Skylight Protection Systems
Permanent and Temporary Protection for Rooftop Skylights
Skylights can create serious fall hazards when workers access rooftops for maintenance, inspections, repairs or solar-panel work. Most skylights should not be assumed to support the impact of a worker falling or stepping onto the surface.
CH Bull offers fixed skylight screens, non-penetrating skylight guardrails and temporary netting systems for existing skylights and roof openings. The right solution depends on the skylight dimensions, roof conditions, work being performed and whether protection is needed permanently or for a specific project.
Safety Snapshot: BLS data identified 37 fatal occupational injuries involving skylights or other existing roof openings in 2023 and 31 in 2024. Private industry also had 110 nonfatal cases involving days away from work across 2023–2024.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fatality data include all U.S. ownerships; nonfatal days-away-from-work cases include private industry.
Compare Skylight Protection Systems
Compare fixed screens, non-penetrating guardrails and temporary netting based on the skylight, installation and work requirements.
Permanent Skylight Screens
Garlock ScreenGuard™
Best For: Domed skylights requiring a corrosion-resistant cover with clearance above the skylight.
Highlights:
- Compression-fit attachment to the skylight frame
- No penetration through the roof or skylight
- Corrosion-resistant galvanized construction
- Standard and custom sizes available
- Designed to provide clearance above low-profile domes
Tractel Skylight Defender
Best For: Facilities requiring non-penetrating protection for varied skylight sizes and applications.
Highlights:
- Compression-fit attachment to the skylight frame
- No drilling into the roof or skylight
- Galvanized welded-wire screen
- Standard and custom sizes available
- CAD, BIM and installation resources available
SAfety rail co. skylight screen
Best For: Domed or flat-lens skylights requiring non-penetrating protection on a raised curb.
Highlights:
- Heavy-duty screen rests on the skylight frame
- Non-penetrating installation
- No welding or drilling required
- Standard and custom sizes available
- Galvanized, safety-yellow and custom finishes available
Skylight Guardrails
Delta Prevention Clamp-Style rooftop Skylight Guardrail System
Best For: Skylights with at least 2 inches of vertical curb surface for a secure clamp installation.
Highlights:
- Clamps directly to the skylight curb
- Non-penetrating installation
- Protects the roof membrane
- Anodized aluminum construction
- Tailored to the skylight dimensions
- Quick and easy installation
- 10-year warranty
Delta Prevention Counterweight Skylight Guardrail System
Best For: Low-profile skylights or applications where clamping to the curb is not possible.
Highlights:
- Freestanding weighted-base design
- Non-penetrating installation
- Protects the roof membrane
- Anodized aluminum construction
- Recycled-rubber counterweights
- Quick and easy installation
- 10-year warranty
Temporary Skylight Netting
Leading Edge Safety SKYNET
Best For: Temporary protection during construction, reroofing and skylight work.
Highlights:
- Steel frame with oversized safety netting
- Rigid and collapsible configurations available
- Multiple size options
- UV-resistant net coating
- Reusable across multiple projects
Tie Down Skylight Netting
Best For: Lightweight, portable protection that can be moved between work areas.
Highlights:
- Temporary skylight netting system
- Multiple size options
- High-visibility webbing
- Ratchet strap and snap hooks included
- Carrying bag for transport and storage
Not sure which skylight protection system fits your project?
CH Bull can review the skylight type, dimensions, roof conditions and work being performed to help identify the right permanent or temporary solution.
Why Corrugated Roof Skylights Are Especially Hazardous
Corrugated roof skylights can be difficult to recognize because they follow the roof profile and may blend into the surrounding metal panels, especially when covered by dust, dirt or weathering. Although they may look like part of the roof, these lightweight fiberglass panels can fail under a person’s weight.
Properly fitted skylight screens create a protective barrier that helps prevent falls while still allowing natural light into the building.
Quick Comparison Guide
Use this guide to compare installation, typical applications and the key differences between each skylight protection system.
| System | Installation | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlock ScreenGuard | Compression fit to skylight frame | Low-profile domed skylights | Arched screen provides dome clearance |
| Tractel Skylight Defender | Compression fit to skylight frame | Varied skylight sizes and applications | Standard and custom configurations with design |
| SRC Skylight Screen | Rests on raised skylight curb | Large domed or flat-lens skylights | Available in sizes up to 90 by 120 inches |
| Delta Prevention Skylight Guardrail – Clamp Style | Clamped to the skylight curb | Skylights with at least 2 inches of vertical surface | Attaches to the curb without penetrating the roof |
| Delta Prevention Skylight Guardrail – Counterweight Style | Freestanding weighted-base system | Low-profile skylights or applications where clamping is not possible | Uses recycled-rubber counterweights without attaching to the skylight |
| Leading Edge SKYNET | Positioned over skylight or opening | Construction and reroofing projects | Steel frame available in rigid or collapsible |
| Tie Down Skylight Netting | Secured using webbing and ratchet strap | Short-term and mobile work | Lightweight system supplied with carrying bag |
Need help evaluating an existing skylight or roof opening?
CH Bull can review photos, measurements and project requirements before a system is selected.
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Protect Rooftop Skylights
From fixed screens and non-penetrating guardrails to temporary netting, the right system depends on the skylight, roof conditions and work being performed.