Summer is the season of warm weather, beautiful blue skies, and abundant sunshine. While we love the gorgeous natural light that skylights bring into our homes, the intense summer sun can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. If you are experiencing excess heat or harsh glare, you are not alone.
What are some disadvantages to skylights during the summer?
Skylight shades are one of the most effective ways to manage sunlight, control glare, and regulate indoor temperatures. However, when planning a home remodel that includes skylights, many homeowners search the web to ask about the disadvantages of skylights and how they can prepare for them. One of these challenges – the amount of sun coming through the skylight at certain times of the day – can be easily mitigated with skylight shades.
Historically, this disadvantage has caused two major drawbacks to older skylights’ reputation:
- Uncontrolled Heat Gain: Because skylights face upward toward the sun, they can trap solar heat inside on hot days, forcing your air conditioner to work harder.
- Harsh Glare: Direct overhead sunlight can create a glare on television screens, laptops, and reading materials.
Thankfully, today’s generation of skylights is designed to eliminate these worries. Here’s how modern VELUX products are working to solve these issues:
- The Power of Skylight Shades: The absolute best way to manage heat and light is by adding shades. Strategically closing your shades during the hottest hours blocks thermal heat gain and can increase your skylights' energy efficiency by up to 46% on average, depending on size and placement.
- Standard Safety Glass: Our residential skylights come standard with double-paned, argon-filled Standard Safety Glass that blocks heat and reduces outside noise by up to 50% compared to plastic skylights.
- Outstanding Weathertight Protection: VELUX skylights are engineered with multiple layers of water protection and a weathertight design built to stand strong against the elements in any weather. When installed with VELUX flashing, they are backed by our industry-leading 10-year installation warranty.
How Different VELUX Skylight Shades Compare for Glare Reduction
To find the best solution for your space, it helps to compare different skylight shades for glare reduction and light control.
Here is how the three primary types of VELUX shades compare when it comes to keeping your home perfectly balanced:
| Shade Type | Glare Reduction Level | Best for | Key Features | Compatible Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Room-Darkening, Double-Pleated Shades | Maximum (blocks up to 99% of light) | Bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms | Honeycomb structure with a light-blocking aluminum inner coating for maximum thermal insulation | VELUX Skylight Systems & Skylights |
| Light-Filtering, Single-Pleated Shades | Moderate (diffuses direct sunlight) | Kitchens, living rooms, and home offices | Softens harsh, direct sunlight into a gentle glow, eliminating screen glare while keeping the space naturally bright | VELUX Skylight Systems & Skylights |
| Venetian Shades | Adjustable (redirects direct light) | Dining rooms and creative spaces | Features flexible slats that allow you to adjust the angle of incoming light to prevent glare while maintaining your view | VELUX Roof Windows |
The Standard for Comfort: The VELUX Skylight System with Preinstalled Shades
If you are upgrading your home, VELUX has made choosing the right shade simpler than ever. The VELUX Skylight System includes a pre-installed white Room Darkening Solar Powered Shade standard with your skylight, plus pre-programmed remotes so you can use them as soon as they’re installed.
This shade was chosen as the standard for our Skylight System because of its outstanding performance that offers the ultimate daylighting experience:
- Solar-powered and sustainable: Powered by a small solar panel, this shade does not require electric wiring, making it a sustainable, energy-efficient solution that works even on cloudy days.
- Out-of-the-box convenience: Because the shade is preinstalled and pre-paired with its included remote control, your installer can complete the project quickly, saving you time and hassle.
- Clean, sleek aesthetic: Built with a neat, double-pleated honeycomb fabric in classic white, this shade blends seamlessly into any ceiling while protecting your eyes from glare and your furniture from UV damage.
Other shade styles and colors are available with the Skylight System as a special order and are shipped separately. If you already have a VELUX skylight without a shade, you can order one easily through our Shades Store. Reach out to your original skylight installer or VELUX customer support for assistance installing the shade.
Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort Today
Don't let the summer heat limit how much you enjoy your home's natural light. Whether you are installing new skylights or upgrading your existing ones, VELUX shades are the perfect, energy-efficient solution for ultimate comfort.
Explore the VELUX Skylight System to discover our complete skylight units featuring pre-installed, solar-powered shades and factory-paired remotes. Or browse our full palette of in-stock and special-order shades to perfectly match your interior decor.
