Key Takeaways:

  • Commercial skylights are a type of window solution that is installed in the ceiling of a building, designed to allow natural light into the interior space.
  • There are several commercial skylights, including dome, flat, pyramid/vaulted, translucent wall, and canopy skylights.
  • Their benefits include lower energy bills (due to increased natural lighting), improved employee productivity, improved health for workers exposed to natural light, and increased property value.
  • Before installing commercial skylights, consider the size and layout of your space and the climate in your area.

 

Skylights may provide the interiors of commercial buildings with a beautiful aspect. These windows allow natural light into office spaces, retail spaces, and other occupied areas with large overhead spaces. But are they worth the investment?

In this blog post, Absolute Roofing and Construction, Inc will cover everything you need to know about commercial skylights, from how they work to the benefits they offer. Keep reading to learn more!

Understanding Commercial Skylights:

Commercial skylights are a type of window solution that is installed in the ceiling of a building. They are designed to allow natural light into the interior space, which can help to improve the overall ambiance of the area and create a more pleasant working environment.

Types Of Commercial Skylights:

Here are the main types of commercial skylights:

Dome Skylights: Dome skylights, sometimes known as acrylic domes, are composed of a durable thermoplastic that is both affordable and long-lasting. Glass is more robust than impact-modified acrylic. Domed units are frequently employed for cost-cutting in small commercial or multi-family residential settings.

Flat Skylight: Flat skylights, installed similarly to windows, provide a straightforward and appealing daylighting alternative with minimum influence on a roof profile. Flat skylights are incredibly adaptable and may be used in any design that does not require open skylights.

Pyramid or Vaulted Skylights: Larger, more sophisticated skylights made from transparent panels placed in elevated patterns like pyramids make maintenance and daylighting in huge rooms easier.

Vaulted or pyramid skylights are appropriate for shopping malls, entryways, transit centers, and other prominent, high-traffic locations.

Translucent Wall: When maximum daylighting is desired, translucent wall solutions increase the quantity of light accessible.

Aquatic facilities, botanical gardens, and other structures that benefit from abundant light are suitable for transparent walls.

Canopy Skylights: Canopies are free-standing or exterior-mounted structures that provide shade for outdoor spaces near buildings. Canopy systems provide shade without blocking natural light and are ideal for outdoor spaces where people congregate, such as school entrances or outdoor dining for restaurants.

Architectural Skylights: They are big, structural skylights incorporated into a commercial structure’s ceiling.

When constructing a wide, open area in a structure, an architect may opt to illuminate it using custom-designed architectural skylights.

Benefits Of Commercial Skylights:

Saving on Energy Bills

Commercial skylights can help you save money on your energy bills. They generate green energy by allowing natural light to take over rather than utilizing electrical or gas lights. This influences the prices corporations pay for utilities and the global energy market. Installing a skylight based on the environment that works best off the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SGHC) is vital to ensure the building maximizes energy savings.

Productivity

Natural light improves attentiveness and the capacity to conduct activities successfully. Skylights may provide these advantages to workers throughout the business day, helping your firm to boost morale among key employees. This can immediately translate into increased production, significantly impacting your company’s financial bottom line.

Improved Health

According to medical research studies, extended exposure to artificial light can cause physical stress and the accumulation of high cortisol levels in the blood. Cortisol levels that are too high have been related to premature aging, weariness, muscular weakness, bone loss, and some emotional and cognitive difficulties. Ensuring that workers receive adequate natural light can benefit their overall health both now and in the future.

Longevity

Although the lifespan of industrial lighting varies, commercial skylights can last up to 15 years. Depending on the weather your property is prone to, such as big storms and high winds, they may absorb more damage, shortening their lifespan. Installment also has a significant impact on lifespan.

Improved Ventilation

Commercial skylights, like louvered skylights, can boost airflow, which may assist cool the office when air conditioning is insufficient.

Property Value

As businesses strive to reduce their carbon footprint and increase employee happiness, skylights may help with both goals while enhancing property value. Skylights improve the overall appearance of a business structure, improving property value. Commercial skylights are a worthwhile investment if you are upgrading your office property.

Customer Appeal

When customers enter a business, they make a split-second decision about whether they will come back. Commercial skylights can increase customer appeal by bringing in natural light. Walking into an open, well-lit building will make customers feel more positive about your company. The influence of aesthetic attractiveness is powerful in business. Commercial skylights can also help reduce energy costs, which can be passed on to your clients and customer through lower prices.

Things To Consider Before Installing Skylights:

Before you go ahead and install commercial skylights, there are a few factors to think about:

  • The size and layout of your space will determine how many skylights you’ll need and where they should be installed.
  • Your climate: If you have business in an area with a lot of snowfall or high winds, you’ll need to make sure your skylight is appropriately sealed and insulated so that heat doesn’t escape and snow doesn’t enter.
  • How much sunlight you want: You’ll need to decide how much sunlight you want coming into your space. Too much sunlight can make it uncomfortably hot, so you’ll need to strike a balance between letting in enough light without making it too bright.
  • Your budget: Commercial skylights can range in price from $200-$2000 depending on the size and type, so you’ll need to factor this into your budget when deciding.

Are Commercial Skylights a Good Investment?

Yes! Skylights pay for themselves due to all the benefits it provides. They are well worth the installation expense because they support lighting, attraction to purchasers, and draw customers.

Absolute Roofing and Construction, Inc. serving North Olmsted, can install any skylight, including fixed, vented, and tubular skylights. We’ll ensure that your new skylight is appropriately flashed and sealed to avoid leaks.

Get your free estimate today!