Fixing a catastrophic skylight failure at Jetty East, Destin, FL
The homeowners’ association enlisted a local engineering firm to assess and rehabilitate all 14 skylights on the roof. That’s when Crystal Structures stepped in, presenting an innovative alternative—a superior skylight system designed to withstand coastal winds, enhance efficiency, and reduce overall rehabilitation costs.
Crystal Structures successfully completed the project on schedule, earning high praise from both Jetty East and Seashore Construction.
A Partnership Built on Excellence
Reflecting on the collaboration, Brian Connell of Seashore Construction stated:
“Crystal Structures was a top-notch, professional company to work with on a very complex project—elevated 70 feet in the air over open stairwells. They completed the project within the provided schedule, and we are actively seeking other projects to bring them in on. This partnership is a great one.”
Crystal Structures shares the same appreciation for Seashore Construction, recognizing the teamwork and dedication that made this project a success.
Project Scope & Features
The newly installed skylights include:
● 12 – 25′ x 25′ Series 575 Galaxy Ridge Lites
● 2 – 14′ x 25′ Series 575 Galaxy Ridge Lites
● All equipped with solar-powered exhaust fans
● Featuring LowE glass & durable aluminum framing
With innovative design, superior materials, and a commitment to excellence, Crystal Structures continues to set the standard for skylight solutions—especially in demanding coastal environments.
About
Crystal Structures is a national leader in the design, manufacture, installation, servicing and repair of glazed structures including glass and translucent roofs and walls, skylights, greenhouses, conservatories, historical renovations and other highly-custom and difficult projects. The company has completed more than 26,000 projects around the world. The company’s products feature proprietary technology that allows for 4X the weeping capacity to move 3X water volume for faster drainage. Water that moves doesn’t leak. Customers give the company an overall score of 4.5 stars in overall value, communications and service, quality of product, quality of install, endurance.
Go ahead. Build with light.
F.A.Q.
Additional aspects of commercial skylights, including their impact on air quality and acoustics, lifespan and maintenance considerations, specialized applications, and emerging technologies.
How do skylights impact indoor air quality and ventilation in commercial spaces? Are there options for skylights that can be opened or integrated with ventilation systems?
Skylights that include venting can positively impact indoor air quality. Venting options can be manual or automated based on temperature, weather, or time of day. These venting skylights can help improve air circulation, reduce humidity, and remove indoor pollutants.
What are the typical lifespans of different types of commercial skylights, and what kind of warranty options are generally available?
The lifespan of commercial skylights typically ranges from 20 to 40 years, depending on the materials used, quality of installation, and maintenance.
How do skylights affect the acoustic properties of a space, especially in large commercial buildings like offices or schools?
Skylights can help absorb and diffuse sound. They can reduce the echo in large spaces. The height of a skylight can improve sound distribution. On the other hand, the hard surfaces of skylights can reflect the sound and potentially increase noise levels. And, of course, rain or hail hitting the skylights will create noise. Skylights can be designed with laminated glass that has a sound-dampening quality.
Are there any specific considerations or specialized skylight options for unique commercial environments such as museums, greenhouses, or indoor sports facilities?
Specialized environments often require custom skylight solutions like museums which must protect the artwork. Skylights can be made using UV-filtering glass or light control. Greenhouses benefit from skylights that maximize light transmission while managing heat. Indoor sports facilities require impact-resistant skylights and use shatter-resistant materials.
Are there any emerging technologies or materials in skylight design that are expected to revolutionize the industry in the near future?
We are now offering an option to integrate solar energy panels in the panes of glass. These panels can provide electricity to fans or lights installed with the skylight.
Other innovations on the rise include electrochromic glass which allows skylights to change opacity electronically, adjusting light transmission and heat gain without the need for shades. Another innovation is photochromic and thermochromic materials that react to light or heat respectively, automatically adjusting their tint to optimize indoor comfort.
