Frequently Asked Questions

To Replace or Repair?

In most cases a skylight can be repaired rather than being completely replaced. We have found that most building owners or property managers are satisfied with their current skylight system, but are unaware of proper maintenance procedures. At Skylight Installers.ca, we can provide maintenance plans that can save you the added expense of a repair or replacement and possible day to day business interruption that would come with a completely new skylight installation.

Causes of Skylight Leaks

Many leak problems begin when water makes it way under gaps in the skylight itself, into the flashing around the skylight, or the flat roof membrane that goes up the curb. When this water freezes, it expands causing the gap to expand. After a few seasons of this expansion and contraction, your skylight will start to leak.

Another cause of skylight problems is improper installation. Improper flashing installation accounts for the large majority of skylight problems which is why it is always recommended that a professional install any type of skylight.

Other common problems that can come from your skylight include condensation from poor insulation, too much heat, mold or mildew from constant dampness, your roof membrane could rot and air could get in resulting in decreased energy efficiency. Also too much daylight or a glare from a skylight can become a large issue especially in a professional building. The amount of sunlight and the glare are things that you should be able to control either by the location on the roof where your skylight is placed, the glaze or remote control options you have for your skylight. We have also seen many cases where the venting for the skylight no longer opens or the motor does not work.

Selecting the Right Skylight

When selecting a skylight, there are several factors to consider. Aesthetics aside, you must look at the construction of your building; how thick is your roof? What roofing materials were used? It is also important to take into consideration the climate; do you live in an area where there is excessive rain fall? Are there extreme cold temperatures? For these reasons and more, the shape of your skylight is very important.

Why install, repair or upgrade a skylight?

Using less energy saves you money and is environmentally friendly. Our commercial and home skylights will you save money on energy costs and brightening your environment.

Our sky lights are designed and placed to improve the aesthetics of any building adding a stunning design element to space. Skylights are available in so many styles and custom designs so we will be able to find the right skylight for your particular roof.There are also many skylight features to choose from including hurricane resistant glass, motorized venting systems, temperature controls and rain sensors( skylights that close on their own when is begins to rain!)

How commercial skylights improve spaces

Offices, manufacturing and distribution centers
Natural light can boost energy up to 24 percent, according to scientific experts. This has been shown to decrease absenteeism and increase productivity. The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research estimates that, in the United States alone, businesses lose more than $150 billion a year in productivity as a result of employee fatigue due to lack of daylight. Lockheed Martin reports that after daylighting its facility in Sunnyvale, California, the company achieved 15% higher worker productivity. Additionally, the company won a $1.5 billion defense contract based on increased productivity, profits which paid for the entire building. As an added bonus, the company saved $300,000 to $400,000 a year on energy bills.

The use of daylight as primary lighting in commercial buildings greatly reduces the risk of business disruption during power outages. This greatly increases public health and safety during any emergency which may involve disruptions of the electricity supply.

Retail

Skylights in retail have been found to be positively and significantly correlated to higher sales. A HMG study showed non-skylit stores would increase sales by 40% by incorporating skylights. The link between high consumer activity and skylighting occurred despite the fact that many of the customers interviewed stated that they were unaware of the presence of skylights. The customers responded that they frequent the skylit stores because of positive environmental feelings, such as the stores feel cleaner, more spacious, more open or brighter. No seasonal variation was detected.

Researchers concluded this suggested a longterm customer loyalty effect and not a short-term impetus on sales. Employees working in naturally lit buildings have been shown to have increased morale resulting in better customer service, increased productivity and decreased absenteeism.

Schools

Skylights in schools have been found to be positively and significantly correlated to better student performance in a study conducted by the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, 21,000 students were tested and they found that those in classrooms with the most daylight progressed 20% faster on math tests and 26% faster on reading tests in one year than those with the least amount of daylight. According to the Commission Public Interest Energy Research Program, daylight illumination levels were significant and positive in predicting better performance on a test of mental function and attention.

The Backwards Numbers test is widely accepted in psychological research as a valid test of mental function and attention spans. An increase in daylight illumination levels from one to 20 foot candles resulted in a 13% improvement in the ability to instantly recall strings of numbers. According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, 72% of the cost of energy in education buildings goes towards electricity, with 56% going toward lighting. In total America’s K-12 schools will spend $6 billion on annual energy costs. Properly applying skylights into educational buildings can provide energy savings over time while improving student performance.

Hospitals, healthcare facilities and retirement communities

Natural light has been shown to expedite healing and improve overall personal health. According to a recent research study conducted by the Center for Health Design in Concord, California, better lighting and access to natural light can shorten hospital stays. The lack of daylight can significantly disrupt the body’s internal clock. In some cases lack of daylight along with other factors can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), characterized by recurrent, annual clinical depression, accompanied by oversleeping, overeating, decreased work productivity and social withdrawal. The average 60 year old requires 2-3 times the amount of light when compared to a 20 year old. The good news, natural light boosts visual acuity, especially among the aging.
Improved lighting has been shown to decrease injuries related to falls

Other commercial options

Commercial curb system
The VELUX commercial curb system provides a practical and affordable solution for large overhead glazing applications. The commercial curb system is built using a commercial curb that is pre-manufactured or site-built and pre-assembled by a VELUX approved vendor. The curb system can utilize acrylic, polycarbonate, or glass curb mounted skylights such the CMA, CM, and FCM which attach directly to the curb for a quick and easy
installation. There is no on-site glazing required. The commercial curb system can be adapted to fit nearly every size space. The system can be painted, lined or insulated based on the needs of the building. Flat, single, or double slope options are available. Full light diffusing glazings as well as blinds are also
available.

Framed-in concept
The framed-in concept involves a customized standard approach, using standard products in a custom configuration to achieve a structural glazing look – with standard skylight pricing. It is constructed as deck mounted skylights are installed on top of a framed-in structure that is built on-site. There are no size limitations with this system, and using VELUX combi-flashing, skylights can be installed as close as 21⁄2 inches apart from each other. Light controls, ventilation and electric systems are available. If privacy is needed, white laminated glass is also available.

Daylighting through sloped roofs
Toplighting through the sloped roof is ideal for achieving optimal light distribution throughout a space, for reducing or eliminating glare issues, and for maximizing glazing surface efficiency. Regardless of application or roofing material, VELUX has a product that will fulfill virtually any need. From our model VSE electric venting skylight to our roof window line designed for within-reach applications to our full line of blinds and controls, VELUX has the most versatile and diversified line of products in the skylight industry. Please refer to the residential product catalog for details on these skylights and roof windows.

Do I need flashing for my domed skylight?

Flashing is most typically used on houses with shingled roofs; it has added benefits for those homes in areas that get more than their share of rain. Flashing raises the skylight so that the edges are not flush with the roof, further decreasing the odds for potential water damage. When installing dome skylights for homes, both self-flashing and separate flashing models are available. Our self-flashing domed skylights take the guesswork out of finding the right fit and feature a double dome (bronze over clear Acrylic domes) that is available in your choice of mill, bronze or white finishes.