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Old 06-18-15, 09:04 AM   #11
bennelson
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since the solar screen is tucked....may that cause water to seep in
That's one thing I wanted to figure out, but I don't think it will at all. The window has a significant lip, with the top piece extending over the bottom.

Rain would have to magically go down, around the top piece of trim, loop back up OVER the bottom piece of trim, and then into the interior. That's not to say it can't happen - capillary action, for example, can make water travel weird directions. It's fiberglass screen, so it shouldn't absorb water.

Also, the material is very thin, so it pinches in the window just fine.

The main downside of this setup is that I can't crank the skylight open for ventilation. However, that room also has two regular windows, which I can open.

And again, this is a temporary, experimental setup.
I'm really impressed with how much it cuts down on that hot sunlight entering the house.

The only downside I've noticed so far is that on an overcast day, the solar screen makes the light coming through the skylight seem even gloomier.

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Old 06-18-15, 11:34 PM   #12
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My house doesn't have any skylights, but many years ago I thought of installing one. That didn't happen for a number of reasons, but I did think about solar gain then and came up with the following idea:
Mount a mirror vertically on the south edge of the skylight, shading it from direct sunlight, but reflecting indirect light from the north.
During the colder months flip the mirror to the skylight's northern edge facing south, reflecting additional sunlight, and partially shading it from northern winds and snow.

This would require access twice a year, and the mirror would have to withstand wind, but it would decrease solar gain in the summer without decreasing light too much, while increasing light and heat in the winter.
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Old 06-19-15, 01:15 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Piwoslaw View Post
My house doesn't have any skylights, but many years ago I thought of installing one. That didn't happen for a number of reasons, but I did think about solar gain then and came up with the following idea:
Mount a mirror vertically on the south edge of the skylight, shading it from direct sunlight, but reflecting indirect light from the north.
During the colder months flip the mirror to the skylight's northern edge facing south, reflecting additional sunlight, and partially shading it from northern winds and snow.

This would require access twice a year, and the mirror would have to withstand wind, but it would decrease solar gain in the summer without decreasing light too much, while increasing light and heat in the winter.
The idea strikes me as unnecessarily complex, then again, maybe it's just the complex explanation of why a simple idea could work.

But to keep on with your idea... a series of reflective louvers, like venetian blinds, could keep a low profile and give you the effect you have described.

-AC
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Old 06-21-15, 01:24 PM   #14
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Default The "EASY" way

Skylights, windows, even the patio.

I used window screen frames, custom made to fit my junk.

I put whatever material in I think will get me what I want.

So summer is a framed screen on the entire window, not just the opening sash

Some are held on with clips, some, 2 side 3m tape.

I even used the framing material to build up solid acrylic panels, 2side tape to hold 2 panels to the frame, a cheap double glazed panel.

Try it, you will come up with some great ideas/fixes.
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Old 07-15-15, 10:21 AM   #15
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I used some of that solar screen on the inside, to cut the extreme glare of sun that comes in during Summer days.. It's blinding otherwise.. I just made a lightweight frame from window screen framing material I had and the bottom of our skylights had a wooden rim around them that it attaches easily to. I just used a couple push pins or similar because I take it down in Fall, for more light. I'm sure my way traps heat inside the skylight tube, but I really don't like getting on the back side of my roof where the skylights are; too steep and high for me. BTW, I also did the same thing with screen frame and that clear "Shrink film" to put up in Winter, and that seems to help a lot. The bathroom definitely stays warmer with that in. The nice thing is I can change over from one to the other quickly and easily, from inside. It's not as good as you guys' ideas, but it works for me..
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Old 07-15-15, 10:33 AM   #16
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...I used window screen frames, custom made to fit my junk...
AirSepTech, are these interior or EXTERIOR mounted frames that you are using?
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Old 07-15-15, 05:58 PM   #17
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Hits home! I added a sun shade "sail" to cover my atrium skylights 15x15.
W/O it even with the new heat pump the room is unbearable.
Glad I added it early this year with all the 80-90 degree weather in the Seattle area.
Add pics later..........

Now you have me thinking about the little skylights we have (3)
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Old 07-16-15, 09:02 AM   #18
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I was also wondering if a "hair-net" might work for some applications.

Imagine solar screening with a hemmed edge with an elastic shock cord inside. It could be put over a skylight, then tightened on with the shock cord. Simple, soft, light-weight.

It would require that the skylight has some sort of a lip on it though. So, it might work on some but not others.
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Old 08-11-15, 11:23 AM   #19
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Have you noticed a difference in your electric use / bill with the shading?
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Old 08-12-15, 08:08 AM   #20
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I feels much cooler in the room that I have shaded.

That one room is not what we base the use of our central air conditioning on, so it hasn't changed our electric use, but comfort is greatly improved.

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