Letting the Light Shine In: How to Install a Skylight

Would you like to add more character to your house? Is it looking a little drab or is it just missing that certain something? An easy way to spruce up your home is to install a skylight. Not only does it make your home look nice, but it can actually lower your electric bill too. Skylights are a wonderful option for people that have limited wall and window space. It opens up the room and makes it sunnier without taking up precious wall space. And, since the skylight is on your ceiling instead of the wall, it allows more direct sunlight to flow through. That brightens up the room and reduces the amount of time that you would have to turn on a light. The sunlight will also warm up the room, saving on heating costs.

Although skylights are basically simple to install, unless you are an experienced carpenter, you should probably hire a professional for the job. It is not a project for the beginner do-it-yourselfer. The basic premise is quite simple, but since this is going on your roof, you want to be doubly sure that it will be watertight. The slightest miscalculation will cause it to leak and you will end up with a whole host of problems that will strain your wallet unnecessarily.

But if you are determined to tackle this project on your own, be positive that you are following the instructions that come with the package to the letter. Different skylight packages have their own specific instructions, and any mistakes could lead to big problems later on down the line. Having said that, here are some very basic steps for installing a skylight in your home. But remember, this is NOT a step by step manual for you to follow. The following list will simply give you a rough idea of the process involved in this project. Be certain to follow the instructions given to you with the skylight you intend to install. To start:

 

1. Drill a hole in your ceiling at the center point of where you intend your skylight to be located. Measure out from that and mark where you’re going to cut out the hole. Then use a circular saw to cut away the roof.
2. Frame the opening with header joists. This will provide stability for the skylight and give you a sort of platform for nailing in the pieces.
3. Cut your shingles 3” back from the hole. This will provide enough room for the flashing surrounding the skylight.
4. Set the skylight into place and attach it to the roof with nails and screws.
5. Cut roofing paper 8” wide and lay it down around the skylight under the roof shingles. To do this, carefully lift the shingles up with a pry bar. Be careful not to damage them in the process.
6. Install the bottom flashing. This should wrap part way around the skylight and it sits over the shingles. Nail it horizontally into the skylight itself instead of vertically down into your roof. This will provide stability and security to make sure the skylight is in place. Next, slip small, individual pieces of flashing under the shingles. Begin at the bottom of the skylight and work your way up towards the top. The flashing should overlap at every 4” for maximum security. Be sure to attach these pieces to the skylight also, so as not to damage your shingles.
7. Lastly, install the solid flashing. Again, start at the bottom of the skylight, then install the sides, and then the top. This will fit snugly and ensure a leak-proof seal.

The preceding, of course, are only very basic, preliminary instructions. They are in no way complete, and I strongly encourage you to speak with a skilled carpenter before taking on a project of this magnitude.

Another thing to consider is how much you wish to spend on your skylight. There are several options for skylights that fit any financial budget. Bubble or plastic skylights are very inexpensive but they aren’t clear, so you can't see through them. On the higher-priced end of the spectrum, there are ventilated skylights, which allow hot air to escape when opened in the summer. This keeps your house relatively cool with less need for a costly air conditioner. As a cheaper alternative, you could buy blinds for your skylight. They are simple to install and keep the unwanted heat out of the house. Make sure you shop around and pick out the best skylight for you. After all, it is something that you will own and enjoy for many years to come.