Retrofitting skylights: Drive solutions for industrial buildings

Updated: 08.11.2026

In short: Old rooflights in halls can usually be motorised without replacing the dome. Depending on size and snow load, linear, spindle or rack-and-pinion actuators with 600 to 1500 N are used. A ventilation control with rain and wind sensor closes the domes automatically when the weather changes.

Many industrial and commercial buildings from the 1980s to the 2000s have skylights that are either still manually operated or whose drives have failed after decades of continuous use. A complete redesign is rarely necessary – in most cases, the existing skylight can be retrofitted with a suitable drive system.

In brief: Many rooflights in older industrial and commercial halls can be retrofitted with electric actuators – usually linear or chain actuators, with two actuators for large domes. They can then ventilate every day and, as part of a smoke and heat exhaust system, remove smoke and heat.

Why skylights in existing halls often need to be retrofitted

Typical reasons for retrofitting include failed or leaking drive motors, purely manual crank mechanisms without any automation, a lack of connection to the fire alarm system, and the desire to use the skylights additionally for daily cooling and ventilation of the hall. Especially in production and storage halls, this quickly adds up to noticeable losses in comfort and untapped safety potential.

Which drives are suitable for retrofitting skylights?

In practice, skylights have proven particularly effective. Spindle actuators Proven: They generate high forces in a compact design and are therefore particularly suitable for heavy, large-area dome elements. For lighter flaps or larger strokes, chain or linear drives may also be suitable, depending on the installation situation. Which drive type is appropriate in each case depends on the weight, opening angle, and existing mounting points of the dome – a brief on-site assessment will quickly clarify this.

This is how the retrofit process works in practice.

• Inventory: Check the number, condition and opening mechanism of the existing skylights.
• Selection of the appropriate drive based on weight, lifting capacity and installation situation
• Clarify electrical connection to existing or new control center
• Professional installation – you can find the most important points about this in our article. Properly install an electric window drive

Retrofitted skylights as part of smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) and daily ventilation

Retrofitting is usually doubly worthwhile: An electric drive turns the skylight into a functional component of a fire protection system in case of fire. Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system It can also be used for the everyday cooling and ventilation of the hall. We describe how both functions can be effectively combined in a single control system in the article. Smoke ventilation and daily ventilation. Those planning from scratch, however, will find additional information in our article. Automated skylights in commercial construction.

Is there already an actuator that is defective? How to find the right replacement is shown in the guide Replacing a rooflight actuator.

How snow and wind change the force required is explained in our guide Snow load and wind load.

Read more: Ventilating a warehouse naturally: window drives for continuous rooflights and façades

Frequently asked questions

Can every rooflight dome be retrofitted with an electric actuator?

Usually yes, if the upstand is load-bearing, the actuator can be securely fixed and there is enough space for the stroke. If the dome is brittle or the frame is damaged, a new dome with actuator is often the better choice.

Do I need one or two actuators?

Small and medium-sized domes usually need only one actuator. Large or heavy domes get two synchronised actuators so that the sash does not twist. You can estimate the required force with the guide Calculate the thrust .

Are there large rooflight domes with actuator and sun protection?

Yes, rooflight manufacturers offer domes with integrated sun protection. Vent Systems supplies the actuators for them, not the domes themselves.

Conclusion

A defective or purely manual skylight doesn't necessarily need to be completely replaced: In most existing buildings, it can be retrofitted with a suitable drive system, thereby improving both ease of use and safety. We would be happy to advise you on which drive system is suitable for your existing skylights.

Suitable drives for retrofitting can be found at Dome Light Drive.

For heavy skylights, spindle actuators are usually the best choice, more in the guide Spindle actuator for windows and skylights.