Skylights provide valuable natural light and can reduce daytime lighting needs, but they are also vulnerable points in a commercial roofing system. Because skylights are installed through the roof assembly, they can be exposed to hail, wind-borne debris, falling objects, and severe weather impacts. Protecting skylights from impact damage requires selecting an appropriately rated skylight, using tested protective systems when necessary, and ensuring the entire assembly is properly installed and maintained.
Use Impact-Resistant Skylight Assemblies
One of the most effective ways to protect a skylight is to install an assembly specifically tested for impact resistance. Impact-resistant skylights may use stronger glazing materials, reinforced frames, or specially designed construction that helps prevent penetration or dangerous breakage.
In Florida, the state product-approval system identifies whether approved skylight products are impact resistant. For example, Florida-approved skylight products can be evaluated for large- and small-missile impact resistance, depending on their design and intended application.
Property owners should verify the product’s Florida approval, impact rating, allowable installation conditions, and design requirements rather than assuming that every skylight provides the same level of protection.
Protect Skylights From Wind-Borne Debris
During hurricanes and other severe wind events, debris can become a major threat to roof openings. In areas where impact protection is required, skylights may either need to be designed and tested to withstand the applicable impact requirements or be protected by an approved external protection device.
Florida’s building-code provisions for high-velocity hurricane areas recognize skylights as part of the building envelope and provide impact-testing requirements for skylights and external protection devices.
Protection can include engineered shutters, impact-resistant covers, or other tested systems designed specifically for the skylight. A protective cover should not simply be improvised from plywood or other materials unless the installation is designed and approved for the applicable conditions.
Consider Hail Resistance
Hail is another important source of skylight impact damage. FM Global identifies skylights as one of the building components that can be damaged by hail and provides specific hail ratings for FM Approved skylights. Its criteria classify skylights according to the impact energy they are designed to withstand.
For commercial properties exposed to significant hail risk, facility owners should consider skylights with an appropriate impact or hail rating. The correct rating depends on the property’s location, exposure, building use, insurance requirements, and applicable specifications.
Protect the Frame and Curb
Impact resistance is not limited to the glazing. The skylight frame, curb, fasteners, flashing, and connection to the roof must also remain secure.
A strong skylight can still become a source of leaks or damage if its frame is loose, flashing has deteriorated, or fasteners have failed. During commercial roof inspections, contractors should examine the entire skylight assembly rather than looking only for cracked or broken glazing.
Proper roof drainage around the curb is also important. Ponding water, deteriorated sealants, and damaged flashing can weaken the assembly over time and increase the consequences of an impact.
Inspect Skylights Regularly
Routine inspections help identify small problems before they become major failures. Building owners should look for cracks, crazing, discoloration, loose fasteners, damaged frames, deteriorated sealants, corrosion, and signs of previous impact.
After a major hailstorm or severe wind event, skylights should receive a professional inspection even when damage is not immediately visible. FM Global recommends ensuring that building openings, including skylights, are impact-resistant or appropriately protected where necessary.
The Bottom Line
Skylights are protected from impact damage through impact-rated materials, engineered protective covers, reinforced frames and curbs, proper fastening, and regular inspection. In Florida, property owners should also verify applicable Florida Building Code requirements and the product’s state approval before installation or replacement. The Florida Building Commission maintains a product-approval database that allows users to search for approved products and identify impact-resistant applications.
For commercial buildings, skylight protection should be treated as part of the overall roof-resilience strategy—not as an isolated glazing issue. A qualified commercial roofing professional can inspect existing skylights, identify vulnerable assemblies, and recommend whether repair, impact protection, or replacement is the most appropriate solution.
Related Questions
- What impact rating is required for skylights in the HVHZ?
- How are skylights protected against fall-through?
- What wind uplift requirements apply to skylight assemblies?
- What are impact resistance ratings and how are they tested?
- Does Florida experience enough hail to affect roof specification?
- What post-event inspection process finds hidden impact damage?
- How do polycarbonate skylights degrade under Florida sun?
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