Skylights bring natural light into your home, but they can also turn your space into a greenhouse during summer. If you’re tired of sweating under your skylight or paying sky-high AC bills, these practical solutions will help you block heat effectively—without sacrificing style or natural light.
1. Install Light-Blocking Skylight Shades
Motorized skylight shades with blackout fabrics like those from Hunter Douglas can reduce solar heat gain by up to 80% (U.S. Department of Energy), but custom cellular motorized skylight shades from Kurlax are more affordable. Look for shades with:
- Thermal-reflective coatings (blocks UV/IR rays)
- Cellular/honeycomb designs (traps heat in air pockets)
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Remote-controlled operation for quick adjustments
2. Upgrade to Insulated Cellular Blinds
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) confirms cellular shades can improve insulation by 40-60%. For skylights:
Choose double-cell designs for maximum heat blockage
Opt for side channels to prevent light gaps
Consider top-down/bottom-up operation for partial light control
Consumer Reports ranks cellular blinds as the #1 window treatment for energy efficiency.
3. Use Exterior Skylight Covers
Exterior solutions block heat before it enters your home:
- Retractable solar screens (blocks 90% UV rays)
- Mesh shade sails (reduces heat gain by 70% per ASHRAE studies)
- Motorized exterior shutters for large skylights
Warning: Always consult a pro for roof-mounted installations.
4. DIY Blackout Solutions for Budget Fixes
Temporary fixes under $50:
- Apply static-cling window film (blocks 65% heat)
- Hang thermal blackout curtains with tension rods
- Create reflective foam board inserts (cut to skylight size)
Energy.gov recommends DIY films as cost-effective heat blockers.
5. Smart Tech: Remote-Controlled Systems
Modern solutions for hard-to-reach skylights:
- WiFi-enabled skylight motors (works with Alexa/Google Home)
- Z-Wave integration for whole-home automation
- Battery-powered options (no wiring needed)
Case Study: A 2023 UCLA study showed smart skylight systems reduce cooling costs by 22% annually.
6. Custom Solutions for Unique Spaces
For angled skylights (suitable for 0°-90°):
- Vertical skylight
- Tilted skylight
- Horizontal skylight
Kurlax’s custom division offers 20+ fabrics with R-values up to 5.0.
7. Seasonal Maintenance & Upgrades
Year-round protection checklist:
✅ Clean skylight surfaces quarterly (dirt increases heat absorption)
✅ Replace weather stripping every 2 years
✅ Upgrade to low-E glass (cuts heat transfer by 50%)
Explore Kurlax’s Smart-Home-Ready Motorized Skylight Shades → View Collection