What to Do When You See a Crack in Your Skylight?

Skylights in School

Skylights are a striking architectural feature that elevate the look and feel of commercial spaces and luxury homes. From shopping centers and hotels to modern office complexes and high-end residences, skylights provide natural light, enhance energy efficiency, and add visual appeal to any space. But what happens when a skylight begins to show signs of damage, specifically, a crack?

A crack in your skylight isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It can lead to water intrusion, energy loss, safety hazards, and structural issues. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively is essential to protect your investment and avoid more costly damage.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do when you notice a crack in your skylight, how to determine the severity, and why working with a professional skylight contractor like Skylight Concepts is the safest move forward.

Why Skylight Cracks Happen?

Cracks in skylights can develop for various reasons, even in high-performance glazing systems. Understanding the underlying cause can help determine the appropriate next steps.

1. Structural Movement

Buildings shift over time due to settling, seismic activity, or thermal expansion. If the skylight framing or surrounding structure moves, it may place undue stress on the glazing, resulting in stress cracks.

2. Impact Damage

In commercial buildings with large skylight systems, flying debris, falling branches, or hail can cause immediate, visible damage. In some cases, the outer surface may be compromised while the inner layers remain intact, making the damage difficult to detect until it worsens.

3. Thermal Stress

Glass and acrylic materials expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. In regions with intense heat or wide temperature swings, thermal stress can lead to spontaneous cracking over time, especially in older or improperly installed systems.

4. Aging and Material Degradation

Skylights have a lifespan, and over time, even the highest-quality materials can weaken. UV exposure, weather conditions, and deteriorating sealants all contribute to cracks forming.

5. Installation Deficiencies

Skylights that are improperly sized, poorly supported, or inadequately sealed are more susceptible to cracks. This is why working with a specialized skylight installer is critical from day one.

Is It an Emergency? Types of Cracks and Their Severity

Not all skylight cracks are created equal. Some are cosmetic; others are signs of serious structural risk. Here’s how to assess the situation:

Surface Cracks

These are hairline cracks that may only affect the outer glazing or protective coating. While not immediately dangerous, they can allow water intrusion over time and should not be ignored.

Penetrating Cracks

If the crack goes completely through the glazing layer, the system is compromised. These can cause air leaks, water damage, and insulation loss. For commercial properties, this could affect building code compliance and create safety hazards.

Spreading or Web-Like Cracks

These indicate ongoing stress or material failure. If the cracks spread over time or show a spiderweb pattern, this could be a precursor to a full break or collapse, especially in overhead installations.

Cracks Near Frame or Joints

Cracks that originate near the skylight frame or joints may point to structural stress or movement. These can become critical failure points if not addressed immediately.

Bottom line: If you’re unsure about the severity, treat it as a serious issue and call a professional.

Immediate Steps to Take When You See a Crack

A cracked skylight in a commercial property or luxury home should be addressed with urgency. Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Secure the Area

If the skylight is above a public or high-traffic space, block off the area below to prevent injury in case of falling glass or water intrusion.

2. Document the Damage

Take clear photos of the crack from multiple angles. This helps professionals assess the situation and may be useful for insurance purposes.

3. Avoid Temporary Fixes Unless Advised

Don’t attempt to patch, tape, or seal the crack yourself. Temporary fixes can make the problem worse or void any existing warranties. If you must cover the crack due to weather exposure, use breathable material and only as a short-term measure.

4. Contact a Skylight Specialist Immediately

Timing is crucial. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of secondary damage to roofing, insulation, or interior elements.

Who to Call: Hiring a Professional Skylight Contractor

Worker carefully installing a new skylight

When it comes to repairing or replacing a cracked skylight, not just any contractor will do. Many roofing contractors lack the expertise needed for complex skylight systems, especially in commercial and architectural applications.

Why Choose a Skylight Specialist?

  • Experience with commercial-grade skylight systems
  • Knowledge of impact-rated and hurricane-approved materials
  • Compliance with local building codes and permitting
  • Custom fabrication capabilities

At Skylight Concepts, we bring over 75 years of combined industry expertise to every project. Our team provides end-to-end service—from assessment to installation—ensuring your skylight is not only repaired but optimized for long-term performance and safety.

Repair vs. Replacement: What’s the Right Move?

Depending on the size, type, and location of the crack, a skylight can sometimes be repaired. But in many cases, especially with commercial installations, replacement is the safer and more economical long-term solution.

When Repair Might Be Enough

  • Surface crack on laminated exterior glass
  • Recent installation is still under warranty
  • Isolated issue with no structural damage

When Replacement Is Necessary

  • Full-penetration crack
  • An aging or outdated skylight system
  • Water or air leaks are present
  • Repeated issues in the same location
  • Energy efficiency has declined

If your skylight does need to be replaced, consider upgrading to impact-resistant or point-supported systems engineered to modern standards. This enhances not only the aesthetic but also the performance of your property.

How to Prevent Skylight Damage in the Future?

Cracks in skylights can be minimized with proactive maintenance and thoughtful system design.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Commercial buildings and high-end properties should have skylight systems inspected annually, especially before and after severe weather seasons.

Maintain Surrounding Roofing Systems

Leaks and damage often originate at the junction between skylights and the roof. Ensuring flashing, sealants, and drainage systems are in good condition helps prevent stress on the skylight.

Invest in High-Performance Glazing

Upgrading to laminated, low-E, or hurricane-rated glass reduces thermal stress and impact risk.

Choose the Right System for Your Structure

Work with professionals who understand structural loads, thermal movement, and environmental exposures in your area. Custom-engineered systems significantly reduce the risk of failure.

Why Skylight Concepts Is the Trusted Partner for Skylight Repair and Replacement?

If you’re dealing with a cracked skylight in a commercial space or luxury property, Skylight Concepts offers the industry experience and technical precision to deliver long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Full-service, turnkey project management
  • Custom-built skylight systems
  • In-house engineering, fabrication, and installation
  • Compliant with Miami-Dade NOA and other building codes
  • Expertise in point-supported and architectural skylights

From high-rise office towers to luxury estates, we’ve installed and serviced skylights that blend engineering excellence with timeless design.

Act Fast, Stay Safe

A crack in your skylight may seem like a small issue, but ignoring it could lead to significant and costly consequences. Whether it’s water intrusion, compromised structural integrity, or energy inefficiency, the risks are too high to delay.

If you’ve noticed a crack in your skylight, don’t wait. Contact Skylight Concepts today for a professional assessment and a path to resolution. We’ll help you protect your space, preserve your investment, and restore peace of mind.

Contact Us

Ready to Transform Your Space?

Connect with Skylight Concepts and let’s bring your vision to life with our expert skylight solutions.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.