Accent Building Products Blog

Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

Your skylights are installed and you love them, for the most part. Unfortunately there are times when the sun is just a little too strong, a little too hot, a little too “not what you want right now”. There is a simple solution for this minor problem, shades. All shades serve a basic purpose, to block light and heat. Some are better at blocking the light, some are better at blocking heat, some are more attractive, some are very reasonably priced. Whatever your concern or budget there will be a shade that is right for you. Let’s take a look at the primary differences between the five basic style currently available.

The least expensive option is a standard roller shade. This looks and operates much like the vinyl window shades many of us grew up with. It is mentioned as an economical choice for controlling daylight. Next up would be the Venetian Blind. This looks just like the typical mini-blind that is commonly used today. It will help to control light and increase energy efficiency up to 12%. The mid-level choice would be the cellular shade. Built using the popular “solid honeycomb” style the cellular shade is a clean and contemporary look that can diffuse the light and increase the energy efficiency by 16%. The lightblock shade resembles a vinyl blackout blind. While the others can “control” or “diffuse” the sunlight the lightblock shade does exactly what the name suggests; it will totally block the light. It will increase energy efficiency by 20%, and while most of the styles have a choice between manual and electric operation the lightblock shade in the only one that is offered with a solar panel operator. Previously if you had a non-electric skylight you either had to use a manual blind or pay to have electrical wiring run up to your skylight, an often expensive pursuit. With the solar lightblock shade none of that is necessary, and it operated via the included remote control. It’s easy to see why the solar lightblock shade has become the most popular choice since it’s introduction.  The last of the five basic options is the Heat Block Awning. As the name implies, it is not really an interior shade but instead an exterior awning. This option does require electric wiring to operate. It is the most energy efficient of all the choice, with an efficiency increase of 40%. Thought it can be used in any location this awning is typically used in only the most extreme heat areas along the southern coast. Whatever your style, budget, or need, there is a skylight blind that is right for you.

Tags: blackout blind, budget, cellular shade, economical choice, electrical wiring, energy efficiency, increase energy, level choice, mid level, mini blind, remote control, roller shade, simple solution, skylight, Skylights, solar panel, sunlight, venetian blind, vinyl window, window shades