Can You Tint A Skylight?

“Can you tint a skylight?” is a question many homeowners find themselves asking as they look to balance the benefits of natural light with the need for privacy and temperature control. Skylights are a fantastic way to bring natural light into your home, making spaces feel more open and inviting. With advancements in window technologies, skylights have become even more versatile, offering a range of modern benefits. Most newer model skylights have the necessary UV protection in the glazing. But what if you have older glass?

Can I Put a Tint on an Existing Glass Skylight?

The short answer to whether you can tint an existing glass skylight is yes. However, the long answer comes with some caveats. Tinting your glass skylight can void the manufacturer’s warranty and even pose a risk of cracking the glass. This is due to the buildup of heat between the window film and the glass. The risk is particularly higher if the tint is applied to the inside panel, which is often the laminated side. This setup reflects heat back through the glass, increasing the likelihood of cracking.

Basic Tinting Instructions and Tips

• Clean Thoroughly: Before applying any tint, make sure the glass is completely clean. Remove all dust, dirt, and salt buildup.
• Choose the Right Film: Opt for window films designed for skylights, such as those from 3M or Llumar.
• Top Side Application: It’s generally better to apply the tint to the top side of the skylight to minimize heat reflection through the glass.

Can I Put a Tint on My Dome Skylight?

If you’re wondering whether you can tint a dome skylight, the short answer is no. Dome skylights present unique challenges that make tinting impractical. The dome shape makes it difficult to apply window film evenly, and the plastic material often becomes brittle due to exposure to the elements. Attempting to apply tint can result in the plastic cracking. There are tinted domes available for purchase.

Alternative Solutions for Tinting Dome Skylights

• Exterior Solar Mesh Shades: These shades can be installed on the exterior of the skylight and offer similar benefits to tinting, such as reducing glare and UV exposure.
• Interior Custom Blinds: Custom-made blinds can be fitted to the interior of the skylight, offering a way to control light and heat.
• Velux Skylight Blinds: Velux, a leading brand in the skylight industry, offers blinds specifically designed for their skylights, providing an integrated solution.

What Are the Benefits of a Tinted Skylight?

Tinting your skylight comes with a myriad of advantages that enhance both the comfort and functionality of your home. One of the most immediate benefits is energy savings. By applying window film, you can significantly reduce the sun’s heat entering your home, leading to lower energy costs.

UV Protection

Window film can help block potentially dangerous UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer and preventing your furnishing from becoming vulnerable to sun damage. Brands like 3M window film are particularly effective at blocking harsh UV rays.

Temperature Control

Tinting your skylight provides better temperature control, making your home more energy-efficient. This is one of the modern benefits of today’s window technologies.

Increased Privacy

Window film solutions also offer a way to increase privacy in your home or office without sacrificing natural light. This is particularly useful for skylights in bedrooms or bathrooms.

What Are the Downsides to Having a Tinted Skylight?

While tinting your skylight offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider the potential downsides. One significant concern is the trapping of heat between the window film and the glass, which can lead to new problems while solving others. This heat buildup can be particularly damaging for the skylight, increasing the risk of cracks and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.

Reduced Natural Light

One of the downsides to having a skylight with window film is the reduction in the amount of natural light entering the home. Depending on the type of film applied and its visible light transmission (VLT) rating, you might find your space less illuminated than before. Skylight blinds are a more effective way to control light as needed.

Potential for UV Damage

Although window film can block a large percentage of UV rays, some films come with lower UV blocking capabilities. This could still leave your interior vulnerable to sun damage, particularly your carpet and upholstery.

Energy Costs

While window film can help in reducing energy costs, the initial cost of window film installation by a professional installer can be high. It’s essential to weigh these energy savings against the upfront costs to determine if tinting is a cost-effective way to combat energy expenses.

How Does Tinting Affect Energy Costs?

Tinting your skylight can have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency. By reducing the intensity of direct sunlight entering the home, window film can help lower the amount of heat generated inside, leading to energy savings. However, it’s essential to consider the initial investment.

Skylight Window Film

Window film solutions like 3M Prestige and Llumar offer energy-efficient options that not only reduce glare but also help control the sun’s heat. These films come with varying degrees of reflectivity, allowing you to choose the best fit for your needs.

Cost-Effective Way to Combat Energy Costs

While the upfront costs of window film and professional installation can be high, the long-term benefits often outweigh these initial expenses. By reducing the sun’s heat and UV radiation from entering, you can expect to see a decrease in your energy bills over time. 

Are Velux Skylights Tinted?

When it comes to skylights, Velux is a name that often comes up as a leading brand in the industry. Many homeowners wonder if Velux skylights come pre-tinted. The answer varies depending on the model and the glazing options you choose. Velux offers a range of glazing options that can mimic the effects of tinting.

Glazing Options

• Laminated Glazing: Provides extra safety but doesn’t offer tinting.
• Tempered Glazing: More robust than regular glass but also lacks a tint.
• Low-E3 Coating: This is a type of glazing that offers improved energy efficiency and can reduce UV rays, similar to what you’d expect from tinted glass.

While Velux skylights may not come pre-tinted in the traditional sense, their various glazing options offer functionalities that you might seek from a tint, such as UV protection and energy efficiency. They also offer a wide array of skylight shades and blinds to acheive the same goal.

So Should You Tint A Skylight With Home Window Tinting?

Tinting a skylight is a decision that comes with both pros and cons. While it offers benefits like UV protection, increased privacy, and potential energy savings, it’s crucial to be aware of the downsides, such as the risk of damaging your skylight and the initial costs involved. Whether you have a glass or dome skylight, different challenges and solutions apply. If you’re considering this upgrade, it’s essential to weigh all factors and consult professionals for the best outcome.