Skylights are a wonderful architectural feature and serve many purposes. One benefit with both commercial and residential use is that they allow natural light. However, the following are problems that could arise from poorly maintained skylights:
Improper installation of flashing* is a frequent source of roof leaks.
Inadequate roof flashing.
Other common issues are cracked, worn or fogged lenses due to age and wear, damaged weather-stripping or faulty gasket seals.
Cracked skylight lens and poor seal.
Another thing we often see is lack of protection to prevent anyone from falling through (required on commercial buildings). This is especially needed in areas where more body traffic is expected, for instance around flat rooftops and flat decks.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Unprotected skylight on deck | Skylight with fall protection. |
On commercial structures, skylights with vents can be used as a safety
feature, such as performing the job of a smoke vent system. In some
cases, they are a building requirement. Smoke vent skylights provide an
escape for smoke in the event of an industrial fire. Covering up smoke
vents with roofing material will interfere with its performance.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Covered skylight smoke vent. | Correctly installed smoke vent skylight. |
Skylights can be an aesthetic and useful addition to any building, but
they do require extra maintenance. An inspector should take care to
examine them during the assessment or inspection.
*Flashing: thin pieces of material installed to prevent the passage of water.
We offer:
• General physical inspection of houses, townhomes /condos.
• Property Condition Assessments on all types of commercial properties.
• Limited Building Inspection of systems only (reduced fee).*
• Sewer line inspection for residential & commercial (with video).
• Mold & Moisture inspections.
* The Limited Building
Inspection does not follow ASHI or CREIA Standards. This reduced-cost
inspection is performed per the Standards of Practice of the Limited
Building Inspection.