Skylight Modification - Cutting Down on UV Rays and Glare (Caution!)

[TucsonJim]

CAUTION: Suggest you not implement this modification - Excessive heat generated. See forum discussion for details.


Living in the Desert Southwest, we have to deal with harsh sunlight and the damage it can do. Our 2017 Reflection 297RSTS has two unfiltered skylights which let in a lot of glare and UV rays. At mid-day, it can be so bright that it causes you to squint. In addition, the UV rays can damage interior furnishings and cabinets over time.

So I installed some window film over the interior skylight panel to try and control the light without totally getting rid of it. I purchased a roll of Gila (brand name) Glare Control Window Film from Lowes in the home furnishings department. The color I selected was "smoke". BTW... If you've known me for a while, you'll know I tend to shy away from things that say "smoke" or "fire" on them. The window film blocks 80% of glare and 98% of UV rays.

Installation was a breeze and only took about five minutes per skylight. I did not try to adhere the film to the skylight, but only taped it around the edges to hold it in place. That way if I ever wanted to change it in the future, it would be easy to remove.

Step 1 - Remove the interior skylight bezel using either a Phillip's head or Robert's drive bit as appropriate. You might need an extra set of hands to hold it in place while you're removing the screws.

Step 2 - Wipe off any sawdust or debris on the skylight and cut a piece of film that will cover the top of the skylight.

Step 3 - Stretch and tape the film to the skylight in multiple locations. I used packaging tape.

Step 4 - Reinstall the skylight in the ceiling.



Too much glare and UV light.


Interior skylight panel after removal.


After window film installed.


80% less glare and 98% less UV light.

Jim

[TheLexx]

Nice! Does the skylight come out from below? And is there any kind of seal that has to be replaced before reinstalling?

[TucsonJim]

Nice! Does the skylight come out from below? And is there any kind of seal that has to be replaced before reinstalling?

It comes right down in one piece and there is no seal. Literally, it was five minutes to do each skylight. You don't have to touch the outer skylight which is screwed to the top of the roof and sealed with lap sealant.

Jim

[Fl2GaScotts]

👍. Looks great. Thanks for this idea.

[TheLexx]

It comes right down in one piece and there is no seal. Literally, it was five minutes to do each skylight. You don't have to touch the outer skylight which is screwed to the top of the roof and sealed with lap sealant.

Jim

That's great! I didn't know the the shower skylight has an inner and outer piece.

I'm going in to get film on my truck windows next week. I'm going to bring this thing in and let them put the film on the inner piece then. Thanks!

[Lizardqing]

Awesome, we will be getting some of that!

[WTP-GC]

Excellent idea and something I will also be doing!

[arhayes]

Great idea, Jim. We only have a skylight in our bathroom, but I think I'll do it. I've also worried a both what the uv does to the outer shell of the skylight, but that's another issue.


Alan

[TucsonJim]

BTW, the window film was about $13 at Lowes for a much larger roll than needed.

Jim

[Jims94vmx]

Great idea. Looks good.