VELUX Wasco Skylights

Serving San Francisco and East Bay Since 1983

Premium Daylighting Solutions for Commercial and Industrial Buildings

Whether you’re outfitting a warehouse, retail space, manufacturing facility, educational campus, or institutional building, VELUX Wasco Skylights deliver a full-spectrum daylighting solution built for strength, energy efficiency, and long-term performance. As part of VELUX Commercial, Wasco’s decades-long heritage of innovation is harnessed for modern commercial skylight systems — including structural glass rooflights, continuous vaults, unit skylights, translucent walls, canopies, and custom glazing assemblies.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights handles all aspects of design, specification, and installation — ensuring your daylighting system is optimized for roof structure, glazing needs, energy performance, and aesthetic goals.

Why Choose Wasco for Your Project

  • Versatile system offerings: Wasco’s line spans structural skylights, glass and polycarbonate units, continuous vault and barrel vault roof systems, canopy glazing, and translucent wall solutions — enabling creative and custom building designs.
  • Custom sizes & glazing options: Systems are available in many configurations, with glazing options including insulated glass, diffusing polycarbonate, hurricane/high-impact glazing, UV-blocking coatings, solar-control, and low-E glazing — ideal for energy-conscious commercial builds.
  • Industrial-grade durability: Designed to withstand structural stress, rooftop equipment loads, weather exposure, wind uplift, snow loads (where applicable), and heavy traffic — making them reliable for manufacturing plants, warehouses, or buildings with rooftop machinery and foot traffic access.
  • Energy efficiency & comfort: With insulated glazing, low U-values, UV filtration, and solar control options, Wasco systems help to stabilize indoor temperature, lower HVAC load, reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and contribute to sustainability and green building targets.
  • Wide application range: From small-scale projects to large retrofits or new constructions, the variety of product offerings makes Wasco suitable for warehouses, retail stores, educational institutions, healthcare, hospitality, municipal buildings, and more.

Technical Advantages of Wasco Skylights

  • Structural & thermal performance: Heavy-duty aluminum framing, sealed glazing assemblies, and engineered weather-resistant seals. Excellent resistance to wind, impact, thermal expansion, and structural loads.
  • Glazing customization: Clear glass for maximum daylight, diffusing polycarbonate/glazing for glare control and privacy, insulated units for thermal regulation, and special glazing for UV protection, solar control, or even hurricane/impact zones.
  • Large-span capabilities & continuous systems: Vaulted roof systems, long-span structural skylights, barrel-vault units, and continuous glass roofs are available — ideal for large footprint buildings, open floor plans, and commercial/industrial layouts.
  • Accessory support and code compliance: Options exist for smoke venting, photovoltaic glazing, electrochromic glazing, fire safety glazing, and more — giving flexibility depending on building codes, design requirements, or energy goals.
Skylight Products & Installation

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.

Benefits of Going with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Experience & Accreditations

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is certified and accredited by the best manufacturers in the industry. From Grip-Tite Foundation Systems, to James Hardie Siding, to VELUX Skylights, you can be sure to get the highest quality products for whatever your project.

Knowledge & Expertise

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area for over 40 years with quality general contracting, home remodeling, and skylight installation means you'll get the benefits of our expertise for every project.

Proven Customer Satisfaction

Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, we are proud to have provided our customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with quality construction and home improvement services for 40 years. With half of our new clients coming to us from referrals, it’s no secret that our customers/friends are truly pleased with the work we do.

40
Years of Experience

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area for 40 Years

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc. is a longstanding partnership of 40 years between Archie Mares, Dennis Dow and hundreds of great customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We are a general contractor, building custom homes, additions, home remodeling, skylights, retaining wall construction and commercial remodeling.

Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, we are proud to have provided our customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with quality construction and home improvement services for 40 years. With half of our new clients coming to us from referrals, it’s no secret that our customers/friends are truly pleased with the work we do.

Philosophy

Quality and service come first. We approach every job, big or small, with the same care and attention to detail we’d give our own homes. Our team combines time-tested building practices with modern innovation to deliver results that stand the test of time.

Get In Touch

Ready to start your next project? Whether you’re planning a home remodel, skylight installation, or foundation repair, our team is here to help.

Reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll listen, offer expert guidance, and provide a detailed estimate tailored to your goals.

Our Mission

To enhance the lives of Bay Area homeowners through expert construction, thoughtful design, and dependable service. For over 40 years, our mission has remained simple: build with integrity, serve with pride, and create spaces our clients love to live in.

Values

We believe in integrity, craftsmanship, and lasting relationships. Every project is built on honesty, transparency, and respect - for our clients, our partners, and the homes we’re entrusted to improve.

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Words of Appreciation from Our Valued Clients

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we believe great service is its own reward. Every satisfied client, glowing review, and lasting relationship reminds us why we’ve dedicated over 40 years to building with integrity, craftsmanship, and care.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights installed a large Velux skylight for me in August 2017. The entire experience was wonderful and the skylight is beautiful, both functionally and aesthetically. Janet made sure the work was scheduled to be completed before a trip I had planned. Jimmy measured carefully when he quoted the work and even accommodated a last minute change on the location when he arrived to do the work. They protected my new floors and were careful to keep dust to a minimum. Archie came by to ensure that all was going smoothly. Freddy helped matched the stain on my nearly 70 year old tongue and grove ceiling that really took some effort and he even matched some a few small spots that a previous contractor had sanded and removed the original stain. EVERYONE was cheerful and knowledgeable. Now, my little mid century house has emerged into the light!

Norma B. San Francisco, California

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights replaced two aging skylights in our bedroom and installed automatic blinds on four skylights. This was not an easy job, since our bedroom has very very high cathedral ceilings. In fact, one other skylight installer refused to do the job altogether, and a second made a bid that was almost twice as expensive as Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. Janet Mares, who was our main contact for the job, was a pleasure to work with. Her son, Jimmy, who led the installation, was fearless climbing the ceiling, and he eally knew his stuff. We’re thrilled with our new and improved skylights, and we appreciate Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights’ solid, reasonably priced, work. Thanks guys!

Aaron R. Concord, California

I’ve had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install 3 sun tunnels in my home and most recently, 2 skylights in my garage/art studio. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the quality of their work and professionalism! All my communications with their office and installers have been extremely pleasant. I would use them again (and again) and highly recommend them to anyone looking to install Velux skylights/sun tunnels in their home!

Myla L. Concord, California

Being a new homeowner, i really did my research before having someone come out and give me a quote on a skylight. You never know what to believe when you read yelp reviews. So, i went ahead and had Jimmy from mares and dow come out and give me an estimate. He was right on time, came out and measured and was very professional while he was here. Janet called me a few days later and sent me over an estimate. I went them them and couldn’t be happier. It arrived in the time frame she had told me, and they were out that week. The workers came out on time, and were very friendly and professional. Dennis ( one of the owners) came out as well and checked on the job. The went above and beyond with their work. The skylight looks beautiful! Night and day from the old one. If you are wanting a skylight, i strongly reccomend going with mare and dow

Chris W. Walnut Creek, California

We had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install a Velux skylight in our new master bathroom. The space was small and dark, so Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights suggested a big skylight to add in lots of natural light. They built in a double crown molding to beautifully frame the skylight, and now the space is open and airy with wonderful natural light. We can open the skylight during warm months to let in fresh air. It was a superb addition to our bathroom renovation and a great suggestion from Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. They did a fantastic job and were great to work with! Thanks guys!

Jennifer S. Walnut Creek, California

Our Service Area

  • Alameda
  • Alamo
  • Albany
  • Benicia
  • Concord
  • Berkeley
  • Danville
  • Dublin
  • El Cerrito
  • Hercules
  • Lafayette
  • Martinez
  • Moraga
  • Oakland
  • Orinda
  • Pinole
  • Piedmont
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Pleasanton
  • Richmond
  • San Francisco
  • San Ramon
  • Walnut Creek

Building Knowledge: Insights From 40 Years of Craftsmanship

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, sharing knowledge is part of our commitment to great service. Our blog offers expert tips, project insights, and inspiration drawn from decades of experience building and remodeling homes across the Bay Area.
When’s the Right Time to Remodel After Buying a House?

When’s the Right Time to Remodel After Buying a House?

The right time to remodel after buying a house depends on your goals, budget, and the condition of the property. Others rush into renovation projects…

What’s the Best Way to Remodel a Home for a Growing Family?

What’s the Best Way to Remodel a Home for a…

The best way to remodel a home for a growing family is to focus on utility. These spaces need to be flexible enough to transform…

Is Smart Lighting a Gimmick or a Game-Changer for Home Remodeling?

Is Smart Lighting a Gimmick or a Game-Changer for Home…

Smart lighting is an easy, practical upgrade for home remodeling, rolling convenience into energy efficiency and customizable ambiance. You can easily control brightness levels, color…

Frequently Asked Questions About VELUX Fixed Curb Mount Skylights

Choosing the right commercial skylight system involves more than selecting a size or style. VELUX Wasco skylights offer multiple glazing options, structural systems, and energy-efficient configurations designed for different building types and performance needs. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear from architects, facility managers, and commercial property owners planning a daylighting upgrade.
Wasco skylights are purpose-built for commercial and industrial environments. Their heavy-duty frames, laminated or insulated glazing, engineered seals, and structural-grade design set them apart from residential skylights. Because they are built to handle roof loads, foot traffic, rooftop equipment, wind uplift, snow/water loads, and industrial stressors, they provide long-term durability, lower maintenance needs, and code-level performance that general-purpose skylights simply cannot match.
Large warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail big-box stores, distribution centers, institutional campuses (schools, hospitals), public buildings, sports complexes, and large commercial structures benefit the most — especially where wide roof spans, heavy-duty use, or high indoor daylight demand are present.
Yes. Wasco offers impact-rated glazing options, heavy-frame construction, and tested seal systems to meet commercial code requirements. However — as with all skylights — building owners should implement rooftop safety measures such as safety cages or barriers (especially where roof access is required), because skylights represent potential fall hazards.
With insulated glazing, low U-values, UV-blocking and solar-control glazing options, and the ability to reduce reliance on electric lighting during daylight hours, Wasco skylights help stabilize interior temperatures, reduce HVAC load, and decrease energy usage — making them compatible with LEED or other energy-certification goals.
Wasco offers structural glass skylights, vault and barrel-vault roof systems, dome and unit skylights, pyramid units, continuous skylight systems, translucent wall panels, canopy systems, and custom glazing solutions. Glazing can be clear glass, diffusing polycarbonate, insulating glass, tinted or solar-control glass, and more — tailored to building design, daylighting goals, and energy performance needs.
Yes. Structural framing, continuous roof systems, barrel vaults, and long-span configurations allow Wasco skylights to cover large roof surfaces and bring daylight deep into open floor plans — ideal for warehouses, large retail areas, atriums, and industrial spaces.
Because Wasco systems are engineered and prefabricated (frames, glazing, seals), installation is more controlled, efficient, and predictable than custom field-assembled skylights. This reduces on-site labor, minimizes potential installation errors, decreases project duration, and ensures long-term water- and weather-tight performance under commercial conditions.
With correct installation by a professional contractor (like Mares & Dow), Wasco skylights require minimal maintenance. Glazing and frame systems are built for durability. For buildings with rooftop access, appropriate fall protection must be used. Optional features such as smoke-vent glazing, photovoltaic panels, or specialty coatings are supported for upgrades or replacements as building needs evolve.