We love skylights because they bring in natural light, which offers numerous health benefits. According to UCLA Health, exposure to natural light can improve mood, enhance creativity, lower blood pressure, and reduce anxiety. In fact, natural light is far better for the human body than artificial indoor lighting. Source

However, skylights come with their own set of challenges. During sunny summer days, the light can be overwhelmingly bright, leading to excess heat buildup and an overheated home. Skylights can also cause insulation and sealing issues, making your home susceptible to leaks and moisture problems, especially where the skylight penetrates the roof. In winter, the lack of sunlight can make rooms colder, adding to the discomfort.

At iHomeBlinds, we offer the perfect solution with our skylight shades. Our shades are designed to help you enjoy the benefits of skylights while addressing common issues like overheating in summer, cold drafts in winter, and moisture problems.

The Best Material: Cellular Shades

When we designed our skylight shades, the first question we asked was: what material should we use? After thorough research, we found that cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are the ideal material. These shades have a honeycomb-like structure that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional.

According to a study from the Illinois Institute of Technology, the honeycomb structure allows excellent insulation by trapping air inside its pockets, preventing heat transfer through the windows. This structure helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, offering energy efficiency benefits. Moreover, the cellular design provides soundproofing and superior light control.

Additionally, cellular shades can be coated to make them waterproof and moisture-resistant, which is crucial for preventing humidity problems around skylights. This is why we use cellular shades for all our iHomeBlinds skylight shades.

Sturdy Aluminum Alloy Frame for Durability

One of the key challenges with skylight shades is securing them in place, especially since they’re installed high up in the ceiling.

We solved this problem by using a durable aluminum alloy frame. This frame provides long-lasting stability, so you won’t need to frequently maintain or adjust your shades. The aluminum frame is strong, and once installed using four screws, it will stay firmly in place for years.

Versatile Operation Options: Manual or Motorized

Another common concern with skylight shades is how to operate them. In summer, you want to close the shades to block out heat, but during other times, you might want to let in soft sunlight. To meet these needs, we’ve developed both manual and motorized skylight shades.

For manual operation, we provide an extendable rod that can open and close the shades easily. The rod extends from 38 inches to 63 inches, making it compatible with most skylight heights.

For the ultimate convenience, we offer motorized skylight shades. With the push of a button on the remote control, you can adjust the shades effortlessly. For even more automation, we offer a smart gateway system that allows you to set schedules and control the shades via an app or Alexa. This allows you to manage light and temperature automatically based on the time of day.

Why We Avoid Lithium Batteries for Motorized Skylight Shades

Given the high temperatures that roofs can reach in the summer (sometimes over 65°C), we only offer hard-wired motorized skylight shades.

Unfortunately, lithium batteries are not an option because they cannot function in temperatures above 60°C. Using lithium batteries near a skylight in such conditions could not only reduce the lifespan of the battery but also pose a safety risk, including potential fires, especially on wooden roofs. According to Angel Kirchev, ,High-temperature aging has a serious impact on the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Until we find a solution to the high-temperature issue, we will not offer battery-powered motorized skylight shades.

Conclusion

iHomeBlinds’ skylight shades are the ideal solution to enjoy the beauty and benefits of skylights without the common downsides. By using high-quality cellular shades for insulation and an aluminum frame for durability, combined with manual or motorized operation options, we provide the perfect solution for every season. Whether it’s summer heat or winter chills, our skylight shades will keep your home comfortable and stylish all year round.