While skylights effectively allow natural daylight into buildings, sunlight must to be properly managed to mitigate glare and excessive heat gain.
If the solar gain through the glazing is controlled by a shading system, light levels can be moderated as required and heat gain can be mitigated, reducing the size of the required HVAC system. In addition, if the building has a heating requirement in the winter, certain shading systems can be retracted or set to a position to allow in free solar gains.
Draper Skylight FlexShade® is a series of interior skylight window shades designed specifically to control heat gain and radiation coming from skylight windows.
Products
- Skylight Motorized FlexShade®: features motorized solar control and UV protection from overhead sunlight. Control of solar heat gain promotes a more comfortable work environment while providing shade to staff and furnishings from overhead sunlight. Available in sizes up to 6' wide x 8' high (183 cm x 244 cm), depending on fabric selection.
- Skylight 2 FlexShade®: offers motorized solar control for very large skylight applications. This window shade is also highly effective in controlling solar heat gain and mitigating glare. Available in sizes up to 13' wide x 20' high (396 cm x 610 cm), depending on fabric selection.
- Skylight Manual FlexShade®: this window shade provides solar control and UV protection from heat gain and glare that an unprotected skylight can generate. It is crank-operated and its crank handle can be permanently mounted (standard) or detachable; up to 6’ (183 cm) in length. Available in sizes up to 6' wide x 8' high (183 cm x 244 cm), depending on fabric selection.
Fabric Systems
When considering the shading of a skylight, the standard approach is to use a fabric system. Possible options include fixed fabric panels, suspended elements such as kites, or retractable fabric tension systems.
Colors
Hardware finish choices: clear anodized (standard), black, white, ivory, or charcoal bronze. Custom powder coat colors available.
Draper Roller Shades are manufactured in the USA using primarily USA-woven fabrics from Phifer and Mermet, ensuring a simple and direct supply chain that gives Draper maximum control over fast deliveries and product availability.
