Summer storms in Toronto can roll in fast, with heavy rain, strong wind, and even hail. A lot of homeowners wonder if skylights are safe during a storm, especially if they are thinking about new skylight installation Toronto contractors are offering for Summer 2026. The short answer is that a modern, properly installed skylight is designed to handle severe weather, but a few key details make all the difference.
How Modern Skylights Are Built For Storms
Today’s skylights use tempered or laminated glass rather than basic window glass. Tempered glass is heat‑treated to be stronger and, if it ever breaks, it crumbles into small pieces rather than sharp shards. Laminated glass has a plastic interlayer that holds fragments in place if the outer surface cracks.
Frames are engineered to work with the roof pitch, with integral flashing kits that move water around the skylight opening instead of letting it sit and seep in. When a unit is matched to the correct slope and installed to the manufacturer’s directions, it sheds water in much the same way as the rest of your roof.
Wind, Hail, And Impact Concerns
High winds create two main forces: pressure that pushes on the glass and uplift that tugs at the frame and flashing. Quality skylights are tested for these loads and must meet specific standards for both wind and water resistance. Proper fastening to the roof framing helps the unit stay secure when gusts hit.
Hail can still chip or crack glass if stones are large enough, but modern skylight glass is far more impact‑resistant than older acrylic domes. Many products are tested to impact standards similar to those used for windows in storm‑prone regions, which gives an extra layer of safety in harsh weather.
Biggest Risk: Poor Installation, Not The Skylight Itself
Most storm‑time leaks trace back to how the skylight was installed, not to the basic idea of having one. Common issues include:
- Wrong flashing kit for the roof material or slope
- Shortcuts with underlayment around the opening
- Old skylights left in place during a re‑roof, with flashing not updated
- Units installed too flat, allowing water to pool
When a skylight is planned as part of a roof system rather than an afterthought, these problems are much easier to avoid. This is one reason many pros suggest replacing older units when you replace the roof.
What You Can Do Before A Storm Hits
If you already have skylights, you can take a few simple steps ahead of storm season:
- Check ceilings and walls under skylights for stains or peeling paint.
- Look from the ground for cracked glass, damaged seals, or missing shingles nearby.
- Clear debris (leaves, branches) that traps water on the roof around the unit.
If you see any warning signs, it’s better to have a contractor inspect and repair or replace before the next big storm, instead of waiting for a leak during heavy rain.
Are Vented Skylights Riskier In Storms?
Vented skylights are safe in storms as long as they’re closed and latched. Many newer electric or solar units have rain sensors that close them automatically when wet weather starts. This feature is especially helpful in Toronto’s fast‑changing summer conditions.
The key is to make sure seals and gaskets stay in good shape over time. Regular checks and simple maintenance keep vented units performing as well as fixed ones when storms roll through.
When A New Skylight Installation Makes Sense
If your current skylights are old, yellowed, or have leaked before, replacing them with modern units during your next roof project can improve both safety and performance. Newer designs provide:
- Better seals and flashing systems
- Stronger, more secure glass options
- Improved energy performance for both summer and winter
Planning skylight installation Toronto‑style—tied in with a professional roofing job and matched to local weather patterns—gives you bright rooms without added storm worries.
Contact Aluplex Today
If you’re unsure whether your current skylights are storm‑ready, or you’re thinking about adding new ones this summer, contact Aluplex today. Their team can assess your roof, recommend the right skylight models and glass options, and handle skylight installation Toronto homeowners can trust to stand up to summer storms for years to come.
