Years ago, commercial skylights were notorious for causing leaks, but the improved technology of recent years is beginning to successfully repair their reputation. New and improved frames, glazing, and water management strategies have allowed commercial properties to install skylights with confidence instead of trepidation – while improving the aesthetics of the space by flooding the interior with natural light and even increasing resale value.

How Building Owners May Benefit from Skylight Installation

Save money on power bills: A skylight can lower electrical usage by capturing sunlight. In fact, studies have shown that abundant natural light can minimize the need for electric lighting by 20% to 80% – saving building owners a significant amount of money.
Improve employee and tenant morale: Exposure to natural sunlight can positively influence health and wellness in many ways, including improving employee productivity, job satisfaction, and overall mood and emotional well-being. Who doesn’t love sunlight?
Increase the property’s value: Showcasing natural light in an interior space can enhance the building’s aesthetic and maximize potential resale value.

Types of Skylights

Commercial skylights are available in many different shapes and functionalities, including dome or pyramid, vented or fixed, glass or plastic. Most commercial skylight projects in industrial buildings, retail, and office spaces utilize plastic skylights – which are protected by flashing systems similar to most other roof penetrations. Modern plastic skylight materials – such as the industry standard prismatic polycarbonate – provide thermal insulation, resistance to impact, and UV ray protection.

When choosing the right skylight for your building, consider the following:

Customer and building requirements: A property owner in one region may be concerned about hurricanes and severe weather when choosing a skylight. Another may be considering installing skylights to harvest sunlight and lower their energy bills. Whatever the reason for the skylight project, there is a product that will be best for your needs.
Warranty/Guarantee coverage: Be sure to thoroughly research the details of your skylight warranty when selecting the product you’ll use. Some skylight manufacturers offer fairly limited warranties, while others are eligible for up to 20 years of coverage.

Stop Your Skylight From Leaking

Many modern skylights are designed with a built-in drainage system that will prevent water from intruding. However, if your skylight does not employ this feature, it is important to quickly stop the skylight from leaking. The cause of the leak is important to understand in order to properly fix it. These causes may include:

Inadequate Installation: One of the most frequent causes of skylight leaks is improper installation. If a skylight has not been installed properly, it can result in cracks and gaps that permit water to seep in. It is, therefore, vital to hire a professional roofing contractor to ensure proper installation.

Damaged Flashing: A skylight can begin to leak due to damaged flashing, which is used to seal the edges of the skylight to the roof. As time goes by, the flashing material can erode and become cracked, allowing water to intrude. Property owners should have the flashing routinely inspected and replaced if necessary.

Damaged Seals: One of the primary reasons that leaks occur around skylights is worn or faulty seals. The seals around the edge of the skylight can weaken, allowing water in. When inspecting flashing, be sure to check all the seals as well.

High Humidity: Another possible cause of a leaking skylight leak is excessive humidity inside the building. If the interior air is too moist, condensation may form on the inside of the skylight and lead to leaks.

Damage to the Skylight: Falling branches or debris may damage the glass or plastic surface of the skylight, causing cracks or breaches that allow water to enter. Have any necessary repairs made as soon as possible to prevent leaks.

Unicoat Can Help

Unicoat Industrial Roofing has decades of experience in applying roof coatings to commercial buildings. Our wide-ranging expertise includes ensuring that the flashing and seals around roof penetrations are viable. If you are interested in learning more about commercial roof restoration, maintenance and protection, call our team today.