I'm looking for an inexpensive means to block UV and reduce summer heat through my skylights. I've run across some solar mesh products such as HeatBlocker which are removable solar mesh covers installed over the skylights from the outside using a bungee cord arrangement. Has anyone had experience with this kind of product? How is the visibility from the inside? Does it work? Do they stay on?

 

Well, I've never had direct experience with those product, but it doesn't sound real great.

If you have the bubble skylites mounted on curbs, the best fix is to just replace them with with a Velux with LoE glass. Did mine when I moved here and the difference is just amazing. More light than the old fogged bubbles and a huge reduction in heat gain. Normally its 8 screws and a 15 min job. The replacements really aren't that expensive for normal sizes.

 

Mine are the flat glass. Not sure of the brand but will crawl up there to measure and check. Where might I find replacement glass for them assuming they are either an Anderson like the rest of my windows and doors or Velux? You might look at the testimonials on the product, though. Found at

Skylight Shades, Skylight Covers, Skylight Blinds - HeatBlocker Reduces A/C Bills

 

Well, if they are relatively recent Andersen vintage, they should already be LoE/Hi Performance glass. Andersen makes a great product overall, I love their windows and doors, but Velux is the best when it comes to skylites. They invented glass skylites as we know them. Andersen has basically copied Velux products.

If they are Andersen, they will have etchings in the corner of the glass somewhere. They are very good about having parts and upgrades for their products.

I believe Andersen makes an awning to go over their skylites, I know Velux does. You lose some light of course, but they are designed for the product, not a bungee add-on.

Velux has pretty good customer service, and they would prob be able to assist you in any replacement questions even if you have a different brand.

I looked at the Heatblocker site, I think I could make something similar using sun block screening and 2 bungee cords. They don't look like any great tech advance to me.

Just noticed your screen name..so take it from an old Navy Chief, I think you'd be better off finding out the brand/glass you have now and getting an upgrade if available. My 22x22 replacements only cost me about $100 ea, and they will last as long as I do...lol. They also don't need to be removed in the winter.

 

The house was built in '90 and I'm the second owner. It is in NC and I'll be getting down there next week to check the size, brand, and etching as you suggest.

Yes, once a chief and ultimately a retired commander.