Rapid City Contractors

Skylights can be a great addition to any business building's roof. They are increasingly being used in commercial buildings as well as schools, libraries, hospitals, and other educational institutions. The building's energy efficiency can be improved by allowing natural sunlight to enter the space, which reduces the use of artificial lighting.

Natural light can have additional health benefits as it enhances the productivity and health of building occupants. Natural light can help prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms by allowing more sunlight in the winter and fall months. There are many benefits to this method, but there are also common rapid city contractors commercial roof skylight problems.

Like any other component of a building, installing a skylight can be difficult. Find out how to fix the most common issues with skylights.

Common Skylight Issues and Concerns

A skylight's interior surface can accumulate dust and dirt, which is easily fixed. Over time, dirt and grime can cause damage to the skylight's interior surface, which will reduce its energy efficiency. Regularly clean your skylights in commercial buildings. If you don't have one, start one.

Skylight leaks can also be a problem. Skylight leaks can be found in either the curb flashing, which seals the skylight to its roofing material or the skylight itself.

• Curb Flashing is Leaking

Leakages around curb flashing can be more common when a skylight has been installed on a flat roof. If there isn’t enough drainage, ponding can occur around a skylight. Water can seep through the sealant around a skylight and eventually cause roof leaks.

• Breaks and Cracks

To withstand the elements, skylights must be made of durable materials. Skylights large in size are usually made from laminated safety glass (or fiber-reinforced poly (FRP), or cell polycarbonate glazing. CPG and glass will not fade over time so they can keep their original appearance throughout the life of the skylight.

Skylight panels can sometimes be dislodged by extreme weather events. This happens most often due to debris from high winds such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and even hailstorms. It can also happen due to improperly installed skylight panels.

Don't wait too long to fix any leaks or problems with your skylights. This will increase the energy loss and cost of your building. Repairs that are not immediately apparent may result in more expensive repairs.

Maintenance of Skylights

Regular roof inspections are necessary to ensure that your skylights work as designed. Roof inspections are a great way to extend the life of your roof and catch any problems before they become serious. Roof inspections, whether you have skylights or not are a valuable addition to your building’s maintenance program.

Your roofing contractor should inspect your flashing for cracking or buckling as this is an indicator of water damage. The roofing contractor should inspect the metal frame that holds the glass or plastic panels together and ensure it is secure. They also need to pay attention to the sealant. Sealants can crack and become brittle after being exposed to the sun and rain.

You, the building owner, should be aware of condensation inside your skylight. This is a sign that your skylight has an opening. Skylight repair is required if this happens or any other issues.

Skylight Installation

Skylights are more complex than they appear. This makes installation difficult for even the most experienced. There are two types: pre-fabricated and ones that are assembled at the job site.

A pre-built skylight will need a crane to be installed. This type of skylight is easier to install and takes less time. Other projects can be delayed if the skylight isn't fully installed.

The performance criteria that your skylights must meet will depend on the building you live in. These include structural integrity, fire resistance, and condensation resistance.

Skylight Safety

There are several safety precautions you can take to make your skylights and roof as safe as possible. First, don't allow anyone to climb onto your roof if they aren't qualified. Roofers and other personnel of your roofing company should have access to the roof. A skylight is a dangerous place to walk on. Skylights can withstand severe weather conditions and are sturdy, but they are not rated or tested for human impact.

To keep the skylights secure, it is a good idea for guardrails, fencing or another type of protection to be placed around them.