Bringing natural light into your projects is key, but safety is non-negotiable. We dive into skylight safety standards with leading skylight manufacturer, VELUX Skylights, to cover what you need to know about certifications, fall-through hazards, weather-resistance and future innovations.
What safety standards and certifications should builders, remodelers and architects look for when choosing skylights?
When selecting skylights, there are several safety standards and certifications to consider that ensure products meet high-quality, performance and safety criteria. These include:
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z97.1: Skylights should comply with ANSI Z97.1 to ensure they are shatter-resistant and safe in case of breakage.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 16 CFR 1201: Compliance with CPSC 16 CFR 1201 indicates that the skylight glazing is tested for safety.
- National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Certification: An NFRC label indicates the skylight’s U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), visible transmittance (VT) and air leakage.
- WDMA Hallmark Certification: WDMA certification confirms that skylights meet rigorous performance standards for air and water infiltration, structural integrity and thermal performance.
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Certification: UL certification ensures that skylights meet fire safety and electrical safety standards.
- ASTM International Standards: ASTM standards are critical for ensuring the durability and impact resistance of skylights.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty and Certifications: Reliable manufacturers often provide certifications that their products meet or exceed the relevant safety and performance standards.
Products that are WDMA Hallmark Certified have met the most comprehensive industry performance standards for over 50 years, and can help builders, remodelers and architects choose a skylight for their next project.
Photo Credit: VELUX
How should skylights address potential fall-through hazards, especially for multi-story buildings?
To address potential fall-through hazards, skylights should be designed and installed with safety in mind. They should be made from safety glazing materials such as tempered or laminated glass, or plastic glazing, that meet impact resistance standards and minimize the risk of injury if broken.
Protective screens or guards over skylights can also be installed to prevent falls. These screens should be strong enough to support the weight of a person and comply with relevant fall protection safety standards. Skylights should be installed in accordance with local building codes and regulations, as well as the manufacturer’s instructions. Those installing skylights should utilize guardrails, safety nets and/or personal fall arrest systems during installation.
Photo Credit: VELUX
For flat or low-sloped roofs, what measures should skylights incorporate to prevent water leakage?
Flat or low-sloped roofs may need additional accommodation to ensure water doesn’t leak through a skylight. Before installing, you should check that the roof meets the minimum pitch requirement recommended by the skylight manufacturer and plan to position the skylights away from any areas that are prone to water pooling, like roof valleys or near gutters.
Proper flashing, whether that’s step flashing or continuous flashing, should be used to create a watertight barrier in addition to high-quality, weather-resistant sealants. Gaskets and weatherstripping can also be used to enhance the seal around the skylight.
For low-sloped or flat roofs, you can opt for curb-mounted skylights, which require a raised curb that elevates the skylight above the roof surface and helps prevent water from accumulating around it. Some skylight manufacturers have also designed skylights specifically for low-sloped and flat roofs that feature a curved glass or plastic dome to prevent rainwater from collecting and causing damage.
Photo Credit: VELUX
How do your skylights resist damage from UV rays and weather elements over time? What options should they have to prevent excessive heat gain and glare?
Only skylights made with the highest quality materials and technologies can resist damage from UV rays and weather elements over time. Laminated glass, for example, typically includes an interlayer that blocks UV radiation. Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings can also be applied to reflect UV rays and infrared radiation while allowing visible light to pass through. Low-E coatings also reduce heat gain and protect interior furnishings from fading. Special UV-inhibiting coatings and anti-scratch coatings (for plastic glazing) can also be applied to help extend the lifespan of the skylight and protect from damage caused by cleaning and debris. For even more protection against heat and glare, tinted glass can be used.
Venting skylights specifically can also help reduce heat buildup by opening to release hot air and create wind flow. This in turn reduces stress on the glazing and frame materials, while proper ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup.
Photo Credit: VELUX
Looking ahead, what innovations are in development for further improving skylight safety and user experience?
The future of skylights is looking brighter than ever with several exciting innovations aimed at enhancing safety, energy efficiency and overall user experience:
- Smarter skylights with integrated automation and voice control
- Advanced glazing technologies like electrochromic glass (AKA smart glass) and insulated glazing units (IGUs)
- Enhanced UV protection and weather resistance with more advanced high-performance coatings and impact-resistant materials
- Improved safety features in the form of enhanced fall protection and real-time sensor monitoring
- Dynamic daylighting solutions like light diffusion and tunable lighting, as well as more sustainable and customizable designs
Photo Credit: VELUX
By understanding and adhering to skylight safety standards, you can create stunning, light-filled spaces that prioritize the well-being of occupants. Partner with a trusted manufacturer who can help bring your next project to life: openuptoperformance.com/manufacturers
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
Understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance your projects.
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
The Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification webinar is designed to help architects and remodelers understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance their projects.
