Products / Skylights

Vented Skylight

Operable roof windows that add daylight and exhaust ventilation.

Vented skylights add controllable roof-plane ventilation to daylighting, making them useful in kitchens, bathrooms, stairwells, and rooms where warm humid air collects near the ceiling. Operation may be manual, electric, or solar powered, often with rain sensors. The roof opening still requires the same careful flashing, curb, shaft, and condensation detailing as a fixed skylight.

Configurations

How It Comes

Manual Vented

Hand-crank or pole-operated sash for reachable or occasional-use locations.

Electric Vented

Hardwired motorized operation controlled by wall switch, remote, or automation system.

Solar Vented

Solar-powered operator with integrated controls where wiring is difficult.

High-Reach Vented

A venting unit placed high in a stairwell, loft, or vaulted room for stack-effect ventilation.

Applications

Where It's Used

Bathrooms And Kitchens

Vented Skylight products are commonly selected for bathrooms and kitchens where the product configuration, performance rating, and installation condition fit the project.

Stairwells

Vented Skylight products are commonly selected for stairwells where the product configuration, performance rating, and installation condition fit the project.

Lofts And Vaulted Rooms

Vented Skylight products are commonly selected for lofts and vaulted rooms where the product configuration, performance rating, and installation condition fit the project.

Natural Exhaust Ventilation

Vented Skylight products are commonly selected for natural exhaust ventilation where the product configuration, performance rating, and installation condition fit the project.

Selection Guide

How To Specify It

Use these checkpoints when comparing quotes, reviewing submittals, or deciding whether this product type fits the opening.

Operator Access

Compare operator access across manufacturers before selecting a vented skylight. Small differences here often change installation cost, serviceability, or long-term performance.

Rain Sensor And Controls

Compare rain sensor and controls across manufacturers before selecting a vented skylight. Small differences here often change installation cost, serviceability, or long-term performance.

Inlet Air Path

Compare inlet air path across manufacturers before selecting a vented skylight. Small differences here often change installation cost, serviceability, or long-term performance.

Flashing And Roof Pitch Limits

Compare flashing and roof pitch limits across manufacturers before selecting a vented skylight. Small differences here often change installation cost, serviceability, or long-term performance.

Frame / Glazing System

Aluminum Clad Frame Vented Skylight

Aluminum exterior cladding protects roof-exposed skylight frames from weather and UV exposure.

Advantages
  • Durable roof exposure
  • Low exterior maintenance
  • Compatible with flashing kits
Considerations
  • Thermal break details matter
  • Finish scratches need attention
  • Can conduct heat at weak points

Frame / Glazing System

Wood Interior Frame Vented Skylight

Wood interiors provide a warm finished surface around roof windows and many deck-mounted skylights.

Advantages
  • Warm interior finish
  • Paintable or stainable
  • Good insulation value
Considerations
  • Needs condensation control
  • Must stay dry
  • Interior finish can degrade in humid rooms

Frame / Glazing System

Vinyl / PVC Frame Vented Skylight

Vinyl or PVC frames resist moisture and are common on tubular daylighting devices, curb-mounted units, and some skylight systems.

Advantages
  • Moisture resistant
  • Low maintenance
  • Good thermal isolation
Considerations
  • Limited finish options
  • Movement with heat exposure
  • Profile choices vary

Frame / Glazing System

Fiberglass / Composite Frame Vented Skylight

Fiberglass and composite frames add dimensional stability and weather durability for roof glazing assemblies.

Advantages
  • Stable in temperature swings
  • Low maintenance
  • Good strength
Considerations
  • Premium cost
  • Fewer product lines
  • Longer lead times

Performance & Ratings

At a Glance

Primary specification focus
Operator type, rain sensor, insect screen, curb or deck mount, roof pitch, flashing kit, laminated glass, and power/control wiring
Performance ratings
NFRC thermal ratings, safety glazing, water resistance, roof pitch range, and flashing compatibility
Common standards
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, NFRC 100/200, ASTM E330, ASTM E331, safety glazing requirements
Documentation to request
Product data, installation instructions, warranty, test reports, shop drawings for custom or large openings
Coordination point
Confirm final dimensions, substrate conditions, accessories, and code requirements before ordering

Project Coordination

Details To Confirm Early

01

Match flashing to roof conditions

Roof pitch, roofing type, curb height, and underlayment sequence drive the flashing kit and installation method.

02

Insulate and air seal the shaft

Poorly insulated light wells create condensation, heat loss, and comfort problems even when the skylight unit performs well.

03

Plan interior access

High roof glazing may need shades, controls, cleaning access, and service planning before finishes are installed.

Product Questions

Common Questions

What should I compare first when selecting vented skylight?

Start with the operation or glass makeup, then verify performance ratings, installation conditions, accessory compatibility, and warranty limits for the exact product series.

Can vented skylight be used in any opening?

No. Size, exposure, code requirements, frame capacity, hardware, and installation details determine whether a product is appropriate for a specific opening.

What documents should I ask for before ordering?

Request product data, installation instructions, warranty terms, available test reports, and shop drawings for custom sizes, large assemblies, or code-sensitive conditions.

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