Performance Benefits of Replacing Aging Skylights
Let's take a trip back to the 1980s and early 90s, when commercial construction was booming. This period created a significant supply of new commercial space, including many facilities designed with daylighting features of the time. Now, let's fast forward to these same buildings today. What once was shiny and new has now become delaminated, yellowing, or worse—leaking.
As these buildings reach a new stage in their lifecycle, renovation teams have an opportunity to rethink what these spaces can become. Find out how to reuse, reduce, and replace skylights to transform any commercial renovation.
Reuse, Reduce, and Replace Your Skylights
One of the quickest and easiest ways to give these aging buildings the design facelift they desperately need is to replace skylights with newer, brighter, and more energy-efficient ones. No need to recreate the wheel, though. VELUX Commercial can reuse, reduce, and replace with various daylighting materials. Offering both customizable and standard, out-of-the-box daylighting solutions breathes new life into renovated spaces.
Let's talk about three ways to reuse daylighting structural components, reduce installation time, and replace old roofing and skylights with state-of-the-art skylights.
REUSE
Reuse existing structural components wherever possible. Dingy skylights that leak after a few years discredit the quality of your work. You can reuse structural components from previous skylights with VELUX Commercial's custom-made daylighting solutions. Updated technology and materials ensure that replacement skylights are more durable, energy-efficient, and visually appealing. The best part? We offer industry-leading warranties to ensure your renovation remains time-tested, built with the best materials to deliver quality skylight performance.
Read More: View Case Studies on Skylight Refurbishment Projects
REDUCE
Reduce time with a fast installation and products that last. For example, VELUX Modular Skylights can be installed three times faster with clamps, brackets, click-on flashing, and cladding that don't require more than a few minutes. Under a tight timeline for installation? These innovative skylights have you covered.
For projects where existing openings can be reused, standard-size solutions can reduce the need for custom fabrication. Dynamic Domes, available in 21 standard sizes, help streamline coordination and keep your schedule moving while maximizing daylight throughout the day.
REPLACE
Replacing old skylights with new VELUX Commercial daylighting options is a great way to increase your profits and job quality. Replace existing skylights with a clear view to the outside while limiting excessive heat gain. VELUX Commercial offers superior impact resistance and energy efficiency, thanks to advanced materials that won't yellow or deteriorate over time. Give your project durability and pure, natural daylight to provide an indoor climate that fosters occupants’ health and well-being.
Related: View Case Studies on Skylight Replacement Projects
Benefits of Replacing Old Skylights
Older skylights may still bring in daylight, but they may not meet the same performance, comfort, or durability expectations as modern systems. Replacing aging skylights gives renovation teams the opportunity to upgrade more than just the building's appearance. It can also help improve daylight performance, energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term roof performance. Here are a few reasons to replace aging skylights.
1. Introduce brighter, clearer daylight
Older skylights can become cloudy, yellowed, or discolored over time, making the space below feel darker and less inviting. Replacing them helps restore clearer daylight and creates a brighter, more comfortable interior environment.
2. Improve safety
Aging skylights may no longer meet the same expectations for impact resistance, weather protection, or structural performance as modern systems. Replacing outdated units can improve the durability of the roof system and support a safer environment for people inside the building.
Replacement projects also provide an excellent opportunity to incorporate safety screens for fall protection. These screens can be installed over the skylight opening, positioned below it, or integrated into the skylight system, depending on the product and project needs.
3. Support better energy efficiency
Older skylights may allow excess heat gain or loss, leading to inconsistent indoor temperatures. Modern skylight systems are designed with improved glazing, insulation, and performance features that can help support energy efficiency and contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment.
4. Ventilation and comfort options
Replacement projects can also be an opportunity to introduce venting skylights, shades, and other accessories that give building teams more control over daylight, airflow, and occupant comfort. These upgrades can help make commercial spaces feel more adaptable, functional, and comfortable throughout the day.
Replace Aging Skylights with Modern Daylighting Solutions
From direct replacements to more customized retrofit solutions, VELUX Commercial skylights are available in a variety of configurations to support different project needs. Options such as improved glazing, venting capabilities, integrated shades, smoke vents, and compatibility with safety screens can help bring older buildings up to the standards of modern commercial spaces.
Whether the goal is to restore daylight, improve building performance, or create a more comfortable environment for occupants, replacement skylights can make a major impact from above.
Commercial Replacement and Renovation Considerations Guide
Want to learn more about replacing old, dilapidated skylights and bringing your project (back) to life? Download our renovation guide to:
- Understand key factors that influence commercial skylight renovation and replacement decisions.
- Explore daylighting considerations across different commercial building applications.
- Compare VELUX Commercial skylight solutions for repair, replacement, and renovation projects.
If you have more specific questions about sizes, pricing, and quotes, contact our team.
