Posted by thomas ferriere No Comments on Benefits and Challenges of Installing Skylights in Commercial Roofs Roofing

Benefits and Challenges of Installing Skylights in Commercial Roofs

The commercial roof market reached $10.5 billion in 2021. Businesses are investing more in their roof design to take advantage of roofing technology. 

If you are wondering how to make your commercial roof more efficient, then consider a skylight. 

Learn more about the benefits and challenges associated with installing a skylight on commercial roofs below. 

Benefits of Commercial Roof Skylights

The average cost of a skylight is about $1,750, however, commercial skylights can get even more expensive depending on the size and number of skylights used. Luckily, hiring a commercial roofing contractor to install a skylight comes with many benefits that may override the cost. 

Save Energy

Using the roof to save energy is one of the biggest recent trends in roofing technology. In addition to solar panels generating energy, a skylight can also save you money on your utility bills. 

It provides heating, cooling, and lighting that allows you to limit synthetic methods of operating your business. It can also act as a ventilation source to let out heat and cool down the building during the summer. And, the sun shining through the windows during the winter will naturally heat the space.

Optimize Daylight

By hiring roof repair contractors to put in a skylight, you can optimize the amount of daylight the building receives. In a standard window, you only get natural light if the sun is setting or rising. Your windows also have to be facing the right direction to get sunlight. 

With a skylight, you can get more sunlight throughout the day as the sun passes overhead. And in certain larger commercial buildings, skylights may cover most of the surface of the roof or an entire angled wall. 

Visually Appealing

Skylights aren’t just functional and cost-saving; they also make the space look nicer. Looking through a window while at work is more pleasing than staring at a ceiling all day. 

And, there are many designs to choose from to customize your skylight according to your business’s needs and the structure of the building. 

Improved Productivity

Metal roofing contractors can make your skylight enjoyable for your staff. Using natural light over fluorescent is better for your health and improves moods. 

Looking outside and bringing the outside in will also boost morale and make your staff more productive. They may even feel less inclined to take unscheduled breaks because they will already have the natural sunlight shining on them. So, going outside for a break will be unnecessary. 

Enhance Air Quality

Improved ventilation also leads to better air circulation. Because air isn’t stagnant, it means that you aren’t breathing in the same air all day. 

Fresh air from outside is healthier air quality and makes breathing easier. 

You can choose skylights that open at a slant or that automatically open to let inside air out and new air in. 

Challenges of Commercial Skylight

Roofing contractors face more challenges with commercial buildings than residential ones when it comes to installing skylights. This is because many commercial roofs are flat, very large, or part of a shared space.

Here are some other challenges that contractors have to face when it comes to installing skylights on commercial buildings. 

Meet Commercial Codes

Businesses are subjected to industrial building codes set in place by the International Building Code (IBC). This includes installing skylights. 

Companies need to ensure they use the right materials and install them properly to meet safety standards. The size, frames, and encapsulating method are monitored to ensure that the skylights don’t crack or make the roof too weak. 

The shape of the dome, glaze layers, and mounting type also need to be considered to stay up to code. This is why you can’t hire just any contractor. You need HP Roofing Pro, which has experience installing skylights on commercial buildings to make sure it is done safely and follows the law. 

Compromise Structure

Another challenge for local roofing contractors is to not hinder the structure of the building’s roof while installing a skylight. Large portions of the roof need to be removed to make space for skylights. Therefore, the structural integrity needs to remain intact. 

Commercial roofs are built to withstand the pressure of snow, water, and high winds. So, you don’t want to lose this feature by installing a skylight. To do so, guardrails and beams should make the skylight as strong as the roof itself. 

Secure Building

You also don’t want to make your property vulnerable to theft. Having windows instead of a solid roof could make it easier to break in. That is why you need to consider locks, thick glass, and other security measures to protect your building. 

Water Drainage and Moisture Control

Having windows on the roof means that more condensation will occur as well as leaks if it is not installed properly.

Contractors need to seal the skylights to prevent rainwater from entering. It should also be easy to close the skylight if sudden bad weather occurs.

Controlling the moisture means using condensation resistance to remove the higher chance of mold growth.  

Expense for Large Skylights

As mentioned, the cost of commercial skylights is more expensive than residential ones. You will need to consider how many panels, the size of the panels, and the function of the panels to adjust the skylight installation for your budget. 

Our Speciality is Commercial Roofs 

While there are many benefits to commercial roofs with a skylight, it is also tricky to overcome the challenges of installing them safely and securely. That is why hiring a contractor like HP Roofing Pro, which specializes in commercial roof repairs is essential.  

Contact us today to get a free estimate for your skylight.