Alternative Technology Assn Forums

1. 

   alfresco24
   Member

   We have a skylight (framed and sealed approx 600x600) in a flat ceiling, which is going to let in a lot of heat during summer, and are looking for an effective blind or louvre that can be adjusted manually by a cord or similar. Need something that is rigid so that it doesnt droop and can block out 90% light/heat.
   The preference is for something that can be mounted under the ceiling diffuser rather than inside the skylight or over the top of the external panel.
   Any ideas from experienced users?

   Posted Tuesday 25 Sep 2012 @ 1:28:22 am from IP #
2. 

   PassinBy
   Member

   Have you checked out the Luxaflex Duette range? After a design of my own, built and very effective, but much better.

   See: http://www.luxaflex.com.au/au/en/exploringourproducts/duetteshades/duetteskylight/sb.cn

   Not cheap, but excellent quality, and I should think worth it for one skylight. (I don't work for them, just wish I was rich enough to do eight big windows for complete sun control at any time of year, while maintaing views and privacy.)

   Cheers

   Jen

   Posted Friday 28 Sep 2012 @ 5:38:45 am from IP #
3. 

   johnmath
   Member

   +1 on Luxaflex. However trying to block heat from the inside is a bit like shutting the gate after the horse has bolted. If you can arrange a means to shade the skylight from outside, that would be worthwhile, with or without the internal treatment.

   Posted Friday 28 Sep 2012 @ 5:44:23 am from IP #
4. 

   alfresco24
   Member

   Thanks PB and JM.
   In this case a rebuild of the ceiling is highly undesirable and although I will go visit Luxflex and check it out I have a feeling the cost will be prohibitive and fall well behind other priorities.
   It seems likely I will either have to get made an external shutter mechanism or remove the skylight altogether and replace it with a PV/LED system. Much more 21st century.

   Posted Friday 28 Sep 2012 @ 6:51:03 am from IP #
5. 

   pulpo
   Member

   Use a perspex panel.

   Not exactly sure what its call.

   some sort of polycarbonate twin panel.

   Seal well to block air and let light only very effective.

   Good Luck

   Pulpo

   Posted Wednesday 3 Oct 2012 @ 12:59:15 pm from IP #
6. 

   johnmath
   Member

   Just another thought... I have a room in my house that is about 3x3 msq that has no external walls. The ceiling is well insulated with both bulk fibre (fibreglass R3.5 value for conduction, unknown R value for radiation) and reflective blanket (AirCell R2.2 for conduction and R5.5 for radiation) giving the ceiling R6+ish for both summer and winter. It has a 700 x 600 skylight which has an "opaque" acrylic outside cover and a clear plastic inside diffuser. I reduced the heat loss in this room by putting a layer of bubble wrap on top of the diffuser as "bubble glazing" (see http://www.ata.org.au/forums/topic/4200 & http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/bubblewrap.htm).

   This room is the coolest in summer despite the downlight, so from my experience, maybe your downlight isn't a thermal gain problem that needs solving after all... However, if the skylight is transparent, I would suggest putting a sheet of Suntuf Solarsmart in Diffused Ice over the top of the skylight for summer: http://www.palram.com.au/res_solarsmart.html

   Posted Thursday 4 Oct 2012 @ 2:50:08 pm from IP #

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