Rolladens reduce heat from skylight

Longtime Southern Nevadan Barbara Smith thought that skylights would be a cool addition to her two-story home in west Las Vegas. What she hadn't counted on was that the skylights also created heat problems in the summertime.

So Smith called Rolladen Rolling Shutters, where experts worked several weeks to design shutters for her home. It took only a day to install them over six skylights and eight windows.

"The summer was so ungodly," Smith, a high school teacher, said. "We were having a terrible time with the upstairs, which was unbelievable for most of the day. We tried solar sheeting and other things and they didn't work. I decided to see if Rolladen could help.

"The shutters are things that people need to know about," she said. "They are expensive, but they're worth it. They are more than security."

Smith particularly liked the fact that the shutters have several positions, even allowing in light when not totally closed.

Company franchise owner Fran Minnozzi said she has received countless calls from people who, like Smith, have problems with skylights.

"The skylights can be beautiful in the evenings, but they allow too much sunlight and heat during the summer," Minnozzi said. "It's just the kind of thing you never think about until the problem arises."

Minnozzi said many home buyers are now requesting the shutters be installed during the construction of a home. The same is true of businesses.

"Once people discover the benefits of Rolladens, they love them," she said. "The Rolladens offer a piece of mind that is unbelievable."

The shutters drop power bills as much as 64 percent and protect homes and businesses from both burglaries and intense weather conditions, according to Minnozzi.

Company personnel measure each home or business for the custom-built shutters. The shutter materials are imported from Europe, then custom made in Las Vegas.

For a limited time, every other shutter is installed free.

The showroom is located at 6168 W. Charleston Blvd., just west of Jones Boulevard. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

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