Question 1

Can any skylight have a motorized shade installed?

Accepted Answer

Most fixed and vented skylights - including standard rectangular Velux, Andersen, and Marvin units - can accept a motorized shade. We measure the skylight opening precisely and source a shade built for your exact model. Specialty shapes (trapezoids, triangles, polygons) may have limited options; we'll tell you honestly what's available during your in-home estimate.

Question 2

How does a motorized skylight shade get power?

Accepted Answer

The most common installation uses a rechargeable lithium battery motor built into the shade tube. No electrician is needed - the motor charges via a magnetic USB cable a few times per year. For new construction or remodel projects, we can coordinate with your electrician to hardwire a 110 V AC motor instead, which eliminates battery maintenance entirely.

Question 3

What's the best fabric for a skylight shade in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

For most Colorado homeowners, cellular (honeycomb) fabric is the best choice. Colorado's high-altitude sun delivers intense heat gain directly through overhead glass - cellular fabric's air-pocket construction blocks that heat more effectively than any other material. If you want to preserve sky views while reducing glare, a solar screen roller fabric with a 3-5% openness factor is an excellent alternative.

Question 4

Can I control a skylight shade with my phone or voice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every motor we install supports Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit out of the box. You can raise and lower the shade by voice, schedule it to lower automatically during peak afternoon heat, or include it in a whole-home scene. We handle the programming and leave you knowing how to use everything - not just where the remote is.

Question 5

How do I recharge the motor battery, and how often?

Accepted Answer

Recharging takes 2-4 hours using a magnetic USB or barrel-connector cable that attaches directly to the headrail - there's no need to remove the shade from the skylight. Most rechargeable motors need charging once or twice a year depending on use frequency. The motor sends a low-battery alert to your remote, app, or smart home hub before the battery is depleted, so you're never caught off guard.

Question 6

Do you also install manual (non-motorized) skylight shades?

Accepted Answer

For most skylights - especially those in high ceilings or above staircases - motorization is the only practical option. Manual skylight shades require a reach pole or dedicated pull cord, which works for lower vaulted ceilings but is awkward for anything more than 10 feet up. We'll evaluate your skylight during the in-home estimate and give you an honest recommendation.