Excessive Heat From Skylight – Heat Protection & Energy-Efficient Solutions
Why Your Skylight Causes Too Much Heat
If your room becomes extremely hot during the day — especially in summer — the skylight is likely the reason. Older skylights, acrylic domes, or single-pane units can let in too much UV and infrared heat, raising room temperature by 10–20°F.
Common signs of heat problems:
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room feels like a “greenhouse”
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intense sunlight fades floors or furniture
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AC is running constantly
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heat radiates down from the skylight
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uncomfortable temperature in lofts, second floors, or great rooms
This issue is very common in Orange County homes with outdated skylights.
What Causes Heat Problems
Several factors increase heat transmission:
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Old acrylic domes with no Low-E coatings
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Single-pane or thin tempered glass
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Failed seals or foggy IGUs that lost insulation
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South or west-facing roofs receiving intense sun
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No shade system installed
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Outdated builder-grade skylights with poor thermal protection
These units let heat pour in all day.
How We Fix Skylight Heat Issues
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient VELUX Glass
Modern VELUX skylights include:
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Low-E3 coatings that block solar heat
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Argon gas insulation
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Double-pane laminated glazing
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UV protection
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Improved thermal performance
This can reduce heat gain by 30–50% instantly.
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2. Install Solar or Light-Filtering Shades
VELUX Solar Shades dramatically reduce heat and control brightness:
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Room-Darkening (Double-Pleated) – best for heat
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Light-Filtering (Single-Pleated) – softer light, reduced glare
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Manual or Solar powered
Solar models qualify for a Federal Solar Tax Credit
(Consult with your accountant).
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3. Replace Old Acrylic Domes
Acrylic dome skylights transfer a huge amount of heat because they have:
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zero UV protection
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zero Low-E coating
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thin plastic dome amplifying sunlight
Replacing with modern glass reduces heat dramatically and improves comfort.
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4. Add Venting Skylights for Natural Cooling
Solar-powered or manual opening skylights can release trapped heat:
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hot air escapes upward
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cool, fresh air flows from windows below
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reduces AC usage in summer
This is especially effective in bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and high ceilings.
When to Consider Full Skylight Replacement
Replacement is recommended if:
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unit is older than 15–20 years
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acrylic dome is yellowed
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glass is single-pane
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seals are failing
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room becomes extremely hot at noon
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you want improved energy efficiency
New VELUX units offer better comfort, lower bills, and full warranty.
Get Professional Skylight Heat Protection
If your skylight makes the room unbearably hot, we can solve it with the right glazing, shading, or replacement option.
Why Homeowners Choose Us
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Certified VELUX Installer
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Licensed & Insured (#1099068)
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Over 10 years of skylight experience
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Precise diagnostics — no guesswork
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Clean, professional, respectful service
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Transparent pricing
Service Area
We proudly serve all of Orange County, including:
Irvine, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Orange, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach.