Replies

1. 
   wdb45 | Jan 13, 2009 04:36am | #1

   We've had some on our dormer windows, facing west, for almost 5 years now. No trouble with fogging or coming loose. I bought the film at either HD or Lowes.

2. 
   gorga | Jan 13, 2009 04:41am | #2

   the only way the insulated glass will "fog" is if the seal fails.

   She may get some distortion from the tint you apply--depending on how good the product is and how well you install it. I would think this would work well as long as you install it on the inside of the skylight.

   I like your idea. I may try it on for myself sometime soon.

3. 
   shtrum | Jan 13, 2009 04:54am | #3

   If it's glass you're tinting, you might verify if it will affect the warranty from the manufacturer.  They claim the heat absorption can cause the glass to crack.  Was looking at a design for a large glass wall last year, and reducing the cost by using films instead of different colors of glass.  Turned out to be a big issue.

   One place i worked had square skylights mounted on a flat roof.  They attached angles at the bottoms of the light wells, and laid sheets of gray translucent plastic in them.  Cheap, easy, and it worked.  Not too bad looking either.

    

4. 
   jocobe | Jan 13, 2009 05:13am | #4

   Filming glass voids every window manufacturer's warranty. If you do choose to film it might be a good idea to find out the warranty from the film manufacturer/installer. I've replaced more then a few pieces of glass which was filmed that had spontaneously broke.

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5. 
   RedfordHenry | Jan 13, 2009 07:35am | #5

   Ditto what others have said on applying film.  That's a no-no.  If it's a velux, you can order replacement glazing kits that are simple to install.  Don't know if they offer tinted glass though. 

1. 
   couchcarpentry | Jan 14, 2009 04:39am | #6

   thanks for the replies everyone. I had a feeling it might void warranty. it is a velux. I think i'm gonna tell her to go buy a shade. it doesnt seem worth it to take on the liabilty of that thing breaking or fogging for a job so small.

1. 
   jocobe | Jan 14, 2009 04:56am | #7

   Andersen sells shades that fit their roof windows, maybe Velux does also....maybe worth checking out..View Image

2. 
   Clewless1 | Jan 16, 2009 04:02pm | #8

   Don't buy a shade ... replace the glass w/ tinted and/or mirrored finish. The shade is like a solution that is too late (assuming we are talking about heat gain here). Applying film to insulated glass is usually a no no as was stated. ordering glass tinted and/or mirrored however is a different story. You want to do it right ... get the tinted glass ... IMO. It will provide better sun control. Shades will be a pain down the road and do a mediocre job anyway.

   This is why I generally don't recommend skylights. Everything has a place though. Put some thought into them and they can do you well. Apply them like paint and they can be a source of discomfort and dissatisfaction ... not to mention expense.