Structural skylights are commonly used in commercial and residential applications thanks to their integral role in supporting the roof’s structure. They deliver various benefits and come in different types and shapes, fulfilling niche spatial needs and various personal preferences. So, what are structural skylights exactly? What are their benefits and types? Read our comprehensive guide to learn about all the skylight structure details that you need to know.
What are Structural Skylights?
Structural skylights refer to a specific type of skylight that is designed and engineered to be part of the roof’s structure. In other words, they have a key role in the overall structural strength and stability, hence their name. Therefore, their functionality is utilised to the maximum extent. Residential and commercial structural skylights carry and support their own weight, in addition to the following:
- Live Loads: Temporary weight from maintenance equipment.
- Dead Loads: Weight of surrounding roof components that are connected to the skylight.
- Environmental Loads: Including the pressure resulting from winds, sand storms, and rain.
- Impact Loads: Meaning the accidental impact during installation or maintenance.
Simply put, structural skylights are engineered to become a foundational component of the building. So, what are some of their main characteristics?
Defining Characteristics of Structural Skylights
Structural skylights have unique attributes that set them apart from other skylight types. Here is a brief overview of these traits:
Large Scale
While structural skylights don’t have to be large to qualify for their structural support, they can often be used for grand architectural features and in big buildings like long-span transit hubs and atriums.
Specialised Engineering
Structural skylights require more specialised engineering to handle a complex combination of forces acting simultaneously, like thermal expansion and contraction, wind pressure, and others, ensuring both safety and performance.
Integrated Design
Structural skylights are built directly into the building’s framework, seamlessly connecting with the main load-bearing structure, allowing them to carry loads efficiently while maintaining the roof’s stability and integrity. In some cases, they are integrated into the structure without carrying primary structural loads. This would vary from one project to another.
Design Versatility
Considering the availability of custom structural skylights, their design can incorporate any geometric shape or design as long as it adapts well into the roof’s framework and does not compromise functionality.
These defining characteristics make structural skylights what they are—durable, integral, and versatile. So what are the types of structural skylights? And how are these types classified?
Types of Structural Skylights
Structural skylights are classified into various types based on their shape, which is the most common method of categorisation. Each type delivers exceptional functionality as well as adding a unique aesthetic appeal to the place where they are installed.
The following is a brief overview of structural skylight types:
Vault Skylights
The vault skylight, also known as a barrel vault, is a curved and arched roof skylight designed to cover large areas and let an abundance of natural light into the interiors. The arched, semi-circular design results in a sweeping and smooth shape that delivers an elegant look while remaining strong and solid, supporting the roof’s framework. They are commonly installed in business centres, airports, factories, and custom homes.
Dome-Shaped Skylights
Dome skylights feature a smooth and curved shape, which serves a functional significance and purpose, going beyond mere aesthetics, as they naturally distribute loads like wind and weight, making them highly durable. While similar to vaults, these two types differ geometrically and in scale. Domes are like circular bubbles that cover specific and smaller areas, such as bathrooms and stairwells, while vaults are tunnel-like and span over longer distances, like in shopping malls.
Pyramid Skylights
Structural skylights taking the form of a pyramid are designed with sloping sides that meet at a singular point at the top. They let natural light in from all angles, brightening small-scaled spaces. Notably, they are similar to dome skylights since both shapes are typically used to cover smaller areas like halls, small atriums, and residential rooms. Pyramid skylights are an excellent choice to deliver natural lighting and support the roof while adding style to any place.
Conical Skylights
Another structural skylight type is the conical skylight. It features a wide, circular base that gradually slims down into a narrow peak, creating a funnel-like shape. It lets the light enter indoors in a diffused yet focused manner, helping to illuminate areas with narrow layouts needing controlled sunlight. Cone-shaped skylights fit circular buildings and rooms, stairwells, and lobbies—just to mention a few. They are similar to pyramids in terms of the overall form, but cones are smooth and curved while pyramids are flat and angular.
Sloped Skylights
Sloped skylights consist of one or more angled panels depending on the size of the area needing coverage and the roof’s structural needs. This option is one of the common structural glass skylights, as the panels are typically made of glass for premium performance. Whether single-panel or multi-panel, sloped skylights deliver a clean and minimalist look that fits into any aesthetic and all places. Considering their timeless design and size flexibility, they are one of the most common structural skylights in residential and commercial applications.
Pitched Roof Skylights
A pitched roof skylight is a skylight that is installed directly into the slope of a pitched roof, following its angle. This seamless integration and design help maintain the roof’s original shape while leveraging the benefits of structural skylights, from natural lighting and structural support to improved wellbeing and elevated aesthetics. While similar to slope skylights, both types are different from one another. Shortly, pitched-roof skylights are installed on an existing pitched (sloped) roof, while sloped skylights themselves are sloped no matter what type of roof they are inserted into.
Custom Structural Skylights
Apart from the straightforward, geometrically defined structural skylight types mentioned above, custom structural skylights are also available. These skylight systems can be designed with complex, unusual shapes and incorporate various shapes as needed, especially when covering a large area and facing challenging lighting or spatial needs. Considering such flexibility and versatility, this type is most suitable for big-scale buildings and areas with unusual layouts like airports and train terminals, shopping malls, hotels, galleries, and warehouses, among other commercial and industrial applications.
It is worth noting that some structural skylight types like domes and vaults can either be continuous with a smooth, uninterrupted curve, meaning that they are made of a singular continuous panel or a seamless series of panels. Or they can be segmented and constructed out of panels connected at the joints or ribs, leading to a faceted and more geometric look rather than appearing continuous and smooth. So, what are the benefits of structural skylights across all types?
Key Benefits of Structural Skylights
Structural skylights are not just overhead windows looking out to the sky, as they are also foundational for the roof’s construction and structure. Below are the exact benefits and advantages of structural skylights you don’t want to miss:
Natural Lighting
Structural skylights allow natural daylight to fill in the place below, reducing reliance on artificial light. Additionally, sunlight improves mood, comfort, productivity, and the overall wellbeing of those living, working, or visiting the area where the skylight is installed.
Energy Efficiency
Structural skylights facilitate natural lighting; enhance ventilation depending on how they are installed and if they can be opened; and integrate thermo-performance features that lower energy consumption for cooling, lighting, and ventilation. Such energy efficiency leads to lower energy bills and a more eco-friendly performance.
Structural Support
This key benefit of structural skylights is what makes them distinguishable from non-structural skylights. The structural type contributes to the roof’s stability and construction, as it supports different types of loads. The non-structural types, however, do not support the roof in any way and are simply inserted into roof openings, functioning like mere overhead windows.
Versatile Designs
Structural skylights allow for architectural creativity as they come in a wide variety of shapes that fit different needs and preferences. Not only that, but custom structural skylights are built and designed to fit all kinds of visual and structural requirements no matter how unusual or challenging. Some structural types are also available in continuous and segmented shapes, tending to different load conditions and aesthetic choices.
Large-Scale Coverage
While structural skylights don’t necessarily have to be large-scale, they are commonly used in roofs spanning big areas because they deliver the needed extra support and beams. Their versatile and custom designs also add to this benefit, as they can be engineered to fit any place no matter its requirements.
Now that you know why structural skylights are invaluable, what are their installation steps?
Structural Skylights: Installation Steps
Structural skylight installation follows specific steps that align with the highest standards of safety and quality to ensure secure insertion and top performance. While the exact procedure can vary across different structural skylight projects, below are the general installation steps:
- Planning and Measurements: This stage determines the roof’s needs and measurements, then moves to planning and engineering the skylight best fit for the roof.
- Roof Preparation: Includes opening or cutting the roof where the skylight will be installed and reinforcing the roof’s framing for extra support.
- Frame Installation: The frame, which is the supporting material for the skylight, is installed and secured to the roof.
- Panel Installation: The glass or polycarbonate panels are inserted into place.
- Finishing: The last step involves inspecting various aspects like alignment, sealing, and roof integration.
Structural skylights are a combination of form and function, delivering peak performance long-term, especially when provided by leading skylight manufacturers like Almamary.
FAQs for More Skylight Structure Details
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about structural skylights for further details:
Are skylights structural?
Not all skylights are structural, as some are standard, non-structural skylights that do not have construction-related functions. On the other hand, structural skylights provide support for the roof’s structure, making them an integral element for their stability.
What are some common skylight structural designs?
Some of the common structural skylight designs include domes, barrel vaults, pyramids, and cones.
What are some factors to consider before choosing structural skylights?
To install the most suitable structural skylight for your needs, you need to consider the roof requirements and measurements, weather conditions, building orientation and sunlight exposure, desired level of natural light, skylight shape and style, and material and glazing options. All of these elements are best decided and determined by professional experts and engineers like Almamary’s team.
Are structural skylights architectural skylights?
Structural skylights are not the same as architectural skylights, but they can overlap. The structural type mainly aims to support the roof’s frame and structure, while architectural skylights are more about design, aesthetics, and visual deliverance. However, structural skylights can be architectural when featuring artistic shapes and designs.
Almamary for Residential and Commercial Structural Skylights
Almamary Skylights is a leading manufacturer and supplier of structural skylights in the UAE and beyond, engineering and installing the top skylights in the MENA region. With Almamary, you can get a residential or commercial structural skylight installed securely and flawlessly, granting you incredible performance and durability long-term. To get the best possible benefits of structural skylights, Almamary provides structural glass skylights that achieve stunning and pleasant illumination, excellent longevity, and reduced thermal transfer for a cooler indoor temperature.
Discover Almamary’s structural skylights now and contact us for more information.






