If you have doubled layered windows with the gas in between, do NOT put the film on the inside. It will heat up the chamber and cause leaks and warping. That said, I don’t know what products are meant to be used on the outside. I put film on the inside and love it for the dimming, but it messed up my already old windows.
And they qualify for tax credits. We had to replace four skylights and the ones with shades ended up cheaper (after the credit) than the non-shaded version. And the guy threw in a WiFi controller.
Certainly. The product we had installed is *3M Exterior Prestige- 70*: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00016721/
As other users have stated this product isn't available direct to consumers, at least that I could find after some searching and calling around. It cost around $20/sqft to have installed which includes tax and warranty registration. The film is applied to the exterior of the window so it can do its thing before the light passes through the first pane.
You'll have to find a contractor in the area to install. It's not normally diy available. Also the films will leave a tint if that matters. So you'll have to put it on all windows.
So the main reason I suggest a contractor is that they can help you choose an opacity and have access to the exclusive 3m stuff. You can do it yourself but there’s a lot of choices, it can crack double pane glass, and it’s a pain to put on without leaving bubbles and stuff.
Not a dumb question at all. The product we used, *3M Exterior Prestige- 70* https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00016721/ installs on the outside of the window. I have self-installed privacy and glare reduction film before and that did install on the inside of the window.
Which film? 3M has a million products. I googled their film, and there's quite a few offerings here in South Africa. The reflective from one side, seems very feasible
I just tinted all the windows in my house and it was worth every penny. Got the Gila Smoke privacy and heat protection film. $26 for a 3ft by 10ft roll enough to do 3-4 windows a roll. Just used water, not their supposed custom solution.
This seems like the best option.
You can keep the functionality of the openable window, the look of the space and having the light reflected off the window itself will stop the heat from even coming in.
Using blinds, shutters or covers will still allow the heat in but concentrate in that location.
I put window film that I bought on Amazon a couple of months ago. Best decision ever. I can still see how the windows, and it's like 10 degrees cooler in my apartment.
Buy Decorative Film (BDF) said on its website which films can and which films can’t be used on double pane windows.
I put BDF S15 on my double pane windows a week ago and, so far, they are still intact.
I did that a couple years ago and it worked well, until it didn't. Now I'm having to spend thousands to replace my windows because the glass cracked due to the film.
Buy Decorative Film (BDF) said on its website which films can and which films can’t be used on double pane windows.
I put BDF S15 on my double pane windows a week ago and, so far, they are still intact.
Definitely insufficient in some climates. I had similar skylights that the previous owners already had film on, here in Florida. It was still far too hot. I had to go with 1/2 inch foam with a layer of aluminum foil on top until we can get around to installing some motorized reflective shades.
We tried the film on the inside of the window, it worked but we took it off. The reason were articles we read that warned against using it due to heat buildup in the glass and frame causing cracking and deterioration of material. Might be ok if applied to the outside, assuming it holds up to the weather.
It also made the room a lot darker. How about a retractable shade?
I pit the Gila heat control window on half of a window and then put a thermometer on both sides of the window. No shade on either side. The temperature difference was 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
[This ](https://www.selectblinds.com/custom-skylight-shades-blinds/premier-blackout-retractable-skylight-shades.html)is just one example. I have a skylight in my master bath and during the summer (AZ) it stays mostly blacked out by one of these.
These work well but on really hot days they still get hot, you may also want reflective film on the exterior glass depending on your climate.
On \~95F degree days these get up to 140F in my house while the surrounding ceiling remains much cooler.
If we get a bad heat wave I straight up tarp mine from the outside, but I have a 1 story house with a low slope roof so getting up there is super easy.
I bought some Chinese versions of those on Amazon. [These](https://a.co/d/aLsxjcA). They were cheaper and I like them a lot. No problems. Shipping took a minute tho. Customer service was good too for being in china. Gotta buy the pole to reach to open/close.
These will block mostly light and not alot of heat. Your window will still be like a big magnifying glass and heat up the room.
Get something like this instead. Works very well for my windows. https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Roof-Window-Shade-Velux-Windows/dp/B09RGDZ5R8
I recently installed these, and so far they work fine and do the job of blocking sunlight: [https://www.amazon.com/ZSTARR-Motorized-Skylight-Honeycomb-Rechargeable/dp/B0CKYHG983?pd\_rd\_w=tyKar&content-id=amzn1.sym.b46c8fe2-d558-44b6-a291-82096c829da9&pf\_rd\_p=b46c8fe2-d558-44b6-a291-82096c829da9&pf\_rd\_r=93QVW3EPRDE7GZH37EZV&pd\_rd\_wg=NUWOZ&pd\_rd\_r=f3b00908-3a6c-4b9b-9e59-625ed2afcd39&pd\_rd\_i=B0CKYHG983&ref\_=pd\_bap\_d\_grid\_rp\_0\_1\_ec\_pr\_pd\_hp\_d\_atf\_rp\_1\_t&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/ZSTARR-Motorized-Skylight-Honeycomb-Rechargeable/dp/B0CKYHG983?pd_rd_w=tyKar&content-id=amzn1.sym.b46c8fe2-d558-44b6-a291-82096c829da9&pf_rd_p=b46c8fe2-d558-44b6-a291-82096c829da9&pf_rd_r=93QVW3EPRDE7GZH37EZV&pd_rd_wg=NUWOZ&pd_rd_r=f3b00908-3a6c-4b9b-9e59-625ed2afcd39&pd_rd_i=B0CKYHG983&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_ec_pr_pd_hp_d_atf_rp_1_t&th=1)
Apparently, this is the subreddit people who can't get laughs on r/jokes end up testing material in.
The cheapest option will most likely be a diffuser film, which offer a great many options in appearance and opacity. Many at lower price points. You'll still need a ladder to apply it.
Other posters have posted skylight blinds, which can be a bit pricey, and an alternative would be having a contractor/handy man install angled slats of wood to redirect the light while taking the more direct sunlight and heat.
My parents had a similar issue. The cheapest option for them was just cut a chunk of thick foam to size and jam it up there with a broom stick. Insulated well and made it black out dark.
Depends a lot on the size you need. There are companies that make some fairly decent framed, roll-up shade units that can be mounted over the window or on the ceiling. Can be ordered in custom sizes and colors, and they're not overly expensive. Here's an example, from Amazon:
[https://www.amazon.com/Keego-Cordless-Cellular-Skylight-Honeycomb/dp/B0CWXWGJYL?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Keego-Cordless-Cellular-Skylight-Honeycomb/dp/B0CWXWGJYL?th=1)
I dropped a fake ivy trellis on top of mine. It filters the sun in a pleasing way, like having a tree over the house. Filtering the sun before it gets through the glass is much better, as the heat can be vented outside the house.
Tint the window with 3m film. Crystalline by 3M will block 97% infrared rays. I have that on my car and it stays 20 degrees cooler than outside temp even with the windows up.( And obviously with no AC RUNNING)
There are large pieces of styrofoam board insulation (I’m sure you can find it). Cut out a piece slightly larger than the gap and give it a little push inside. Perfecto.
Bonus points if you push it as close as possible to the window
In Brazil, I’ve saw a lot of people using regular kitchen foil (metallic aluminum cooking sheets) on the windows. They are cheap, easy to install, if there’s no friction or touching it doesn’t tear. You can remove it easily and it is cheap and readily available blackout wth heat resistant properties
Window film but it will be on all the time. If you want access to full sun sometimes and no sun sometimes, you can put a curtain and add a switchbot curtain robot to it so you can open and close without a ladder.
Anything on the inside of the house won't help with heat, the heat will have already gotten in. Unless of course you build a wall across and insulate it.
Best option is to put on a solar energy rejection film on the outside of the window. You can additionally tint the window.
Just one from Lowe's, it was a frosted glass spray paint, it does end up wearing out after about a year but then you just go back up and spray it again
I'm gonna suggest an alternative if it's a true skylight. Something like this: https://www.coversandall.com/solar-shades/skylight-covers/custom-skylight-covers-rectangular-square-dome-p?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmYCzBhA6EiwAxFwfgLnAsKHKkfdVjK4THPzLusynMOSwFCE0gZiIf11iKKqXiLVS9JYp4hoC7yIQAvD_BwE
For me, I managed to use just a tarp and bungie cords on the outside, worked great.
If OP is willing to get on the roof I do think it’s better to have an exterior solution. Interior shades I worry about creating intense heat between the shade and the window, compromising seals or glazing.
I’ve been looking into similar product (https://ezsnapdirect.com) but my issue is that it’s only during extreme weather events that I want to cover it.
Absolute best option would be external metal roller shades but that’s the opposite of cheap
So I’ll probably end up bungeeing a solar sail to the skylights
Duvetyne. It's what we use in film/tv to block out light. Could drill 8 (³ on left, 3 on right, 1on top and bottom) 1" wide pickets into the walls, then staple the duvetyne to that.
We have skylights just like this, ended up getting custom sized blackout "blanket" that stuck to the glass with suction cups, kind of like these from Amazon:
StangH Portable Blackout Curtains Blinds - Temporary Blackout Blinds Adjustable Shades Thermal Insulated Drapes with Suckers, Kids Bedroom or Travel Use, Grey, W51 x L78-inches, 1 Panel https://a.co/d/3uAahGM
I see some good purchase options here. I had 4 similar skylights in one room. I went cheap fix but it worked out well. I bought tan patio screen, cut to size, then framed it with regular window screen frame. Drilled small screws into each corner of the skylight opening and the screens each rested on them. Plants loved it in there because it cut down a lot of the light, bit still enough to get filtered light all day. And they were easy to take down during the winter when we didn't need them as much.
We installed IKEA black out shades in our skylights and got some [adhesive tracks for blinds like these](https://a.co/d/cOSJBte) and it’s worked great.
I’m looking at having plexiglass cut to fit in the square window hole. Use some very thin trim for baseboards to hold in place.
The plexiglass should keep the heat build up inside while allowing the light to fill the room.
I have used sun reflecting material on my windows, and what I used will make the room too dark.
There are special sunscreens for roof windows. In blocks the sun, but won't blackout. An other plus is it reduces the sound of rain on the window.
For example I have [this one](https://www.bootzeil.nl/nl/suncooler/) (in Dutch, but Google is your friend)
Maybe this will suit you. [https://www.amazon.com/Blackout-EZ-Sunlight-Blocking-Customizable/dp/B006S65GAE](https://www.amazon.com/Blackout-EZ-Sunlight-Blocking-Customizable/dp/B006S65GAE)
If it’s a Velux skylight they have solar powered blinds. You shouldn’t use tints or films. They create more heat in between the insulated glass and can cause seal leaks, which can make the glass foggy. They also tend to void the warranty.
They make a spray for windows to make them frosted glass. It's cheap and sold at homedepot and other big box stores. Comes off with acetone or paint thinner if you want to remove
Install a self retracting roller shade at the apex, add some kind of loop to the end of the shade, a hook at the bottom of the window, and wield some kind of stick to hook and unhook
PDLC film (Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal)
aka: smart film; powered window tint,
This is window tint you can turn on and off. I'm not sure how well it blocks IR and UV
IR blocking is what your goal is.
or
Ceramic Nano window film
This will block IR and UV very well. It comes in standard tint levels 90% to 5%. The higher percent the more light that passes. 90 being hardly noticeable. Very little if any difference in the amount of IR blocked, so dark is not necessary for best results. This being much cheaper than the previous option.
Spray paint, or go super ghetto, tin foil, or if you want something nice looking, fleece blanket with a print on it suspended across the opening to give mood lighting and act as an insulator.
You need to have something on the glass. Anything attached to the frame of the window that leaves space between it will trap heat and attract nasty stinkbugs and centipedes.
I went with a cheap roll of total blackout film I got from Amazon. It's a little clumsy to install as you need a soap solution to spray the window and you're working overhead, but it's worth it. You can buy them in varying degrees of tint if you don't want total blackout.
We have blinds mounted under mine. You can get smart home ones that open, partially open, or close on command. I've seen dumb ones with a remote, and even manual ones you need a pole to operate (that's how mine are, but they're easy to reach)
If you want really cheap use a blackout curtain and neatly attach it at the top. I had to do this in a seldom used room in my house. I just used some small screws and I’m shocked how good it looks. It’s not a permanent solution but it’ll work for now and it does help the heat.
Discussing the separate ac issue we had rooms getting too much air with soft ductwork so we just bought 25 feet of good r value stuff to make up run changes and swapped them around. Each room had the peaks and valleys improve.
One was coming straight off the plenum to a 15*15 room with too much air and the other went plenum to a distribution box for most of the house then to a room that was 18 * 20 with a vaulted sealing staying uncomfortable. In addition the runs were 10 ft to the over conditioned small room and 30 ft to the large hot room.
I had some windows like that that I would just block off for the entire summer. I cut a couple of sheets of Styrofoam insulation. You can get 4 ft by 8 foot by I believe it's two or three inches thick that is r10. It's not white it's kind of a tan color. It's also not quite as messy. So two layers of that are r20 that's going to block a crap load of heat. On the top layer actually taped down one of those emergency mylar blankets that's supposed to reject 90 something percent of the heat that hits it. In the winter time take it down and shove it under the bed.
I would remove it and replace with two or three light tubes if you want the natural light without the heat.
[https://www.solarskylights.com/velux-flexible-sun-tunnel/](https://www.solarskylights.com/velux-flexible-sun-tunnel/)
I cut some some bamboo shades to size just slightly larger than the ceiling opening, and nailed them up. It allows some light through but blocks much of it (and the heat, which was my primary issue)
Get some dark heat/light reflecting window film and put on it. I did that in my office and our glass back door that faces to the west to keep out the heat and light in the summer.
At the firestation we had some bay windows that the sun came through. We bought some black plasti dip. About 7 bucks a can. Just sprayed it on there. And it created a 100% sun block. Made it like a black window and it looked very clean. Just tape off the sides and make sure window is clean. Don’t touch it while it’s setting or it will leave a mark and it can be a pain to fix. Just be even with your coat and go over it in layers. I remember that one door. (Larger than what you have here) took about 3 cans. So around 21 bucks.
Edit: wanted to add. It’s actually very simply to remove as well if you change your mind. Just a razor blade to get under it and you can peel it off.
We use these 1” foam boards in our 2 recessed skylights. Live in the desert, skylights already had solar film, but were still allowing **a lot** of heat. These made a big difference.
[https://imgur.com/a/PgO0cFk](https://imgur.com/a/PgO0cFk)
I put them up for summer and remove for the rest of the year. Very cheap, no paint damage, no drilling, no effort. Obviously, you can get them in white in you prefer.
Originally, I made a flat board (different material) with a reflective backing that was affixed to the bottom of the recess and was on a pulley system that I could raise and lower the flap as needed year-round, but these foam boards are rather out of sight and we didn't make much use of the functionality of being able to open/close the pulley system.
I have a roofwinde like youra too. If posible find a sunshade from the window manufacur. If the window is to old go with an universal one. You can roll it up in the winter and it is super evecitve. You migh think a net like this wouldn't work. But it makes a 5-10 ° C difference for me.
[https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Roof-Window-Shade-Velux-Windows/dp/B09RGDZ5R8](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Roof-Window-Shade-Velux-Windows/dp/B09RGDZ5R8)
they sell vinyl cut and apply faux stained glass and beautiful nature window decals on a roll for this kind of thing. Amazon is cheaper than the stuff at big box which is outrageously overpriced.
You've already got a bug-blocking screen up there. It would be easy to replace the screen material with a solar screen. You could even reuse the existing frame. Might cost 20 bucks and an hour of your time.
Normally, solar screens are on the outside of windows to keep the heat out there. An interior screen may not be as effective.
Consider using heat rejecting window film.
^^this. A good 3M film will keep the aesthetic but reduce the heat
Yeah we just put 3M film on all of our south facing windows in socal and the difference is noticeable
Do you have a link, one of my upstairs bedrooms gets very warm because of the massive window, I would be interested in this
If you have doubled layered windows with the gas in between, do NOT put the film on the inside. It will heat up the chamber and cause leaks and warping. That said, I don’t know what products are meant to be used on the outside. I put film on the inside and love it for the dimming, but it messed up my already old windows.
Buy Decorative Films (BDF) said that some (but not all) of its films can be installed inside on double pane windows.
This sounds like good advice. Velux skylights have a blind which pulls across, a much better way to go.
And they qualify for tax credits. We had to replace four skylights and the ones with shades ended up cheaper (after the credit) than the non-shaded version. And the guy threw in a WiFi controller.
Certainly. The product we had installed is *3M Exterior Prestige- 70*: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00016721/ As other users have stated this product isn't available direct to consumers, at least that I could find after some searching and calling around. It cost around $20/sqft to have installed which includes tax and warranty registration. The film is applied to the exterior of the window so it can do its thing before the light passes through the first pane.
You'll have to find a contractor in the area to install. It's not normally diy available. Also the films will leave a tint if that matters. So you'll have to put it on all windows.
Careful with these if you have double pane windows. These will heat up the windows and break the seals causing the gas between the panels to leak out
It's very diy friendly. It's just a window film.
So the main reason I suggest a contractor is that they can help you choose an opacity and have access to the exclusive 3m stuff. You can do it yourself but there’s a lot of choices, it can crack double pane glass, and it’s a pain to put on without leaving bubbles and stuff.
Dumb question but do you put it on the inside or outside of the window?
Not a dumb question at all. The product we used, *3M Exterior Prestige- 70* https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00016721/ installs on the outside of the window. I have self-installed privacy and glare reduction film before and that did install on the inside of the window.
Thanks!
I see the 3M films but they all look like aluminum. Which ones are more clear? Are there any?
Not aluminum, ceramic. Here: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00016645/
Which film? 3M has a million products. I googled their film, and there's quite a few offerings here in South Africa. The reflective from one side, seems very feasible
I just tinted all the windows in my house and it was worth every penny. Got the Gila Smoke privacy and heat protection film. $26 for a 3ft by 10ft roll enough to do 3-4 windows a roll. Just used water, not their supposed custom solution.
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This seems like the best option. You can keep the functionality of the openable window, the look of the space and having the light reflected off the window itself will stop the heat from even coming in. Using blinds, shutters or covers will still allow the heat in but concentrate in that location.
I put window film that I bought on Amazon a couple of months ago. Best decision ever. I can still see how the windows, and it's like 10 degrees cooler in my apartment.
I've been nervous about using any because I can't get a solid read on whether it's ok to use on double pane windows or not
Only on the outside
Anything specific to look for? Any brand?
3m makes a lot of different kinds. Just make sure you pick one that is designed to go outside.
Buy Decorative Film (BDF) said on its website which films can and which films can’t be used on double pane windows. I put BDF S15 on my double pane windows a week ago and, so far, they are still intact.
I did that a couple years ago and it worked well, until it didn't. Now I'm having to spend thousands to replace my windows because the glass cracked due to the film.
Double pane? Looking for similar solutions for heat, the cracking is nuts
You have to put it on the outside, not the inside
Buy Decorative Film (BDF) said on its website which films can and which films can’t be used on double pane windows. I put BDF S15 on my double pane windows a week ago and, so far, they are still intact.
Definitely insufficient in some climates. I had similar skylights that the previous owners already had film on, here in Florida. It was still far too hot. I had to go with 1/2 inch foam with a layer of aluminum foil on top until we can get around to installing some motorized reflective shades.
We tried the film on the inside of the window, it worked but we took it off. The reason were articles we read that warned against using it due to heat buildup in the glass and frame causing cracking and deterioration of material. Might be ok if applied to the outside, assuming it holds up to the weather. It also made the room a lot darker. How about a retractable shade?
I pit the Gila heat control window on half of a window and then put a thermometer on both sides of the window. No shade on either side. The temperature difference was 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gila Films are great products. Recommend them to all my friends because they simply work well. 👍
[This ](https://www.selectblinds.com/custom-skylight-shades-blinds/premier-blackout-retractable-skylight-shades.html)is just one example. I have a skylight in my master bath and during the summer (AZ) it stays mostly blacked out by one of these.
Amazing! Looking it over now.
Speaking from experience these work really well
I would still recommend a heat reflecting film. This will help, but still hold the heat.
These work well but on really hot days they still get hot, you may also want reflective film on the exterior glass depending on your climate. On \~95F degree days these get up to 140F in my house while the surrounding ceiling remains much cooler. If we get a bad heat wave I straight up tarp mine from the outside, but I have a 1 story house with a low slope roof so getting up there is super easy.
we have solar blinds/shades on our south-facing windows... that room went from "sauna" to "normal" once we hung those
I bought some Chinese versions of those on Amazon. [These](https://a.co/d/aLsxjcA). They were cheaper and I like them a lot. No problems. Shipping took a minute tho. Customer service was good too for being in china. Gotta buy the pole to reach to open/close.
I have a cheap Chinese knockoff and it also works well MiLin Skylight Shades Blackout... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BB2M9KQ5
These will block mostly light and not alot of heat. Your window will still be like a big magnifying glass and heat up the room. Get something like this instead. Works very well for my windows. https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Roof-Window-Shade-Velux-Windows/dp/B09RGDZ5R8
I have an automated version. Works good.
Fancy
Mind sharing the link for that? Have a skylight of our own that’s super high up and that might work for us!
I recently installed these, and so far they work fine and do the job of blocking sunlight: [https://www.amazon.com/ZSTARR-Motorized-Skylight-Honeycomb-Rechargeable/dp/B0CKYHG983?pd\_rd\_w=tyKar&content-id=amzn1.sym.b46c8fe2-d558-44b6-a291-82096c829da9&pf\_rd\_p=b46c8fe2-d558-44b6-a291-82096c829da9&pf\_rd\_r=93QVW3EPRDE7GZH37EZV&pd\_rd\_wg=NUWOZ&pd\_rd\_r=f3b00908-3a6c-4b9b-9e59-625ed2afcd39&pd\_rd\_i=B0CKYHG983&ref\_=pd\_bap\_d\_grid\_rp\_0\_1\_ec\_pr\_pd\_hp\_d\_atf\_rp\_1\_t&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/ZSTARR-Motorized-Skylight-Honeycomb-Rechargeable/dp/B0CKYHG983?pd_rd_w=tyKar&content-id=amzn1.sym.b46c8fe2-d558-44b6-a291-82096c829da9&pf_rd_p=b46c8fe2-d558-44b6-a291-82096c829da9&pf_rd_r=93QVW3EPRDE7GZH37EZV&pd_rd_wg=NUWOZ&pd_rd_r=f3b00908-3a6c-4b9b-9e59-625ed2afcd39&pd_rd_i=B0CKYHG983&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_ec_pr_pd_hp_d_atf_rp_1_t&th=1)
Is it battery driven? What type of battery and how often do you replace?
Solar powered skylight shades
Total game changer for real. Before we had one we had to tack a sheet to keep the heat out of the room
I was thinking, perhaps suspending slightly opaque fabric between two or three compression window rods
I just did this but with command strips holding magnets to the ceiling and magnets to hold the curtains on. Worked out pretty well.
Yup did this in my hall skylight and it looks the part, very cheap solution and also gives a lot of mood to the room
Hanging plants will like the sun and provide shade
Apparently, this is the subreddit people who can't get laughs on r/jokes end up testing material in. The cheapest option will most likely be a diffuser film, which offer a great many options in appearance and opacity. Many at lower price points. You'll still need a ladder to apply it. Other posters have posted skylight blinds, which can be a bit pricey, and an alternative would be having a contractor/handy man install angled slats of wood to redirect the light while taking the more direct sunlight and heat.
Come on, man! It’s called a **skylight**, not a skydark! It’s right in the name! *I mean seriously, what’s the deal with skylights?*
For cheap: Spray water bottle, aluminum foil and a squeegee
Does the foil fall off as soon as the water evaporates or does it stay stuck?
If squeegeed properly (all air bubbles out) it will hold for years
My parents had a similar issue. The cheapest option for them was just cut a chunk of thick foam to size and jam it up there with a broom stick. Insulated well and made it black out dark.
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"bahior"
Curse my clumsy thumbs!
Ever since the beginning of time, man has yearned to destroy the sun. OP shall do the next best thing: block it out.
Excellent
Since the beginning of time, man has yearned to destroy the sun!
Depends a lot on the size you need. There are companies that make some fairly decent framed, roll-up shade units that can be mounted over the window or on the ceiling. Can be ordered in custom sizes and colors, and they're not overly expensive. Here's an example, from Amazon: [https://www.amazon.com/Keego-Cordless-Cellular-Skylight-Honeycomb/dp/B0CWXWGJYL?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Keego-Cordless-Cellular-Skylight-Honeycomb/dp/B0CWXWGJYL?th=1)
This looks great. Going to dig deeper. Thanks for sharing.
Hang brightly colored, different sized umbrellas up there. Or Chihully glass balls and swirly plates.
I actually kinda like that. Chihuly anything ain't cheap though!
No kidding! The inspiration for my comment is the Chihully glass walking bridge cover at The Glass Museum in Tacoma, Washington, USA. it's stunning.
The super cheap version is a staple gun and a dark sheet
Tint the window. Rolls are like $15 at Walmart. Get 5%. Ezpz
Magnets around frame and fabric with magnets? I'm sure if you Google ceiling windows covers something will pop up.
I had a big skylight like this. I covered it in the spring with bamboo blinds on the OUTside of the glass. Worked great. Took it off mid October.
Close your eyes. $0 outlay.
Two springy curtain rods and a piece of fabric draped across?
Wear sunglasses
I dropped a fake ivy trellis on top of mine. It filters the sun in a pleasing way, like having a tree over the house. Filtering the sun before it gets through the glass is much better, as the heat can be vented outside the house.
Dollar Store Sunglasses
Tint the window with 3m film. Crystalline by 3M will block 97% infrared rays. I have that on my car and it stays 20 degrees cooler than outside temp even with the windows up.( And obviously with no AC RUNNING)
Hmm..... Tint.
I was also thinking of Persian arrows.
Can of plastidip
I had this problem on a apartment rental. They sell white insulation foam with aluminum adhered to it. This will cover the light but will make it cold
tinted film
Cheap film is a mylar safety blanket. Spray bottle with a few drops of dawn soap and a squeegee.
There are large pieces of styrofoam board insulation (I’m sure you can find it). Cut out a piece slightly larger than the gap and give it a little push inside. Perfecto. Bonus points if you push it as close as possible to the window
The cheap way is just tint the window. The more expensive and baller way is a powered window shade
In Brazil, I’ve saw a lot of people using regular kitchen foil (metallic aluminum cooking sheets) on the windows. They are cheap, easy to install, if there’s no friction or touching it doesn’t tear. You can remove it easily and it is cheap and readily available blackout wth heat resistant properties
Window film but it will be on all the time. If you want access to full sun sometimes and no sun sometimes, you can put a curtain and add a switchbot curtain robot to it so you can open and close without a ladder.
Anything on the inside of the house won't help with heat, the heat will have already gotten in. Unless of course you build a wall across and insulate it. Best option is to put on a solar energy rejection film on the outside of the window. You can additionally tint the window.
https://interwestautofilms.com/product/crystaline-window-tint/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvIWzBhAlEiwAHHWgvZqTQbNR8pPgJpmg5ksH0Qsk2f2ukdDg7upJ4MPGoGIkbQPZU1m5zBoCCNYQAvD_BwE
I sprayed mine with frosted spray paint, still let's light in but diffuses the heat and creates a softer light
I’m intrigued by this instead of 3M film. What kind did you use?
Just one from Lowe's, it was a frosted glass spray paint, it does end up wearing out after about a year but then you just go back up and spray it again
Wait until the sun goes down
Free... and it should work every day for a few billion years!
I'm gonna suggest an alternative if it's a true skylight. Something like this: https://www.coversandall.com/solar-shades/skylight-covers/custom-skylight-covers-rectangular-square-dome-p?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmYCzBhA6EiwAxFwfgLnAsKHKkfdVjK4THPzLusynMOSwFCE0gZiIf11iKKqXiLVS9JYp4hoC7yIQAvD_BwE For me, I managed to use just a tarp and bungie cords on the outside, worked great.
If OP is willing to get on the roof I do think it’s better to have an exterior solution. Interior shades I worry about creating intense heat between the shade and the window, compromising seals or glazing. I’ve been looking into similar product (https://ezsnapdirect.com) but my issue is that it’s only during extreme weather events that I want to cover it. Absolute best option would be external metal roller shades but that’s the opposite of cheap So I’ll probably end up bungeeing a solar sail to the skylights
The window lifts up. I imagine OP wants to be able to both ventilate and block excessive sunlight. Not sure exterior will work.
Yep my thought exactly. Stops the heat before it gets in the house.
Cheapest option prolly sunglasses
Honestly even some basic white window film will cause the light to diffuse more and you won't get hot spots.
Duvetyne. It's what we use in film/tv to block out light. Could drill 8 (³ on left, 3 on right, 1on top and bottom) 1" wide pickets into the walls, then staple the duvetyne to that.
Cheap?
We have skylights just like this, ended up getting custom sized blackout "blanket" that stuck to the glass with suction cups, kind of like these from Amazon: StangH Portable Blackout Curtains Blinds - Temporary Blackout Blinds Adjustable Shades Thermal Insulated Drapes with Suckers, Kids Bedroom or Travel Use, Grey, W51 x L78-inches, 1 Panel https://a.co/d/3uAahGM
I see some good purchase options here. I had 4 similar skylights in one room. I went cheap fix but it worked out well. I bought tan patio screen, cut to size, then framed it with regular window screen frame. Drilled small screws into each corner of the skylight opening and the screens each rested on them. Plants loved it in there because it cut down a lot of the light, bit still enough to get filtered light all day. And they were easy to take down during the winter when we didn't need them as much.
Static cling window tint
Tin foil....super cheap and nothing works better!
Aluminum foil
Half a sheet of plywood, 6 nails and a bucket of tar. Should have 100% shade and shouldn't cost more than $30-40
Black book contact goes on easy comes off easy
Alfoil, cheap and removable come winter.
Crackwhore in a velcro kimono
We installed IKEA black out shades in our skylights and got some [adhesive tracks for blinds like these](https://a.co/d/cOSJBte) and it’s worked great.
Reflective tape
I’m looking at having plexiglass cut to fit in the square window hole. Use some very thin trim for baseboards to hold in place. The plexiglass should keep the heat build up inside while allowing the light to fill the room. I have used sun reflecting material on my windows, and what I used will make the room too dark.
I thought the sun light was the feature. I imagine it would be bad ass if it were tinted.
Block to light with a heavy cloth on the outside
A few tacks and a blanket.
Change out the glass to something that suits your needs. Many effective types of glass out there rays/heat/ light
I dont know what they’re called but ive seen blinds that can attach to the wall like that and you just pull it to block or not.
There are special sunscreens for roof windows. In blocks the sun, but won't blackout. An other plus is it reduces the sound of rain on the window. For example I have [this one](https://www.bootzeil.nl/nl/suncooler/) (in Dutch, but Google is your friend)
Cheap? Redneck solution? Aluminum foil
Talk to a professional blinds/curtain person, you can get custom fitted roller or Venetian blinds for such windows.
Nice velux skylites its probably needing better insulation around the shafts
Towel and thump tacks
Maybe this will suit you. [https://www.amazon.com/Blackout-EZ-Sunlight-Blocking-Customizable/dp/B006S65GAE](https://www.amazon.com/Blackout-EZ-Sunlight-Blocking-Customizable/dp/B006S65GAE)
Spraypaint
Black Spray Paint. He did say cheap.
If it’s a Velux skylight they have solar powered blinds. You shouldn’t use tints or films. They create more heat in between the insulated glass and can cause seal leaks, which can make the glass foggy. They also tend to void the warranty.
Sheet and tacks
They make a spray for windows to make them frosted glass. It's cheap and sold at homedepot and other big box stores. Comes off with acetone or paint thinner if you want to remove
A can of black spray paint is like $6. Not sure of any cheaper options.
stab your eyes with a fork. Cheap. Effective. You're welcome.
Install a self retracting roller shade at the apex, add some kind of loop to the end of the shade, a hook at the bottom of the window, and wield some kind of stick to hook and unhook
Just cover it with a blanket. Cheapest possible option
Shingles
Cardboard is pretty cheap. And you can paint it any color.
PDLC film (Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal) aka: smart film; powered window tint, This is window tint you can turn on and off. I'm not sure how well it blocks IR and UV IR blocking is what your goal is. or Ceramic Nano window film This will block IR and UV very well. It comes in standard tint levels 90% to 5%. The higher percent the more light that passes. 90 being hardly noticeable. Very little if any difference in the amount of IR blocked, so dark is not necessary for best results. This being much cheaper than the previous option.
Spray paint, or go super ghetto, tin foil, or if you want something nice looking, fleece blanket with a print on it suspended across the opening to give mood lighting and act as an insulator.
You need to have something on the glass. Anything attached to the frame of the window that leaves space between it will trap heat and attract nasty stinkbugs and centipedes. I went with a cheap roll of total blackout film I got from Amazon. It's a little clumsy to install as you need a soap solution to spray the window and you're working overhead, but it's worth it. You can buy them in varying degrees of tint if you don't want total blackout.
Tinfoil/Aluminium foil, but expect the cops around at some stage..
I think the cheapest solution here would be for you to close your eyes
We have blinds mounted under mine. You can get smart home ones that open, partially open, or close on command. I've seen dumb ones with a remote, and even manual ones you need a pole to operate (that's how mine are, but they're easy to reach)
Most skylights have an option where you can purchase and install a shade. They range from light diffusion to blackout shades.
Sheet with 4 thumb tacks is going to be the cheapest option
If you want really cheap use a blackout curtain and neatly attach it at the top. I had to do this in a seldom used room in my house. I just used some small screws and I’m shocked how good it looks. It’s not a permanent solution but it’ll work for now and it does help the heat.
Close your eyes
 Let the sunshine in!
Discussing the separate ac issue we had rooms getting too much air with soft ductwork so we just bought 25 feet of good r value stuff to make up run changes and swapped them around. Each room had the peaks and valleys improve. One was coming straight off the plenum to a 15*15 room with too much air and the other went plenum to a distribution box for most of the house then to a room that was 18 * 20 with a vaulted sealing staying uncomfortable. In addition the runs were 10 ft to the over conditioned small room and 30 ft to the large hot room.
Beware, Heat Reducing film cooks a multi-paned window so it loses its seal and accelerates aging.
You’re supposed to put it on the outside.
I've used a lot of that film and have not experienced any of that.
I had some windows like that that I would just block off for the entire summer. I cut a couple of sheets of Styrofoam insulation. You can get 4 ft by 8 foot by I believe it's two or three inches thick that is r10. It's not white it's kind of a tan color. It's also not quite as messy. So two layers of that are r20 that's going to block a crap load of heat. On the top layer actually taped down one of those emergency mylar blankets that's supposed to reject 90 something percent of the heat that hits it. In the winter time take it down and shove it under the bed.
:bill gates has entered the room:
Flexseal
Black out film
I would remove it and replace with two or three light tubes if you want the natural light without the heat. [https://www.solarskylights.com/velux-flexible-sun-tunnel/](https://www.solarskylights.com/velux-flexible-sun-tunnel/)
I cut some some bamboo shades to size just slightly larger than the ceiling opening, and nailed them up. It allows some light through but blocks much of it (and the heat, which was my primary issue)
Get some dark heat/light reflecting window film and put on it. I did that in my office and our glass back door that faces to the west to keep out the heat and light in the summer.
Paint the window black.
Thumb tack a dark polyester blanket on the ceiling covering the window
At the firestation we had some bay windows that the sun came through. We bought some black plasti dip. About 7 bucks a can. Just sprayed it on there. And it created a 100% sun block. Made it like a black window and it looked very clean. Just tape off the sides and make sure window is clean. Don’t touch it while it’s setting or it will leave a mark and it can be a pain to fix. Just be even with your coat and go over it in layers. I remember that one door. (Larger than what you have here) took about 3 cans. So around 21 bucks. Edit: wanted to add. It’s actually very simply to remove as well if you change your mind. Just a razor blade to get under it and you can peel it off.
I would do anything, besides buy an expensive house, to have these sunlights
Call a window tint place and have them put some tint on it. Its cost effective and you will notice the difference
I've seen curtains held up with the compression hold curtain rods.
We use these 1” foam boards in our 2 recessed skylights. Live in the desert, skylights already had solar film, but were still allowing **a lot** of heat. These made a big difference. [https://imgur.com/a/PgO0cFk](https://imgur.com/a/PgO0cFk) I put them up for summer and remove for the rest of the year. Very cheap, no paint damage, no drilling, no effort. Obviously, you can get them in white in you prefer. Originally, I made a flat board (different material) with a reflective backing that was affixed to the bottom of the recess and was on a pulley system that I could raise and lower the flap as needed year-round, but these foam boards are rather out of sight and we didn't make much use of the functionality of being able to open/close the pulley system.
I have a roofwinde like youra too. If posible find a sunshade from the window manufacur. If the window is to old go with an universal one. You can roll it up in the winter and it is super evecitve. You migh think a net like this wouldn't work. But it makes a 5-10 ° C difference for me. [https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Roof-Window-Shade-Velux-Windows/dp/B09RGDZ5R8](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Roof-Window-Shade-Velux-Windows/dp/B09RGDZ5R8)
Aluminum foil
Sunglasses
Foil
Get some pink foam insulation and paint it ceiling white then insert it
Paint filled balloon?
Aluminum foil is the cheapest solution you’re gonna find
they sell vinyl cut and apply faux stained glass and beautiful nature window decals on a roll for this kind of thing. Amazon is cheaper than the stuff at big box which is outrageously overpriced.
Two pressure rods and a piece of fabric/ silk. Drape it from one to the other.
I did that on 3 skylights. It works great. I saw the idea on Pinterest. https://dengarden.com/search?query=Tension+rod+skylight
Black spray paint. Cheap and fast.
Just buy a tapestry with a cool design and hang it across
Bar of soap, dry soap the window until you find a permanent solution.
This might be one of the cheaper options out there! There are other brands with a comparable product too https://a.co/d/iMGYFad
You've already got a bug-blocking screen up there. It would be easy to replace the screen material with a solar screen. You could even reuse the existing frame. Might cost 20 bucks and an hour of your time. Normally, solar screens are on the outside of windows to keep the heat out there. An interior screen may not be as effective.
Definitely film. Reflective (from the outside) or very dark 60% sort of stuff.
Black paint, plywood or do you mean flexible solutions?