Sun protection for rooflights

A large rooflight, doesn’t that give too much heat in a sunny summer? What about shading and what is possible? This article explains it all in detail. Our standard glass is already heat-resistant, but we also offer solar control glass and solutions with electric blinds.

Standard: glass with excellent thermal performance

Our standard glass not only has an argon-filled cavity that provides better insulation, but also an invisible ‘low e-coating’. This coating ensures that heat stays outside in summer and inside in winter. This does not affect light transmission.

Solar protection glass

At an additional charge, the rooflights can also be fitted with solar protection glass. This has an even better heat-regulating function, but has a slightly greenish tint. Below, compare the solar protection glass on the left with the standard glass on the right.

Electric blinds

The most effective shading is when you can prevent the sun from hitting the glass. For vertical glass (in the facade), there are various sunshades/roller shutters. For rooflights on the roof, this is a bit more difficult. For this, the custom-made Topshade is a solution. This is an electrically operated screen where the guides are mounted directly on the glass. This eliminates the need for an extra system with guides that need to be screwed to the roof.

More about the blinds fabric

The fabric used for Topshade awnings is ‘Soltis Perform 95’. This type of screen acts as a thermal shield and keeps 97% of heat out. Because it is perforated (micro-perforation), you can look out through it. The fabric is pre-stretched and will not sag easily. The fabric is available in 49 different colours. Although the fabric is easy to clean, we recommend choosing a dark colour as it is less likely to get dirty.

Blackout fabric possible up to 3 m2

Would you like not only sun protection, but also the ability to completely darken a room? Blackout fabric can be used for up to 3 square metres. This fabric is a lot heavier, hence the smaller surface area. It is available in 8 colours.

What types of Topshade blinds are there?

We list all types

Topblind L

• The Topblind L is suitable for sizes up to 2500 x 3000mm.
• Because the TopBlind L sits close to the window, practically no sunlight enters. During the day, however, it is possible to look through the fabric, from inside to outside. So it does not give a trapped feeling.
• The TopBlind L has a sleek design and a slim, bevelled cassette. Its small cassette size (95mm x 95mm) makes it a perfect fit for smaller horizontal windows and rooflights.
• The standard colour of the TopBlind L is RAL7015, but of course all other standard RAL colours are also available and this does not affect the price.

Topblind XL

• The Topblind XL is suitable from 3000mm to 5000mm wide.
• The big version of the L, from 3 to 5 metres wide.

Bi-parting in two parts

For larger rooflights, we have the Bi-Parting TopBlind. This is a variation on the TopBlind L and the TopBlind XL. The two screens connect seamlessly and provide perfect sun protection for the larger rooflights.

Also watch the video of this Bi-parting Topshade blinds.

Customised linked systems

By linking systems side by side, an even larger format is possible, up to max. 7 metres wide and 4 metres wide. We always try to think with you and come up with the optimal solution.

Consider, for example, the combination on this Sliding Box:

Operation and options

The screens come with remote control as standard, but it is also possible to connect the blinds to a home automation system so that you can control it with, for example, your mobile phone or Google Home. For connection to a home automation system, a different type of motor is used. No remote control can be connected to it.

When ordering the blinds, it is therefore necessary to make the choice of remote control, or operation via home automation.

There are several additional options:

• Sun sensor
• Wind sensor
• Rain sensor

Connection/wiring

The blinds are attached to the glass with a special tape. The tape is viscoelastic with a durable acrylic foam core. It stretches when force is applied to the connection and then returns to its original shape. This tape is highly adhesive and resistant to high temperatures and extreme weather conditions.

The result is attractive and durable. This eliminates the need for screws, rivets and welds. The advantage of this is that there is no damage or modification to the product or the roof and no risk of leakage.

All Topshade products require a waterproof junction box on the roof for electricity. For the electric roof hatch, the Sliding over Roof and the Sliding over Fixed, the 230V power wire is drawn from the hatch/sliding rooflight. If, at a later stage, you still want to apply a Topshade awning to your previously installed skylight/rooflight, it is easier to operate by remote control.