Blue that would look like clear blue sky when you look up. www.wallpaperforwindows.com
  • Judith F Judith F on Jun 26, 2013
    Renee, thank you for a wonderful solution, It just could't work for me because my skylights ate not flat, more domed like. I did go on the site and called the,.What a great company and beautiful solutions for doors and windows. I would recommend them no also.Spoke with a Lady name Barbara who was very delightful!
  • Judith F Judith F on Jun 26, 2013
    Thank you Paula, > we decided to use your idea on the skylights. 2 down and 2 to go. Already a huge difference>>
  • Opal Opal on Aug 12, 2014
    I had this same thing in my kitchen. I used fabric and two tension rods. The tension rods go on the shorter two sides about 3 inches up from the opening. Fold your fabric to fit plus 5" on each rod side. On the rod side of the fabric, fold over about 3" and pin or sew across making a casing to run the rods through. Slip the rods through the casing and hang. I used a lighter table cloth with a pattern to match my kitchen. It works well and is easy and inexpensive. It took me maybe 20 minutes and can be removed or changed out easily with no damage.
  • Mary Mary on Jan 05, 2015
    Thank you so much, Renee. I'll look into it and let you know. Sounds like a really good idea!
  • Linda Hohlen Linda Hohlen on Jun 03, 2015
    Home Depot sells a sun block screening that comes in a roll. You can see out but the sun and heat are blocked. It would be easy to make a simple frame...staple it to the frame and place brackets in the skylite opening and set it in like a shelf... this way you don't lose your light.
  • We are releasing a service this summer that coats the existing exterior skylight with a IR reflecting thin coating that will let over 90% visible light thru while reflecting up to 70% infrared wavelengths. Carl P./ Advanced Surface Treatments -Dallas TX
  • KathyJb KathyJb on Aug 09, 2016
    Try bubble wrap. I used it on our west side storm door that is all glass and it cut the heat significantly
  • Unified Comms Unified Comms on Jul 28, 2018

    We had this issue with a couple of skylights acting as a heat magnifier in our kitchen. We just made up some temporary covers from an old wooden pallet and some fence panels, painted the whole lot white and rested them over the skylights. Perfect!

  • LuxuryWindowTinting LuxuryWindowTinting on Aug 28, 2019

    Window tint is a great option, it enables you to see out, keep your natural light, yet reject 86% of the suns solar heat from entering. Check out our website for photos and more!

    www.luxwindowtinting.com