At first glance, skylights made of polycarbonate may appear safe. After all, during the construction phase, they are often classified as non-fragile. But once the building is handed over and exposed to time, weather, and wear skylights quickly become a hidden danger on your roof.
Why? Because over time, materials degrade, and roof conditions change. That’s why no skylight should ever be trusted as a fall-safe surface unless it’s permanently protected.
Degradation over time: the silent risk
Polycarbonate is strong and durable — but it doesn’t last forever. UV radiation, fluctuating temperatures, and chemical reactions can significantly reduce its strength.
Common causes of degradation include:
- Prolonged UV exposure weakening the molecular structure
- Contact with PVC tape or steel, which accelerates material breakdown
- Plasticizers from other construction materials compromising the polycarbonate
Even if the skylight looks fine, these hidden changes make it impossible to visually assess its true strength. If there is no loss of strength in the polycarbonate, the installation may have been compromised. This is especially true for recessed skylights.
Why industry guidelines don’t recommend relying on skylights
Most industry associations and safety standards do not classify skylights as part of a fall protection system, regardless of their original strength.
That’s because:
- Installations can shift over time
- Frames may loosen
- Flashing or surrounding roof details may fail
- Materials become brittle with age
In short: a skylight is not fall protection. It needs protection.
Kee Cover screens protecting skylights on a large industrial building
The solution: dedicated skylight protection systems
To ensure long-term roof safety, a dedicated skylight protection system should be installed. These systems are specifically designed to prevent falls through fragile openings even after years of exposure.
At XSPlatforms, we offer two certified solutions:
- Kee Dome – A free-standing guardrail that surrounds the skylight
- Kee Cover – A strong mesh panel that physically covers the skylight
Want to know which one suits your situation best? Read our comparison guide: Kee Dome vs Kee Cover.
Conclusion: Take skylight hazards seriously
In conclusion, while skylights and roof windows made of polycarbonate may initially seem non-vulnerable during the construction phase, they pose ongoing risks once the building is completed and handed over. This vulnerability arises from factors such as material strength loss and the degradation process polycarbonate can undergo over time.
Skylight accidents still occur far too often — and almost all are preventable. If your building has unprotected rooflights, now is the time to act.
- Download our KeeCover / KeeDome leaflet.
- Or contact our fall protection experts for a free consultation
Kee Dome around a roof hatch
More information
Interested in what XSPlatforms can do for you or how we handle prestigious projects in numerous countries? Contact us at [email protected] or provide our HQ with a call at +31 (0)183 56 91 11