Alexei Volkov
Skylights are a great way to bring in natural light and offer a glimpse of the sky, but they often have the downside of letting in unwanted heat. This is called the greenhouse effect, where light comes in, heats up your room, and has nowhere else to go. This can make your home uncomfortably warm and increase your energy costs as your air conditioning has to work harder. The good news is that there are several ways to block this heat and keep your home cool. From simple DIY fixes like using fabric and tension rods to installing window films, advanced glazing, or external shading solutions, you can take control of the heat from skylights and improve your quality of life.
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What You'll Learn
Use exterior blinds and shades
If you're looking for a way to block heat on plastic skylights, exterior blinds and shades are a great option. Not only do they block the sun's heat, but they also allow natural light to enter your home. This is a much better alternative to interior blinds or window tinting, which the US Department of Energy has found to be far less effective at stopping heat from entering your home.
Exterior blinds and shades can be easily installed using DIY kits that are available online. These kits typically include mounting studs that you attach to the frame of your skylight and mesh fabric that you cut to size and snap onto the studs. The EZ Snap System, for example, uses 3M adhesive fasteners that require no special tools or experience for installation. You simply peel and stick the snaps onto your skylight frame and then attach the mesh. This way, you avoid putting holes in your skylight while still achieving a professional look.
The EZ Snap System has been proven to block up to 90% of the sun's heat while still letting in lots of natural light. This is a significant amount of shade that will provide relief from heat and UV damage. The mesh fabric used in these systems is designed to be non-fray, so you don't have to worry about it coming apart over time. Additionally, the shading mesh can be adjusted until it is wrinkle-free, ensuring a smooth and seamless installation.
Another benefit of exterior blinds and shades is their versatility. You can easily unsnap the mesh and store it away during cooler months when you want more direct sunlight. This makes it a flexible solution for all seasons. Furthermore, exterior blinds and shades can enhance the curb appeal of your home. They come in a variety of styles and colours, so you can choose an option that complements the exterior of your house.
Overall, exterior blinds and shades are an effective, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing way to block heat on plastic skylights. With their high shade factor and ease of installation, they offer a convenient solution to keep your home cool and comfortable while still enjoying the benefits of natural light.
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Install window film
Window film is a great option for reducing the heat that enters your home through plastic skylights. Not only does it reduce glare and UV damage, but it also improves insulation, retaining heat by up to 33% in colder months.
Window films are especially useful for skylights because they absorb heat, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home, without blocking natural light. This is a great alternative to installing blinds, which would block out the light coming in through the skylight.
Skylight window film can be difficult to install, especially when working at height, so it is recommended that a competent and licensed professional applies the window film. This is because skylight films come in several options, and using the wrong type of film can cause damage and even breakage.
There are several companies that offer skylight window film installation services, such as Window Film Depot and PR Solar Window Film Ltd. These companies work with customers to install the proper window film for their skylights, ensuring that the film complements the glass to avoid breakage, seal failure, and other issues.
Overall, installing window film on your plastic skylights is a great way to reduce heat, glare, and UV damage while still allowing natural light to enter your home.
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Fit a skylight cover
If you're looking for a way to block heat from entering your home through plastic skylights, fitting a skylight cover is a great option. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:
Choose the Right Cover
The market offers a variety of skylight covers, each with its own benefits. You can choose from outdoor covers, heat-resistant covers, or even custom-made options. Some popular choices include EZ Snap®, which offers a solar mesh that attaches to the outside of your skylight and blocks up to 90% of the sun's heat while still allowing natural light to enter. Alternatively, Fisher Products provides heat-blocking skylight shades and covers that are made in the USA and offer long-lasting durability.
Measure Your Skylight
Before purchasing a skylight cover, it's crucial to accurately measure your skylight. Most manufacturers, like Fisher Products, require precise measurements in inches to ensure a perfect fit. Take measurements from different points of the skylight, including the width, height, and any unique features that may impact the cover's fit.
Order the Cover
Once you've decided on a skylight cover and measured your skylight, it's time to place your order. Visit the manufacturer's website or get in touch with them directly to provide your measurements and any specific requirements. They will guide you through the ordering process and help you select the best cover for your needs.
Install the Cover
When your skylight cover arrives, carefully unpack and inspect it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, as each cover may have unique requirements. Some covers may require cutting to size, while others might offer adhesive solutions that don't require drilling. Ensure you have all the necessary tools and safety equipment before beginning the installation process.
Maintenance and Care
Skylight covers require regular maintenance to keep them functioning optimally. Depending on the type of cover you choose, you may need to clean it periodically, adjust its position, or replace certain components. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific care instructions to ensure the longevity of your skylight cover.
By following these steps and choosing the right skylight cover, you can effectively block heat from entering your home through plastic skylights, improving your comfort and reducing energy costs. Remember to consider factors such as ease of installation, durability, and heat-blocking capabilities when making your selection.
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Apply reflective coatings
Applying reflective coatings to your skylights is an effective way to block heat from entering your home. Skylights can let in a lot of heat from the sun, warming the air and surfaces inside, and increasing cooling expenses. This is known as solar heat gain, and it can make your air conditioning work harder, leading to higher energy costs.
Reflective coatings, such as heat-reflective films and tinting, are applied directly to the glass or plastic of your skylight. These coatings reflect sunlight and a significant amount of solar heat away from your skylight, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home. They also allow beneficial natural light to fill your space, reducing glare and protecting your furniture and decor from fading.
When choosing a reflective coating or film, it is important to select one that blocks solar heat without overly darkening the room. Installation is typically straightforward, but for best results, you may want to consult a professional.
In addition to reflective coatings, you can also explore advanced glazing options such as double or triple glazing, which use multiple layers of glass or specialized glazing materials to improve insulation and control heat transfer.
By applying reflective coatings and exploring advanced glazing options, you can effectively block heat on your plastic skylights, improving your indoor comfort and reducing energy costs.
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Plant trees to act as natural skylight covers
Skylights are a great way to let natural light into your home, but they can also let in unwanted heat, especially during the summer. This phenomenon is called the "greenhouse effect" or "solar heat gain". The sun's rays enter through the skylight, heat up the room, and become trapped, causing the space to warm up. This can result in increased cooling expenses and discomfort.
One effective way to block heat on plastic skylights is to plant trees that will act as natural skylight covers. By strategically planting trees in your yard, you can create a natural barrier that blocks the sun's rays from directly hitting the skylights. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of nature to your home's exterior.
When choosing trees to block heat on plastic skylights, consider the following:
- Select trees with dense foliage: Look for trees that have a dense canopy of leaves or needles. The foliage will act as a natural shade, blocking direct sunlight from reaching the skylights.
- Consider the height and placement of the trees: Plant trees that will grow tall enough to reach the height of the skylights. Position them strategically, taking into account the angle and direction of the sun. This way, the trees can provide shade during the times of day when the sun is most intense.
- Choose trees that are suitable for your climate: Opt for trees that are native to your region or adapted to your local climate. This will ensure that they thrive and provide effective shading.
Maintain and care for your trees by regularly pruning and shaping them to ensure they grow in the desired direction and do not obstruct any other important features of your home. Additionally, be mindful of the potential drawbacks of planting trees, such as the time it takes for them to grow to the desired height and the ongoing maintenance required to keep them healthy and well-groomed.
Combining the natural shade provided by trees with other strategies, such as exterior blinds, shades, or reflective coatings, can further enhance the heat-blocking effect and provide you with a comfortable and energy-efficient home.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to block heat from entering your plastic skylights. You can use blinds, shades, or window films. Blinds and shades are a straightforward way to cover skylights and control the amount of light and heat entering your home. Window films are another great strategy to cut the heat. These films reflect the sun's rays, reducing glare, and stopping a significant portion of heat from entering your home.
You can use roller shades, cellular shades, pleated shades, or thermal blinds. Roller shades are easy to adjust and come in many styles and materials. Cellular shades have air pockets that act as insulators, helping to prevent heat loss in winter months and block heat in summer. Pleated shades and thermal blinds are also effective options.
Window films can be reflective or UV reflective. Reflective films reflect the sun's rays, reducing glare and heat. UV reflective films block harmful ultraviolet rays and infrared heat while letting in natural light.
Yes, you can use a solar mesh like EZ Snap®, which attaches to the outside of your skylight and blocks up to 90% of the sun's heat while still letting in natural light. You can also use ventilation to allow hot air to escape, reducing the likelihood of overheating. Skylights with built-in vents can help with this, ranging from manual to motorized systems.
