Frequently Asked Questions...Not Sure where to start?Before you order:
Balcony Skylight Features: Balcony shades use the same double-cell light filtering or black out cellular fabric as the Symphony line of window shades. Now you can coordinate your windows and skylights! Balcony shades feature a polycarbonate track system; color-coordinated insert in the retainer tracks. There are no exposed
cords when shade is closed. The cellular fabrics offer full privacy when the shade is closed. Why can't I use the regular window shades with side tracks on my skylight?
Side track (ComforTrack) shades are for window applications only and cannot be used in a skylight application. The design of the traditional window shade leaves the shade fabric vulnerable to sagging when used in a skylight
application. The Balcony (Skylight) shades are specifically designed — with retainer tracks — to keep this from occurring. As well, there are three rails to the skylight system: the top rail and bottom rail are attached to the window opening with brackets, while the middle rail rides up and down to open or close the shade.
Balcony Skylight Applications: The Balcony Skylight Shade is designed for smaller inside mount only applications (see max/min section, below). The shade fastens to your skylight opening with brackets attaching the top and bottom rails; retainer tracks on either side give the fabric additional support. Balcony shades
should not be mounted directly against the glass. An "air pocket" of 1-3 inches provides the optimal distance. Balcony shades may be installed vertically (zero-degree slope), horizontally (90-degree slope), or on a slope. Be sure to take diagonal measurements: The widest width of the window (see measuring, below) cannot exceed the
narrowest width by more than 3/8 inch; otherwise, shims will be required. In cases of wide but short skylights, it may be possible to mount the shade so that shade opens laterally (to the left or to the right), switching length for width (and width for length). Out-of-reach Balcony shades may be operated with an extending pole, which
is sold separately (extends to 6-feet or 12-feet; skylight end included at no additional cost). Minimums & Maximums - Minimum depth required: 1¼ inches; Minimum flush-mounted depth required: 2¼ inches.
- For all applications, minimum width: 15 inches; minimum length: 12 inches.
- Horizontal applications (0-15 degrees): maximum width: 36 inches; maximum length: 96 inches.
- Angled applications (15-75 degrees): maximum width: 48 inches; maximum length:
96 inches.
- Vertical applications (75-90): light filtering fabric – maximum width: 36 inches; maximum length: 72 inches. Black out fabric – maximum width: 48 inches; maximum length: 72 inches.
Cellular Fabric Facts SkylightBlinds.com uses only Symphony bonded (non-woven) polyester cellular fabric. - Regardless of interior color, our Light Filtering fabrics are White to the outside; Black Out fabrics are Off-White to the outside.
- Cellular shade fabric is comprised of honeycomb
shaped cells that trap air. This creates an insulating layer over your window. In the winter, your warm heated air will stay in your house while the cold air coming through is stopped by the shade. In the summer the reverse occurs.
- Bonded (non-woven) polyester is inherently dust-repellent. Particulates that would otherwise get caught in the fabric remain on the surface of the shade, where they can be
vacuumed or dusted off.
- Bonded (non-woven) polyester resists fading and discoloration in sunlight.
- Bonded polyester is less porous, reducing air flow.
- In Spun lace fabrics, the polyester material is made in a method
similar to cotton candy. Spun lace has a soft open weave. Air can pass through, depositing particulates within the web of the fabric, very like a car's air filter. This reduces the insulating value; the fabric becomes dingy, and is more difficult to clean.
R-values:
More on R-Value R-value by Fabric Type | Shade
Only | Single Pane
(+1) | Double Pane
(+1.8)
| Triple Pane
(+3.5) | Double Cell Light Filtering | 2.8 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 6.3 |
Double Cell Black Out | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 7.5 |
|
Free Samples Different computer monitors show colors differently. We gladly offer free fabric samples (up to 10) so you can appreciate the beauty of our colors as well as the weight of our fabrics. Our fabric is the highest available quality, which means your shades will look better, last longer and provide greater energy efficiency. Just fill out the samples form and we will ship them to you no charge.
Color Accuracy Although we do our best to portray colors accurately, actual colors will vary. Many colors and subtle textures cannot always be shown on computer monitors, and computer monitors vary.
Since all products are custom-made for you, and cannot be returned, please request free samples before placing your order.
A note on Dye Lots – like any other fabric, colors vary slightly from dye lot to dye lot. In general, we use one dye lot to fulfill an order, but samples invariably come from surplus stock.
Shade colors, therefore, may vary slightly as from the samples received. Dye lots also vary over time so if you are putting several shades in one room it is a good idea to order them at the same time to avoid dye lot variances. Model shade We also offer a small working shade model, price refundable (minus shipping cost) upon return of the sample shade. Customers find this particularly helpful when evaluating window coverings for the whole house. Ordering:
Order Online Our shopping cart server is secure and we never send your credit card number via e-mail. We respect your privacy, and do not rent or trade your personal information (name, address, e-mail
address, phone numbers). All your information, including credit card information, is kept strictly confidential. Payment Methods We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can also pay by check or money order by selecting this option in the checkout screen. (Check / Money Order
options will not go into production until payment has been received.)
Ordering by Phone Phone orders will receive an Order Quote via email (in lieu of email: fax or USPS mail), which must be approved (via email, fax or mail), and credit card information given, prior to order being sent to Production. Sales Tax
SkylightBlinds.com collects 6% sales tax for orders shipped within Vermont. An additional 1% sales tax is collected for orders shipped to Burlington, Dover, Killington, Manchester, Middlebury, Rutland Town, South Burlington, Stratton, Williston, and Winhall, Vermont. The state of Vermont assesses sales tax on product and shipping. (For these additional tax
counties, the tax will not show up in the cart. It will be added when we process the order.)
SkylightBlinds.com does not collect sales tax for other states. SkylightBlinds.com is not responsible for taxes and duties assessed by other countries. After Order Information:Production time
Each shade is custom-made to your measurements and color choices. Estimated Production time is 7-10 business days. Our Service Team will email you a confirmation. Please review your confirmation. When your order ships, we will email you tracking information.
FREE Shipping to Continental USA
Most orders are shipped via UPS. Shipping is FREE via Ground to the continental USA. If you
desire 2nd Day Air or Next Day Air; shipping to Canada or other international location, please contact us for a quote. Packaging and handling costs are included. SkylightBlinds.com charges no Order Processing Fees. More on shipping...
Upon receipt of your shades
- Inspect your shade; any missing parts and if there is any shipping damage notify us and immediately
- Review the installation instructions & Please Read Me Document included with shades
Returns & Exchanges
Each shade is individually crafted and custom manufactured to your exact measurements. Therefore, they are not returnable for any reason, except warranty repair. Due to the quick turn around time, there are no cancellations. Please follow the ordering instructions to avoid problems, measure carefully, and review the order confirmations you receive. Maintenance & Cleaning:
Our shades are not only beautiful and pleasing to the eye they are designed for durability as well as easy care and cleaning. Our fabrics repel dust and are inherently anti-static, but occasional feather dusting or vacuuming may help to keep the fabrics clean and bright. Spills and stains can be lightly blotted with a cloth or damp sponge. You may need to rub gently with
water and mild soap (no bleach!). To clean an entire shade, simply remove the shade from the window and submerge it in a tub, let it soak and then rub it gently with mild soap. Lay the shade flat to dry or place it back in the window and raise it slightly.
BLACK OUT FABRIC CANNOT BE SUBMERGED! SPOT CLEAN ONLY.
Warranty:
SkylightBlinds.com uses such high quality components and produce shades of such
exceptionally-consistent quality that we are able to stand behind our product 100 percent.
During the first year of ownership SkylightBlinds will repair your shade free of charge and even pay for the cost of shipping. The remaining nine years of our Ten-Year Warranty (from date of purchase, for the original owner), your repair is still free; all you pay is for the shipping (a valid credit card number is required prior to the work commencing).
We custom make each shade right here in our factory to your exact specifications. Our shade fabric is covered by a limited Lifetime Warranty. Check out the details of the warranty, which covers defects in materials or workmanship to the original owner (provided it was
measured and installed correctly).
Each shade is manufactured to provide a lifetime of low maintenance service to you. If you need warranty service, please e-mail us or call us TOLL FREE at 1-877-966-3678 and we will arrange for a repair as soon as possible.
SkylightBlinds.com reserves the right to nullify a warranty due to abuse of the shade.
Contact Us:
SkylightBlinds.com
8 Leroy Road
Williston, VT 05495 USA
Call Toll Free: (877) 966-3678
Fax: (877) 366-3678 | 
