Skylights evolve with automation and daylighting demand

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry leaders discuss how daylighting, ventilation and smart skylight technology are reshaping roofing opportunities. 

Demand for daylighting solutions is expanding across both commercial and residential construction as building owners prioritize healthier indoor environments and improved energy performance. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, leaders from VELUX Commercial discussed how advancements in skylight technology and shifting building priorities are creating new opportunities for roofing contractors. Speaking from The Coffee Shops™ sound stage sponsored by SRS Distribution, Heidi J. Ellsworth interviewed Brian Groy, director of commercial sales at VELUX North America, and Bill Charlton, director of residential sales. Both pointed to growing interest in daylighting as architects, building owners and homeowners increasingly recognize the role natural light plays in comfort, wellness and building performance. 

Brian noted that the commercial sector has seen renewed momentum driven by building codes and a broader focus on indoor environmental quality. “It’s a great time to be in the daylighting market and commercial buildings,” Brian said. “There’s a big emphasis on healthy buildings for people coming out of the pandemic as well as energy efficiency related to building codes.” 

While commercial demand continues to grow, the residential market is also evolving as homeowners invest in upgrades that improve both comfort and livability. Bill said skylights are no longer viewed simply as a source of natural light but as part of a broader strategy to enhance airflow and indoor air quality. “Where a lot of people traditionally have fixed skylights, some are realizing now that they can open that up from a fresh air perspective,” Bill said. 

That shift is closely tied to the technology now built into modern skylight systems. Bill noted that many units are solar powered and controlled remotely, eliminating the need for electrical wiring while giving homeowners the ability to introduce fresh air with minimal effort.  

Automation is also becoming more common. Bill explained that the VELUX Active system monitors interior conditions such as temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels, allowing skylights to respond automatically to changes inside the home. “Say it’s the skylight in a bathroom and the humidity is high from a shower; it automatically will pop open,” Bill said. “After that shower is done for a while, and the steam dissipates, that skylight will automatically close on itself.” 

Contractors attending the event also raised questions about how skylight solutions can help differentiate their services in a competitive market. “We’re hearing a lot of contractors asking how they can differentiate from competitors,” Brian said. 

Education is another part of that strategy. Bill highlighted the company’s training academy, which includes both fixed training locations and mobile installation vans that travel to contractors for hands-on instruction. As daylighting technology continues to advance, both leaders emphasized that skylights are no longer treated as simple roof openings. Instead, they are increasingly viewed as integrated systems designed to enhance indoor comfort, improve air quality and strengthen overall building performance. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how automated skylights, smart ventilation systems and contractor training are shaping new opportunities in the growing daylighting market!