Sun protection for skylights

Doesn't a large skylight generate too much heat on a sunny summer day? What about sun protection, and what are the options? This article explains it all in detail. Our standard glass is already highly heat-resistant, but solar control glass is also available, and there are solutions with electric sun protection/blackout blinds.

Standard: glass with excellent heat-resistant performance

Our standard glass not only has an argon-filled cavity for better insulation, but also an invisible low-e coating. This coating keeps heat out in the summer and in during the winter. This does not affect light transmission.

Sun protection glass

For an additional fee, the skylights can also be fitted with solar control glass. This offers even better heat regulation, but has a slight greenish tint. Compare the solar control glass on the left with the standard glass on the right below.

Electric blinds

The most effective sun protection is when you can prevent the sun from hitting the glass. For vertical glass (in the facade), there are various awnings/shutters. For skylights on the roof, this is a bit more difficult. The custom-made Topshade offers a solution for this. This electrically operated screen has guides mounted directly onto the glass. This eliminates the need for an additional guide system that needs to be screwed to the roof.

More about the fabric of the sun protection

The fabric used for Topshade sun protection is 'Soltis Perform 95'. This type of screen acts as a thermal shield and keeps out 97% of heat. Because it's perforated (micro-perforated), you can still see through it. The fabric is pre-stretched and will not sag easily. It's available in 49 different colors. Although the fabric is easy to clean, we recommend choosing a dark color as it stains less quickly.

Blackout fabric also available up to 3 m2

Looking for not just sun protection but also complete room darkness? Blackout fabric is available for areas up to 3 square meters. This fabric is considerably heavier, hence the smaller surface area. It's available in 8 colors.

What types of Topshade sun protection are there?

We list all types

Top blind L

• The Topblind L is suitable for sizes up to 2500 x 3000mm.
• Because the TopBlind L sits close to the window, virtually no sunlight enters. During the day, it's still possible to see through the fabric, from inside to outside. So, it doesn't feel closed in.
• The TopBlind L has a sleek design and a slim, beveled cassette. Its compact size (95mm x 95mm) makes it a perfect fit for smaller horizontal windows and roof hatches.
• The TopBlind L is supplied in RAL7015 as standard, but all other standard RAL colours are also available and this does not affect the price.

Top blind XL

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

Bi-parting in two parts

For larger skylights, we offer the Bi-Parting TopBlind. This is a variation on the TopBlind L and TopBlind XL. The two screens fit seamlessly together, providing perfect sun protection for larger skylights.

Also watch the video of this Bi-parting Topshade sun protection.

Customised linked systems

By connecting systems side by side, even larger formats are possible, up to a maximum width of 7 meters and a projection of 4 meters. We always strive to think along with you and devise the optimal solution.

For example, consider the combination on this Sliding Box:

Operation and options

The screens come standard with a remote control, but it's also possible to connect the sunshades to a home automation system so you can control them with, for example, your mobile phone or Google Home. A different type of motor is used for connecting to a home automation system, and a remote control is not supported.

When ordering sun protection, you will need to choose between remote control and home automation.

There are several additional options:

• Sun sensor
• Wind sensor
• Rain sensor

Connection/wiring

The sun protection is attached to the glass with a special tape. The tape is visco-elastic with a durable acrylic foam core. It stretches when force is applied to the bond and then returns to its original shape. This tape has very strong adhesion and is resistant to high temperatures and extreme weather conditions.

The result is beautiful and durable. No screws, rivets, or welding are required. The advantage is that no damage or modifications are required to the product or the roof, and there's no risk of leakage.

All Topshade products require a waterproof junction box on the roof for electrical connections. For the electric roof hatch, the Sliding-over Roof, and the Sliding-over Fixed, the 230V power cord is connected to the hatch/sliding skylight. If you later want to install a Topshade sunshade on your previously installed roof window/roof hatch, it's easier to operate it with a remote control.