Daylighting options every contractor should know

By Dani Sheehan. 

Unit skylights offer an easy way to add value, improve efficiency and increase profits on every commercial project. 

When you’re working on low-slope and flat-roof buildings, unit skylights are one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring natural light into a space. They deliver reliable daylighting performance without the complexity of structural systems – making them ideal for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail environments and more.  

“In the commercial space, building types and roof types vary a lot,” explained Bryan Milling, sales manager for VELUX Commercial in the Eastern U.S. “A distribution center may just need basic daylighting, while a corporate office might need a skylight that creates more dramatic effect and ventilation. You wouldn’t necessarily recommend the same skylight for both.” 

By understanding how and when to recommend unit skylights, you can help building owners save energy, enhance occupant comfort and open the door to more profitable projects. 

Unit skylights: Simple, efficient, scalable 

For large, flat-roof buildings such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities or retail stores, unit skylights are often the ideal solution. These one-piece systems are factory-assembled and installed directly over a roof opening, making them durable, leak-resistant and fast to install. Their glazing design helps evenly distribute light across wide interior spaces – perfect for buildings that need consistent illumination without adding complex framing or mechanical ventilation.  

“If I have a flat roof and 250 dome skylights on that roof, that’s what we call a unit skylight,” Bryan shared. “They’re straightforward to specify and install – you just need the curb dimensions and glazing type.” They’re also available in durable materials and code-compliant options, making them an easy add-on for contractors already working on reroofing or restoration projects. 

Opportunity for contractors with support they can count on 

Skylights can be a significant revenue opportunity for contractors. Bryan explained that “on a 200,000-square-foot-roof, effective daylighting would typically be accomplished with 180–220 unit skylights. Using an installed cost of $1,200 per unit, a contractor could increase both their scope and earning potential by promoting the use of skylights.” 

VELUX Commercial’s team works directly with contractors to ensure product selection, compliance and installation go smoothly from start to finish. Bryan added, “VELUX has been manufacturing residential skylights in the U.S. for over 80 years. What many contractors don’t realize is that we also have a full line of commercial and industrial daylighting systems. For everything we are on the residential side, we’re also on the commercial side – same company, same quality, just different products.” 

Understanding skylight options helps your customers get more from their buildings. Natural light in conjunction with controlled electric light reduces energy costs, supports occupant wellbeing and adds value that lasts for decades. Partner with VELUX Commercial and turn daylight into opportunity.