Imagine waking up to natural sunlight flowing through your roof or staring at the stars at night from the comfort zone of your home. Skylights can provide these and much more! They both bring natural light to your room and add value to your home, increase energy efficiency, and make a boundless ambiance.
While installing a skylight, it may feel like a challenging project, but with the proper tools and efficient planning, it’s such a task that can be managed even by DIY enthusiasts. In this article, we will dive into the step-by-step process of how to install a skylight in an existing roof to guide you to brighten up your space seamlessly and effectively.
Why add a skylight?
Before we start walking through the process, let’s reveal the notable benefits of installing a skylight:
- Enhanced natural light: Skylights fill your home with natural sunlight and lessen dependence on artificial lights.
- Energy efficiency: properly installed skylights may help decrease heating and cooling expenses as they allow sunlight in during winters and ventilate hot air during summers.
- Aesthetic appeal: Skylights enhance architectural beauty and make any room feel more open and luxurious.
- Improved ventilation: ventilated skylights boost airflow, particularly in humid areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and attic spaces.
Step-by-Step Guide on How To Install a Skylight in an Existing Roof
Before letting in any working process, we need to follow a proper plan that comes with less risk to fail. Here’s a complete DIY guideline on how to install a skylight in an existing roof you should follow:
Step 1: Select the Right Skylight for Your Roof
Firstly, you need to select the right skylight that suits your roof. Choosing the right skylight is essential to confirm a successful installation.
Types of skylight
- Fixed skylights: perfect for letting in natural light without ventilation.
- Ventilated skylights: support air circulation and are ideal for humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
- Tubular skylights: dense and appropriate for tight spaces like hallways.
Factors to consider
- Roof type (flat or sloped)
- Weather conditions in your area.
- Energy efficiency features like double glazing or UV protection.
Step 2: Gather Tools and Materials
Secondly, you’ll need some important tools, materials, and safety gear for installing a skylight of your own. Here’s a checklist of what tools and materials you’ll need for a DIY skylight installation:
Tools
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw or jigsaw
- Screwdriver and drill machine
- Sealant and caulking gun
- Safety harness and ladder
Materials
- Skylight kit (frame, glazing, and flashing)
- Waterproofing membrane
- Roofing nails and screws
- Insulation materials
Safety gear
- Protective hand gloves and goggles
- Non-slip shoes
Step 3: Preparing The Installation Area
Now, you’ll have to prepare the area where you are going to install the skylight. Let’s see how to prepare the installation area:
- Choose the right spot: find out a section of your roof that receives sufficient sunlight, avoids shade from trees, and doesn’t interfere with roof beams or electrical wiring.
- Measure and mark: using a measurement tape, mark the accurate dimensions of the skylight on your roof. Recheck measurements again and again to avoid mistakes.
- Inspect the roof structure: make sure your roof can allow the skylight. Remove any leftover shingles or roofing materials around the marked area.
Step 4: Cut The Roof Opening
This step is one of the most critical steps. Follow these tips and tricks to get accurate and optimal results:
- Use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut along the marked lines carefully and safely.
- Remove the cut-out section of the roof.
- Assess the opening and adjust if needed to make sure it fits close to the skylight.
Learn More: Home Improvement Contractor vs. General Contractor: Which is best?
Step 5: Install the Skylight Frame
Once the roof opening cutting is done, it’s time to install the skylight frame. Follow the guidelines below to install flawlessly:
- Secure the frame: Place the skylight frame in the opening and secure it with screws. Make sure it’s level and fits tightly.
- Attach the flashing: install the flashing around the skylight to make a waterproof seal. This step is crucial to avoid leaks.
- Apply sealant: use roofing sealant around the edges of the frame to further confirm water resistance.
Step 6: Insulate and Finish the Interior
- Insulate: Include insulation around the skylight frame to prevent air from leaking and enhance energy efficiency.
- Finish the interior: wrap the edges with drywall or trim to mix flawlessly with your ceiling.
Final step: Inspection and Maintenance
When all the installation processes are completed, you should perform the final inspection and maintenance step. Here’s how:
- Check for leaks: Spray water around the skylight with the help of a hose to inspect for leaks. Tighten screws or reapply sealant if required.
- Clean up: remove and clean the existing debris, then reinstall shingles around the skylight.
- Maintenance tips: Firstly, clean the skylight routine-wise to prevent dirt growth. And, check the seals at least once a year for wear and tear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While installing a skylight in an existing roof, some common errors may take place. So, here are the common mistakes that take place mostly:
- Improper placement: installing the skylight in a shaded or clogged area decreases its effectiveness.
- Skipping waterproofing steps: flashing and sealing are crucial to avoid leaks.
- Ignoring building codes: make sure your skylight installation acts in accordance with the local building regulations.
Transform your Space with Skylights!
Installing a skylight is an excellent way to boost up your home’s overall design, minimize energy bills, and create an inviting environment. While the process needs proper planning and accuracy, the outcome is well worth the effort. If you have enough confidence in your DIY skills, you must go ahead and give it a try. However, if you’re not sure with your skills or the roof’s structure looks complex, reach out to us, a professional skylight installer.