Five Common Skylight Problems

Skylights offer natural light, which can be an advantage in retail settings, offices and industrial environments. Workers feel energized, and customers feel welcome. However, skylights unfortunately come with problems and can be difficult to maintain. Here are five common skylight problems and how to avoid them in your Springfield, MA property:

• Leaks: Skylights may leak after being damaged by debris or heavy precipitation. This also occurs if they are installed incorrectly and the cladding and flashing give way and introduce more natural elements to your commercial environment. In some cases, the skylight blocks the normal draining of water, and the pressure at the seals eventually leads to leaks. Replace cladding and flashing if you notice it’s wearing out, and make sure the fasteners are secure. Those steps should help avoid leaks.
• Excess glare: There can be too much of a good thing, and that concept applies even to natural light. Glare causes eyestrain, and if it casts down on computer screens, your workers will not be as efficient. The glare can also fade floors and furniture, which does not help when you wish to maintain a professional atmosphere. Avoiding this problem depends on planning. Do not install skylights where you get the most sun, and be careful if you place them on the east or west sides of the building. In fact, you may wish to reconsider their installation entirely—skylights emit over three times as much light as a window, and they may just not be practical for your industry.
• Thermal impact: Overheating and energy loss are also common impacts of skylights. They allow heat to escape and enter buildings at a faster rate than even the most poorly insulated windows. Even if you invest in glazing, you will likely not avoid this problem. Besides being careful with placement and size, consider installing a polycarbonate aerogel-insulated model. If you are more interested in light and do not require an expansive view or ventilation, a solar tube offers natural light without this impact.
• Condensation: Skylights attract condensation due to poor ventilation. Most are installed with small weep holes to allow air to escape without causing leaks, but if this step was skipped, you will end up with condensation. This can lead to mold growth or excessive humidity. You can avoid this by not going cheap on materials and ensure skylights have proper ventilation. As with many of these issues, proper installation makes a big difference.
• Wear and tear: The installation of skylights has evolved over time. There are better materials and more options for controlling glare, condensation and the likelihood of leaks. Since skylights are often low-priority features, there is a good possibility you do not know when they were installed or if they require work. Sometimes, a skylight is simply out of date and needs re-flashing or sealing. If your skylight needs that work, you may wish to consider new glazing or glass at that time as well.

R & H Roofing LLP specializes in roofing systems for commercial and industrial settings. If your building in Springfield, MA faces any of these common skylight problems, contact us today to request a repair quote.

Categorised in: Skylight Repair

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