Why Homeowners Prefer a Skylight with a Shade

A Skylight with a Shade Offers Control Over the Elements

Choosing a skylight to install can be a big decision for homeowners. There are several options for sizes, styles, glazing, and accessories. Many may opt for a fixed skylight without a skylight shade, considering it a good entry-level option. While this decision will transform a room, a skylight with a skylight shade can transform the way someone feels about their entire house.  

Skylight shades transform the aesthetic and the energy use in a home. Thermal performance studies show that shades boost the energy efficiency of skylights significantly. Skylight shades provide temperature management while offering total control over the amount of daylight. They are available in a variety of colors to match a room’s décor. Automations can be added to control the skylight shades on a schedule, and they can be controlled by voice when integrated with a smart speaker.

Reasons Homeowners Prefer a Skylight with a Skylight Shade

1.    Improved Energy Efficiency: The U-value, or U-factor, of a window is the key indicator of energy efficiency. It denotes the insulation rating of the glass, identifying how well the skylight reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the window. According to a study commissioned by VELUX and conducted by InterTek, a skylight without a shade has a U-value from 0.44 – 0.49. When a skylight shade is added, the U-value improves 27% - 41%, depending on the skylight model. Even in the open position, a skylight shade can improve the U-value of a skylight 3% -7%. These new improved U-value numbers are available on the NFRC website and have been recognized with an ENERGY STAR® rating. 

2.    Temperature Management: A skylight with a skylight shade regulates the indoor temperature of a home much better than a skylight alone. The lower the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) number is on a skylight, the better it is at regulating indoor temperature. The SHGC of a skylight alone is 0.18 – 0.26. According to the study commissioned by VELUX, when a skylight shade is used to block out the hottest part of the day, or closed at night to keep warm, the SHGC improves by 33% - 43%. Even when the skylight shades are open, there is still an improvement of 8% - 22%. This improvement reduces the amount of time the HVAC will be used throughout the year. 

3.    Light Control & UV Protection: Not every homeowner enjoys the amount of daylight that can come with direct sun. This can cause unwanted glare and make it difficult to navigate a room in the middle of the day. A skylight shade can be controlled to open as much or as little as a homeowner desires. Not only does this reduce glare, but it also blocks all UV rays. While smart glass and  Low-E coating block most UV rays (95% - 99%), skylight shades block the rest to prevent any fading that may occur to furniture or flooring. 

4.    Aesthetics & Automation: A skylight by itself is a beautiful addition to a home. A skylight shade adds an extra layer of color, comfort, and style. VELUX skylight shades are available as light-diffusing single-pleated and room-darkening double-pleated. There are several color options for each style to match just about any room’s aesthetic. Shades and venting skylights can also be remote-controlled, app-controlled, or voice-controlled. Options, like the VELUX ACTIVE, are available as a standalone or can be integrated with a home’s smart speaker. This allows homeowners to open and close the shades in any room of the house by using their voice. The VELUX App, when downloaded to a phone or personal device, gives the same level of control, but at the homeowner's fingertips. 

VELUX Has Multiple Skylight Shade Options and Colors

Homeowners who decide to install a skylight say it was a good decision. But homeowners who installed a skylight with a room-darkening solar shade said it was one of the best decisions they ever made. Not only did it look great, but it also improved energy efficiency. VELUX offers multiple skylight shade options and colors. Design and Product Advisors are available to sit down virtually with homeowners and discuss all the details of skylights and skylight shades. 

For contractors, remodelers, and roofers looking for skylight installation assistance, we have several skylight installation videos available online. VELUX also provides free installation training in select areas. Pro Partner Academies offer hands-on teaching in a classroom setting. Mobile vans can come to a job site and provide the same in-depth instruction.

Learn more about skylights and skylights with shades.
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