The Pros and Cons of Skylights on Commercial Roofs in Atlanta

In Atlanta, the specific climate and the architectural styles make the skylights in commercial roofs useful but a little tough to manage. On the one hand, skylights allow lots of natural light to enter; they can have the power to completely change a space. They might also lower energy costs and may improve employee health by creating a more pleasant work environment.

But on the other hand, you have to plan to avoid potential issues like heat gain or leaks. Atlanta has hot summers and sudden strong storms,

Before you look into how skylights could serve your preferences or requirements, you should think about everything from improving the style of your space to improving your team's productivity levels.

Let's talk about it so we can learn about how these skylights might actually fit into your business plans!

Why Skylights Help Atlanta Businesses

For businesses that are trying to improve their spaces, skylights look like a smart and thoughtful choice. The natural lighting they bring into a building is one of the best things they can give you.

Skylights have a wonderful ability to flood your spaces with lots of daylight and cut back on the need for artificial lighting. Your office or retail space can be beautifully illuminated by natural light. That can improve everyone's mood and productivity!

When it comes to energy savings, skylights give you another strong reason for installation: cutting down on the reliance on artificial lighting and HVAC systems, skylights can help to lower utility bills. During the winter months, they enable passive solar heating - that cuts back on the demand on your heating systems - plus it'll be a help for those businesses excited to cut back on costs and cut back on their carbon footprint at the same time.

When it comes to employee health, skylights also play a big part. Natural light improves mood, improves energy levels in staff and improves productivity. It can cut back on stress and eye strain in general when you contribute to a healthier and more pleasant work environment. Happy employees like to be more productive and less likely to leave their jobs - saving your business money in the long run by cutting back on expensive turnover rates.

Visual desirability is another plus of skylights you cannot forget. They add a modern and beautiful touch to any building. That makes it more interesting to employees, customers and possible buyers alike. Skylights can change dull and lifeless spaces into bright and welcoming areas - that improves the general look and feel of your property.

When it comes to increased property value, skylights give you another plus. Buildings with skylights are often far more interesting to investors and buyers - that can give you higher property values - and it'll be a big and easy selling point if you ever choose to sell your building in the future.

When it comes to air quality and ventilation, skylights can do wonders. Skylights can open, letting fresh air circulate throughout the space and cutting back on the need for artificial cooling. This helps to prevent issues like condensation and mold growth, contributing to a healthier indoor environment in general.

With all these plusses in mind, it's a good idea to look at challenges that skylights can pose when installed on commercial roofs.

Problems with Skylights on Commercial Roofs

When you're thinking about adding skylights to a building, it's a big deal to look at all of the possible downsides. The installation costs can be quite steep - especially if some structural changes to the building are needed. This is especially true if you have multi-story buildings or if your roof has a unique design. The chance of leaks goes up too if the installation isn't done just right in these situations. Regular maintenance also needs to be considered here.

Because skylights are out there in the open, they face the elements directly. Dirt or debris can build up over time. If they're not cleaned or maintained, this build-up can give you leaks. Skylights installed at higher elevations make this job even harder. Water damage affecting your roof and the interior of your building can result from poor installation or inadequate maintenance.

Energy inefficiencies can also be a big factor with skylights. In a place like Atlanta, where summers are long and hot, skylights can increase heat gain inside your building. You'll then see a spike in your air conditioning costs as a result. Even though Atlanta's winters are milder, skylights can still let warmth escape - that might raise your heating bills. Condensation is another related issue. Moisture build-up and leaks can happen when warm, humid air meets the colder surface of a skylight.

Direct sunlight's effects are another consideration. It can give you non-stop glare and make spaces feel uncomfortably hot - that's not so nice for comfort or visibility. That's also the case with Atlanta's sunny climate year-round. Security might also be a concern if your skylight is accessible from the outside. Extra security measures may be needed. Too much light can give you a harsh glare and increase UV exposure - which might damage your furniture and other belongings inside.

But skylights aren't all downsides. Ventilation can also improve. That's a big plus! Finally, when you choose whether to install skylights, it should be based on your particular circumstances and what your business needs.

Now that we've covered the potential drawbacks, let's talk about how these skylights can actually help improve energy efficiency.

Skylights and Energy Efficiency

In Atlanta, the skylights on commercial roofs have the potential to change your strategy for energy efficiency. They give you a chance to cut back on the reliance on artificial lighting because it can make up a large portion of your energy expenses. Allowing natural daylight to flood into your spaces, skylights help you save on utility bills and create a more fun work environment. The natural light also improves productivity and health - a bonus that you might not think about immediately!

You need to think about some downsides during those sweltering Atlanta summers. Higher cooling costs can come up because of unwanted solar heat gain from the skylights. You might find this very concerning. Useful services can include tinted glass, low-emissivity coatings, or simple external shading devices to keep extra heat at a distance. These services can surely help.

To maximize skylights' energy efficiency, take a look at their design and their placement. The installation is a big part of keeping the correct slope, moisture control, and insulation - this helps you stay away from issues like thermal bridging and water leaks that can become problems if not managed the right way.

The placement and orientation of skylights matter. Skylights that face south are nice for passive solar heat gain during the winter. But you might need shading strategies to control your summer heat gain. The size of skylights also matters. They shouldn't exceed about 5% of the floor area in rooms with windows and no more than 15% in rooms with fewer windows.

Skylights add value to your building, too. That makes it more interesting to everyone who enters.

Atlanta Weather and Skylight Performance

The facts of living are always impacted by the weather and the climate of the city itself. In Atlanta, the hot and muggy summers often bring July temperatures to highs of around 88 degrees Fahrenheit - this intense heat can sometimes make the skylights give you more heat gain. That may naturally increase your cooling costs. A good idea is to invest in some quality skylights with advanced glazing. They give you much better insulation and will help cut back on heat transfer - which can then make them a great choice to help improve energy efficiency in your home.

Durability and good sealing are important because skylights will have to stand up to these different weather conditions. Seasonal changes in the sunlight also affect skylight performance. Shorter days during the winter months cause less natural light, while longer summer days can mean more sunlight - this could mean thinking about shading solutions to manage indoor temperatures the right way. Skylights are nice for bringing in soft natural light during clear months. However, their effectiveness may decrease during much cloudier periods.

Atlanta's humid climate - that's also very relevant during summer and winter - can create condensation and moisture challenges. When you keep an eye on condensation and use moisture-absorbing products or install skylight shades, it can help manage this problem. In this kind of climate, energy-efficient skylights matter because they cut back on heat loss during the long winter and heat gain - that finally helps to cut back on energy costs.

Make sure to choose high-quality, strong skylights, and ensure they're installed and maintained the right way, it'll completely help give you the best performance in Atlanta. Skylights bring in a few nice things by allowing smooth, natural light to flood into your space, which can improve energy efficiency and add visual desirability. They make your rooms feel bigger and just more inviting. Also, they can provide some useful ventilation, which is perfect for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Leaks can also happen if skylights aren't installed or maintained the right way. Regular inspections, along with good sealing and regular cleaning, are necessary steps to prevent leaks and make sure they perform optimally. Condensation can be a concern - especially during the cold winter months.

Challenges do often occur with installation, so hiring experienced pros is worth considering to avoid careless problems like leaks and improper sealing.

Making sure that skylights will continue to serve you well over the years also likely means looking into their lifespan and maintenance requirements.

Skylight Care and How Long They Last

With skylights, their maintenance and lifespan matter. Skylights usually last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. With glass skylights and care, they might even last up to 25 years. To make the most of their lifespan and efficiency, you need to keep up with regular maintenance.

Cleaning your skylights at least twice a year matters - this job plays a big part in removing dirt and pollutants that might block light and cut back on their efficiency. Use non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths to stay away from scratching the surface. Inspections should be prioritized, and it is best done in spring and fall when the weather is mild to spot potential issues.

The sealant and flashing around the skylight should receive attention annually - this schedule helps you stay away from water infiltration that could cause damage.

Common repair issues like leaks might harm the roof and surrounding structures. Cracks or breaks in the glass compromise the skylight's integrity and need quick fixing. Condensation can still give you water damage and even harmful mold.

Regular inspections and maintenance will extend the lifespan of your skylights and ensure they continue to give you natural light and energy savings. Installation by an expert helps you stay away from problems like annoying leaks and structural weaknesses.

Skylights are a long-term commitment. Regular inspections, cleaning and potential small repairs are steps to keep them functioning - this commitment helps skylights keep their visual and energy efficiency benefits over the years.

Picking the right type of skylight matters, too. Glass skylights tend to be tougher, even though they come at a higher cost. Proper installation prevents condensation, a common trouble with poorly installed skylight units.

An upgrade to old skylights can improve a building's energy efficiency and its appearance. Some skylights - especially those with new-age solar-powered blinds - can improve energy efficiency and might even qualify you for the useful federal tax credits.

Protect The Roof Over Your Head

When you go through the process with the ups and downs of skylights, it can become clear that they give you benefits and challenges. Because the desirability of bringing natural light into a space and the potential for energy savings are interesting, the costs and maintenance needs are things you'll want to think about, too. Since striking a balance between these facts matters, you can make a choice that aligns well with your business goals and the specific environment. The goal is to find that sweet place where style and functionality meet.

Because the effects of skylights on employee health and general productivity look great, natural light can transform a workspace and make it more inviting and more energizing. Then teams become happier and even more productive - that can benefit any business as well. However, because of the potential for leaks and the need for regular maintenance, careful planning and consideration are needed. Even though it's a bit of a balancing act, it can pay off if done right!

Since making well-educated decisions matters, consulting with pros can help by offering plans and input just for your preferences and circumstances. Expertise stands out and can help you get through the challenges of skylight installation and general maintenance. You should depend on those with experience and knowledge - they can help you through the process efficiently when needed.

Because professional help matters, at Colony Roofers, we specialize in commercial and residential roofing with headquarters in Georgia, Florida, and Texas. Since protecting your investment and ensuring your safety are absolute priorities, you can trust our team of dedicated experts with your roof repair needs. Reach out to us today for a free inspection, and let's take care of your roof with the professionalism it deserves. Since it's always best to consult with a trusted roofing professional if in doubt, Colony Roofers can give you expert advice and deliver great quality repair and installation services.

Don't hesitate, feel free to get in touch with us for a free inspection!