Installing a skylight is a great way to add natural light to a room. However, there are a lot of things that can go wrong when you start cutting holes in your roof. If you don’t want to tackle this yourself, call the experts at Weather Vane.
ProTip: Sun Tubes are a good alternative to skylights: They are also called light tubes, solar tubes, or tubular daylighting devices (TDDs). They often look like recessed light fixtures. Sun tubes don’t transmit as much light as a skylight or window, but they will help reduce electricity costs. Plus, it’s fun to tell your friends you have a “sun tube”.
Pro Tip# 1: Good Quality
Installing a skylight is a huge job. If you are going to go through all that effort, choose high-end quality products. Some things to consider are:
- Energy efficiency
- Water tightness
- Sound reduction
- Load and wind resistance
- Shading
- UV coatings
- Ventilation
- Sustainable materials
We feel this picture speaks for itself. We will just leave this right here for you to see what you should NOT do.
Pro Tip # 2: Choose the Right Placement
A well-placed skylight can provide much-needed natural light and help you save on electricity. Plus, there are so many cool designs that will enhance the inside of your home. However, you can’t just put it anywhere you like. You have to consider the placement of your home’s rafters. If you have a blueprint handy, even better!
Do you think this skylight-type window is really doing anything for the house?
Pro Tip #3: Determine Your Slope
The slope of your roof will determine the flashing you need for your skylight. There are numerous flashing kits out there that are specific to different roof pitches. Make sure you have all the specs before you buy everything you need.
Pro Tip # 4: Start From the Inside
Follow these steps to make your life easier so you can locate the skylight opening on the outside.
- Mark a box outline for the skylight
- Remove the interior sheathing
- Drive four nails or screws in the corners of the box outline
Pro Tip # 5: Remove the Shingles Before You Start Cutting
Remove the full sheet of shingles from your roof until your marked opening is exposed.
Pro Tip # 6: Waterproof the Flashing
You can buy waterproof flashing that attaches to the flashing that comes in the kit you picked out. This is essential for diverting water and ice flow away from your opening. The number one complaint about skylights is leaking, but if you install it properly and don’t skip this step, you can avoid a leaky skylight.
Pro Tip # 7: Add Extra Drywall and Insulation
If you add a little drywall and insulation it will reduce condensation. Plus, this will make it look nicer from the inside. Now that you have more light coming it, your ceiling will be more prominent.
Ready to Install a Skylight?
Do you feel ready to let the light in? Do you know what type of skylight you want? Do you want help?
Give us a call!
About Weather Vane Roofing
We provide roofing, siding, insulation, windows, and gutters. Making your house beautiful and efficient is our main goal. We use the latest in technology and products to provide eco-friendly and cost effective solutions for your home and business. With locations in Lansing, Owosso, and Brighton/Howell we are Mid-Michigan’s roofing experts. Let us transform your house into a home.
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