The sky is the limit when installing skylights that bring natural light into your home, but getting started can be challenging. This article will learn everything you need to know about skylight installation.
You Will Need
• A skylight
• For the frame,
• Drywall and ceiling finishing supplies,
• Roofing paper,
• Galvanized nails
• Continuous flashing
Step One: Plan the Skylight's Location on Your Roof
Check for the wind resistance and other relevant factors before installing any skylights. Most jurisdictions require building permits for installation.
An arctic roof window that captures a view necessitates meticulous planning in size and placement. Placement will be affected by the roof's slope, and it will take a taller window to get the same view from a low-sloped roof as it does from a steeper roof.
Step Two: Make a Cut and a Frame for the Opening
If the skylight is installed above an attic, you'll also need to cut and frame a well-measured hole in the ceiling of the room below the skylight. Construct an attic-to-room lighting duct in your home.
Step Three: Remove the Shingles From the Roof and Install the Skylight
Using a utility knife and a spirit level, remove the roof shingles from all four sides of the aperture. Set the skylight centered on the gap, and nail or screw it to the roof.
Step Four: Place the Underlayment on the Top
Cut 8-inch-wide strips of roofing paper and tuck them under the shingles. Install the bottom piece first, followed by the sides, and finally the top. The goal is to overlap the down-roof components with the pieces that are up-roof to ensure proper water drainage.
Step Five: Install the Bottom and Step Flashings
Set the skylight's bottom flashing in place, which is a single piece covering the skylight and rests on top of the roof shingles. Skylight nails should not be driven vertically into the roof, but horizontally. Step flashing is the next thing to go under the shingles. Start from the base and work your way up on each side. The step flashing pieces should overlap by 4 inches or so. Attach the flashing to the skylight rather than the roof.
Step Six: Put the Solid Flashing Pieces in Place
Step flashing and skylights are meant to fit securely, preventing water from getting in between them. First, attach the bottom piece, followed by the side parts. Attach the top piece to the skylight by sliding it beneath the roofing.
Conclusion
You have a rundown of the steps needed to install your skylight. As you can see, this is a fairly straightforward endeavor that shouldn't alarm even the most novice of DIYers. Still, before getting started, check with your skylight manufacturer to ensure everything goes smoothly.
