Skylights must meet safety codes in hurricane-prone regions, just like windows and doors. While Florida's Miami-Dade testing protocols for wind-, air/water-, and impact-resistance are the most well-known standards for performance during hurricanes, skylights that have received Dade approval are not necessarily approved for use in other regions. In most states, the International Code Council's new International Building Code 2000 for windborne debris regions takes precedence, referencing ASTM's E 1996-99 specification and E 1886-97 test method. These standards require skylights to undergo test procedures that are slightly different from those required for other fenestrations, and which are also different from Miami-Dade's procedures.
Currently, Andersen Windows' Skylights with StormWatch Protection meet ASTM standards; Solatube's 10- and 14-inch Brighten Up tubular skylights meet Dade standards; ODL's DV Series and tubular skylights, Velux's Impact FCM Skylights and Sun Tunnels, and Sun-Tek's Extreme Weather Skylights meet Dade and ASTM standards. Wasco's E-Class-HR Skywindow with a hurricane-resistant package is still in testing for Dade approval and is finishing ASTM testing; and its Architectural Series skylights meet ASTM requirements, but are not tested for Dade's.
