SKYLIGHTS

Skylights are light

transmitting fenestration (elements What is
filling building envelope openings)
forming all, or a portion of,
Skylight?
the roof of a building's space.

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BENEFITS

○ Extra Natural Light

○ Possibility of some solar heat
gain during cold season
○ Reduce Energy Usage
○ Open Up the Space
○ Extra Privacy
○ Visual Connection to the
Exterior

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DRAWBACKS

○ Too much light on bright

sunny days
○ Too much heat gain, leading
to overheating
○ Skylight shafts that aren't
insulated or air sealed
properly
○ Moisture problems from
leaks where the skylight
penetrates the roof

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TYPES OF
SKYLIGHTS

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SKYLIGHT FOR LIGHT

They provide additional light in a room

and that’s it. They’re often placed in
attics and stairwells because they offer
no functionality other than light on a
clear day.

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EXAMPLES

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SKYLIGHT FOR
VENTILATION
Ventilating skylights can be opened, making
them a popular option for larger rooms, dens
and dining rooms. They can be opened
manually or electronically, the latter being the
more popular of options for homeowners.
These skylights offer additional light, as well
as ventilation properties which can be
beneficial in kitchens and bathrooms.

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EXAMPLES

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SKYLIGHT FOR VIEW

Basically providing the user a good view of

the surroundings. These skylight are often
used in attics or rooms that have a great view.

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EXAMPLES

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Skylight
STYLES
 STYLES
When it comes to the style, there are many different types
of skylights:
 Flat
 Dome
 Pyramid
 Round
 FLAT
One of the most
common types of skylights,
flat skylights can be either
fixed or ventilating. They
have a piece of glass or
acrylic that lies relatively flat
against your roof.
DOME

Dome skylights are

similar to flat skylights,
except that they round up
into a dome shape past the
surface of the roof.
PYRAMID
These types of skylights
extend out from your roof in a
simple four-triangle pyramid.
Pyramid skylights, though not
as popular for homes, can be
found on many commercial
buildings with flat roofing –
warehouses, schools, office
buildings, etc.
 ROUND
Like the name sounds,
round skylights are in the
shape of a half-sphere and can
add unique architecture to any
home.
 STYLES
There are other styles that are rarely used in residential
projects – these commercial skylight styles include hip ridge,
ridge and barrel vault.
 Skylight
SIZES CONSIDERATION
 SIZES CONSIDERATION
Skylights are designed to bring in natural light, but they
also can allow in heat and cold. Skylights that are too large can
cause a significant increase in heat during summer months and
cold during winter months. Either way, the result is decreased
energy efficiency, because more power is required to heat or
cool the room. Measuring for the right size skylight will prevent
energy efficiency problems.
 INDUSTRY STANDARDS
To keep skylights energy efficient for the homeowner, the
industry standard says that a skylight should be approximately
5 percent of the floor size of a room where there are many
windows and 15 percent of the floor size of a room where
there are few windows.
 CALCULATIONS
Multiply the width of the room by its length. This gives
the total square footage of the room.
 If the room has plenty of windows and is well lit, multiply
the square footage of the room by .05.
 If the room has few windows and generally is dark,
multiply the square footage by .15.
 CALCULATIONS
 If the room has an average number of windows and is
neither well lit nor dark, multiply the square footage by .10.

The resulting number is the approximate square

footage for the appropriate size skylight for that room.
 STANDARD SIZES
Skylight sizes determined solely by manufacturer and
there are no strict standardization exist. Skylights are
available in number of shapes and proportions between
width, length and height is not a limited parameter. Most
popular rectangular fixed or venting pan-flashed with flat
tempered glass skylights range from 14 to 72 inches (36 –
183 centimeters) in width and from 16 to 96 inches (41 –
244 cm) in length. Every producer offers its own minimum
and maximum modular dimensions.
 STANDARD SIZES
The industry standard is a rule of thumb for measuring
for skylights, not a hard-and-fast rule. Multiply the width and
height of the skylight to determine its square footage, and
compare that total to the recommended size. Opt for a skylight
that is slightly smaller than the recommended size rather than
slightly larger for greater energy efficiency.
 SIZES
Rough Opening for Skylights

For the installation purpose actual skylight size doesn’t

mean much of value and the only measurements should be
taken into account is rough opening or exact size of a hole
which has to be build in the roof for proper installation.
 SIZES
Skylight Weight

Materials the skylight made of and actual dimensions

will determine the weight. Some bigger skylights are very
heavy and weight can easily exceed 150 pounds.
 SIZES
Glass Thickness
Thickness of glass used for skylights normally varies from 1/8”
(3.2 mm) to 1/4" (6.35 mm). Bigger skylights typically contain thicker
glass. But thickness itself is not the only parameter which defines the
strength and energy efficiency. Skylights which made of two tempered
or laminated glass panels and argon gas in between will perform much
better in term of energy efficiency. Total thickness of dual-glass panels
including gas space might go up to 1 inch (25 mm). Many single glazed
skylights made of Low-E (low emissivity) glass for increasing thermal
efficiency.
 SIZES
Minimum and Maximum Roof Slope

While shopping for a new skylight always check

specifications because there are often maximum pitch
restrictions. Some skylights can be installed on the roofs which
are nearly vertical while other can be limited to roofs with 45,
60 or 85 degrees pitch.
Components of Skylight
1. Major components
A. Framing
B. Curb
C. Glazing
D. Sash
Major Components
Framing - The skylight frame is the structural frame supporting the glazing of the skylight. It
includes the condensation gutters and the seals and gaskets necessary for its installation
Major Components
Curb - Wooden frame to elevate skylights up off the roof deck (plywood). Used on flat roofs or
with certain roofing materials
Used mostly on flat roofs, and low slope roof. (Below 14 degree)
 Major Components
Glazing - refers to the glass or plastic lenses used as to cover the skylight opening.
Generally acrylic, polycarbonate or glass; with either single or multiple layers. Layers are usually
sealed together and may be filled with inert gas (Argon Gas) for additional energy efficiency.
Glazing
1. Insulated Glass skylights are best used over residential or office space.
Fire rate: 1 hr
Advantages: Disadvantages:
Thermal insulation (Argon filled LoE3) Price can be 30% to 50% higher
UV Protection Weight - Glass is much heavier than acrylic
Provides clear natural light Transportation
Up to Three Laminated glass panels Curb must be stronger
Sound insulation Size limitations (76 inches generally)
Safety
 Glazing
2. Acrylic and/or Polycarbonate skylights are primarily a commercial or
industrial product. They are best used over large openings on flat roofs.
Fire rate – up to 2 hours (Arcylic)
Advantages: Disadvantages:
Cheaper by about half Commercial Product
Light weight Limited Warranty (5 years)
Color Susceptible to Sun Damage
Shape Discoloration
Size No thermal or UV protection
Noisy
Major Components
Sash - The part of a ventilating roof window or skylight that opens out from the
frame.
II. Minor Components
A. Cladding
B. Underlayment
C. Flashing
Minor Component
Cladding is an exterior aluminum armor that offers protection from the elements and offers a
streamlined appearance. The cladding holds the glass to the frame.

Underlayment - Membrane or seal for between the roof deck and skylight or curb; usually
rubber. (Fort added protection an ice and water underlayment is wrapped around the skylight
frame or curb to dramatically reduce the chance of condensation and protect from extreme
weather)

Flashing - A weatherproofing system that connects the skylight with its surrounding roof
material.
III. Other Components
A. Throat
B. Splay
C. Control Devices
 Other Component
Throat serves as conveyances of daylight from the skylight into the interior space. The throat is the
tubular component (can be rectangular or circular in section) connecting the skylight to the splay. In
the absence of a splay, it is attached directly to the ceiling plane.
Splay is the second component of a light well. A splay is the oblique transitional component of the
light well that starts at the bottom of the throat and connects to the ceiling. The use of a splay will
provide better light distribution into the interior space.
Light control devices are attachments to the light well that modulate the amount of daylight coming
through the skylight. One or more devices can be used at the same time in a light well system,
depending on the design requirements.
a. Louvers are slanted metal slats attached to the throat
that controls the amount of daylight coming through.
They can be installed as an integral part of the skylight
frame.

b. Interior Diffusers A diffuser is any kind of glazing

material installed within the light well that diffuses the
light from the exterior into the interior. The most
commonly used diffusers are prismatic acrylic lenses
installed at the bottom of a skylight well.
c. Suspended Reflectors are lighting
accessories made of reflective
material installed at the bottom of
the light well to diffuse daylight by
bouncing it off the ceiling or splay.

d. Baffles are opaque or translucent

plate-like protective shields used
against direct observation of a light
source.
Types of Skylight Installation
 Curb Mounted
Curb Mounted - are the most common skylight type.
This design requires a box structure for the unit to ‘set’ on. Generally this box comprises 2×6, or
larger construction lumber, set on end, and attached to the roof deck.
Curb Mounted Skylights
BENEFITS DRAWBACKS

the ability to replace older skylights without the higher profile created by the curb and the
having to the re-flash the skylight at the same decreased energy efficiency as most existing
time. curbs are not insulated beyond the 1 ½”
thickness of the curb itself.
Another benefit is the ease to manufacture
custom sizes.
When replacing a skylight becomes a necessity
but the flashing is still functioning properly,
this is the skylight of choice.
 Deck Mounted
Deck mounted skylight are a more recent design that lowers the profile of the unit and increases the
energy efficiency by ‘hugging’ the roof.
Deck Mounted Skylights
BENEFITS DRAWBACKS

The lower profile provides a better visual Curb mounted is more flexible in replacing
appeal, inside and out older skylight
Another benefit is the ease to manufacture
custom sizes.
the increased energy efficiency provides a
more comfortable living space and peace of
mind
 Installation
CURB MOUNTED
 Installation
DECK MOUNTED
Thank You