Skylight glare presents a common challenge for homeowners, particularly in regions with intense sunlight exposure like Arizona, often necessitating the consideration of effective covering solutions. Energy efficiency, a critical factor assessed by organizations such as the Efficient Windows Collaborative, is significantly impacted by uncontrolled solar heat gain through skylights. Therefore, how do you choose to cover the skylight to mitigate these issues without sacrificing natural light entirely? Selecting the appropriate method involves evaluating various options, from custom-fitted blinds to specialized films, each offering different levels of light control and insulation, features increasingly accessible due to advancements in materials science spearheaded by companies such as 3M.
Covering Your Skylight: A Guide to Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right skylight cover involves several considerations. A skylight cover is more than just a shade; it’s a solution that addresses issues like excessive sunlight, unwanted heat gain, privacy concerns, and potential leaks. To effectively narrow down your options, you’ll need to carefully consider the different types of covers available, their respective pros and cons, and how they align with your specific needs and budget.
Understanding Your Needs: The Foundation of Your Decision
Before diving into the specifics of skylight covers, take a moment to analyze why you’re considering one in the first place. Asking yourself the following questions will help you clarify your requirements:
- What is the primary problem you’re trying to solve? Is it excessive glare, overheating, privacy, or a combination of these?
- What is your budget? Skylight covers range in price from simple, inexpensive solutions to more elaborate, custom-made systems.
- How much natural light do you want to block? Do you want to completely block light, filter it, or simply reduce glare?
- Are you looking for a temporary or permanent solution? Some covers are easy to install and remove, while others are designed for long-term use.
- What are your aesthetic preferences? Skylight covers come in various styles and materials, so choose one that complements your home’s decor.
Exploring Skylight Cover Options: Types and Features
Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, you can explore the different types of skylight covers available:
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Temporary Solutions:
- Aluminum Foil or Reflective Film: These are the most economical options, reflecting sunlight and heat away from the skylight. However, they can be visually unappealing and offer limited light control.
- Cardboard or Foam Board: These materials provide effective light blockage and insulation, but they are not very durable and may not be aesthetically pleasing.
- Blankets or Towels: Readily available and easy to install, these offer temporary shading but can be bulky and unattractive.
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Semi-Permanent/Adjustable Solutions:
- Skylight Shades: These shades are specifically designed to fit skylights and offer a variety of light control options, from complete blackout to translucent filtering. They can be manually operated or motorized.
- Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades): Known for their excellent insulation properties, cellular shades trap air to help regulate temperature. They come in various opacities and can be custom-fitted to your skylight.
- Roman Shades: These shades offer a more decorative option, with a variety of fabrics and patterns to choose from. They can be raised and lowered to control the amount of light entering the room.
- Blackout Curtains: Used along side a tension rod, these curtains can fully block light and offer privacy.
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Permanent Solutions:
- Exterior Skylight Covers: These are installed on the outside of the skylight and provide a physical barrier against sunlight and heat. They can be made of various materials, such as metal, fiberglass, or polycarbonate.
- Tinted Skylight Film: Applied directly to the skylight glass, tinted film reduces glare and heat gain by blocking certain wavelengths of light. It is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install option.
- Diffusers: These panels are designed to scatter light, reducing glare and creating a softer, more even illumination. They are typically made of translucent materials such as acrylic or polycarbonate.
Evaluating Skylight Covers: Pros and Cons
To help you compare the different options, consider the following table outlining the pros and cons of each type of skylight cover:
| Cover Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Foil/Reflective Film | Inexpensive, Easy to install | Visually unappealing, Limited light control |
| Cardboard/Foam Board | Effective light blockage, Good insulation | Not durable, Aesthetically unpleasing |
| Skylight Shades | Variety of light control options, Can be motorized | Can be expensive, Requires professional installation |
| Cellular Shades | Excellent insulation, Various opacities | Can be bulky, May not be aesthetically pleasing |
| Exterior Skylight Covers | Durable, Provides a physical barrier | Can be expensive, May require professional installation |
| Tinted Skylight Film | Inexpensive, Easy to install | Limited light control, May fade over time |
| Diffusers | Reduces glare, Creates even illumination | May reduce overall light levels, Can be difficult to clean |
Installation Considerations: DIY vs. Professional
The installation process is another important factor to consider when choosing a skylight cover. Some covers, such as aluminum foil and cardboard, can be easily installed by anyone. Others, such as skylight shades and exterior covers, may require professional installation to ensure proper fit and function.
If you are considering a DIY installation, be sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and take all necessary safety precautions. If you are not comfortable with the installation process, it is best to hire a qualified professional.
FAQs: Cover Skylight – How Do You Choose the Best?
What factors should I consider when selecting a skylight cover?
Consider why you want to cover the skylight. Are you seeking light control, insulation, or preventing leaks? Your budget, the skylight’s size, and your DIY skills also matter when deciding how you choose to cover the skylight effectively.
What are the main types of skylight covers available?
Common types include insulated shades, blackout shades, reflective films, and custom-built covers made from wood or fabric. The type you choose will depend on your goals, whether you wish to block all the light or reduce it. Knowing that will help how you choose to cover the skylight.
How can I improve the insulation of my skylight with a cover?
Insulated shades or custom-built covers with insulation layers can significantly reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Consider multiple layers or materials with high R-values when considering how you choose to cover the skylight for insulation.
What’s the best way to block out light completely with a skylight cover?
Blackout shades or solid, opaque covers are the most effective for complete light blockage. Ensure the cover fits snugly to prevent light leaks around the edges. That is essential when you want to choose how you choose to cover the skylight for complete darkness.
Ultimately, the best way to choose to cover the skylight depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider everything we’ve discussed, weigh the pros and cons, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect solution for blocking unwanted light and heat. Happy skylight covering!