Velux Accessories & Fall Protection Solutions

Velux skylights bring natural light into any space, but safety is just as important, particularly in busy commercial buildings.

Beyond enhancing skylight performance, Velux offers a range of specialized accessories designed to prevent falls from the roof or through the skylight opening. These solutions are certified, comply with the latest safety standards, and can be smoothly assimilated into projects of any scale.

What Is Built-in Fall Protection?

It is a safety system that is already incorporated into the curb where a unit skylight dome is installed. This system includes a durable steel screen built into an insulated steel frame.

Velux offers two curb options with this feature: Insulated Steel Curb and Field Insulated Steel Curb. Both are reinforced, thermally insulated structures with an integrated fall protection screen.

These solutions are practical because no extra drilling or hardware is needed. With everything integrated into the curb, you get both reliable fall protection and energy efficiency, maintaining airtightness and insulation on the roof.

Exterior Safety Screen

For temporary or long-term safety during construction or maintenance, an exterior safety screen is used. It is a galvanized steel mesh panel, between 0.19 and 0.22 inches thick, with 4-inch grid spacing. It can be easily installed over both new and existing skylight domes. The screen can be secured without drilling, which means there is no risk of damaging the sealed parts of the structure. It complies with OSHA standards and effectively prevents falls by workers or accidental drops of tools or materials. This makes it an excellent option when a temporary yet reliable safety solution is needed.

Insulated Steel Curb

A 1.5-inch-thick galvanized steel curb is a full-featured safety component. It combines insulation, structural strength, and built-in fall protection. This type of curb delivers a high R-value for thermal insulation, eliminates thermal bridging, and supports the overall energy efficiency of the roof. At the same time, it includes an integrated safety screen to help prevent falls.

Interior Safety Screens

When you need a simple and budget-friendly solution, interior safety screens are an excellent choice. These are made from 3/16-inch-thick steel mesh with 6-inch grid spacing. They are easy to install from the underside, do not affect the building’s exterior appearance, and work well in buildings with skylight domes already in place.

Interior Security Bars

In areas with higher demands for strength and durability, interior security bars are the perfect option. Built from ½-inch steel rods with 6 or 8-inch spacing, these bars create a robust barrier across the opening. Ideal for warehouses, factories, and sports facilities, they are engineered to withstand heavy use and deliver dependable protection year after year.

Comparing Options: What to Choose

Though designed differently, all of these solutions are built to provide fall protection.

If you are looking for a comprehensive option that requires no additional installation steps, built-in curb protection is the best choice. It offers both safety and insulation in one package. An exterior safety screen is more suitable for temporary use or for projects where the skylight has already been installed. It is easy to set up and is fully compliant with safety standards.

If you need an affordable solution that installs from inside, interior screens are a practical option. They provide a basic level of protection without extra costs.

In settings where maximum reliability is essential, steel security bars are the strongest and most resilient choice, perfect for facilities with a constant flow of people or a higher risk of falls.

How to Choose the Right Option

The best choice depends on your project. For new buildings, a curb with built-in protection is recommended, especially if energy efficiency matters. For retrofits, exterior safety screens can be easily added to existing structures. Interior screens provide quick, simple protection, while durable metal security bars are ideal for industrial or high-traffic areas.

The best approach is often to combine solutions. For example, you might use both a protective curb and an exterior screen during the construction phase. Velux accessories are thoughtfully engineered to address safety risks and help adapt roofing systems to a wide range of conditions. Reliable fall protection is just as essential to your project as access to natural daylight.