Installing a skylight on your roof is not only a practical addition to your home but also a stunning way to infuse your living spaces with nature’s beauty. However, before you decide, you must thoroughly understand the installation process and the potential challenges A skylight may pose. From selecting the perfect skylight style to ensuring a seamless installation, there are several factors to consider. 

This article aims to be your trusty guide. It will provide you with all the essential knowledge you need before embarking on this luminous journey.

 

Things To Know Before Installing A Skylight

• The shape of a skylight controls how light travels

The shape of your skylight plays a crucial role in determining how light travels within your home. For even light distribution, choose a skylight that flares out.

If you want a more focused illumination, you should go for skylights with straight edges. Overall, consider the lighting effect you would like for your room before selecting the skylight you want.

 

• Location matters

If you want to get the best out of your skylight, you must select the perfect location. Identify the room you wish to illuminate and consider which angle would be best. 

The installer will then determine the appropriate roof section that meets the manufacturer’s slope specifications (usually five to 15 degrees higher than your latitude). 

For instance, north-facing skylights ensure consistent year-round illumination. However, you will need to avoid obstructions like tall buildings or trees to get a clear view.

Additionally, consider the impact of glare and solar heat in your chosen location. Glare can be mitigated with shades or filters, while the skylight’s position will affect the amount of solar heat entering your home. 

If you seek more natural light in darker spots, installing a skylight could be a perfect solution. Size matters, too – larger skylights may require additional roof framing, but smaller ones can be installed between rafters to bring in extra light. 

Thoughtful placement ensures your skylight becomes a delightful addition that transforms your living spaces with the beauty of natural light.

 

• Choose materials designed to regulate temperatures

Having a skylight doesn’t necessarily mean you have to endure excess heat. You can ensure optimal temperature regulation by choosing the right skylight materials. 

For starters, you can use a double-insulated glass with low-E coating. This type of material is ideal for preventing uncomfortable heat gain while still allowing abundant visible light. 

Since adding a skylight can allow much light penetration and less privacy, you can add shade to the glass. You can do this by tinting the glazing with colored window film or installing a shade beneath the inner pane.

Remember that tinting your window pane reduces visible light transmission and may affect the room’s brightness throughout the year. Hence, you should carefully consider when you want to choose an option that suits your lighting preferences and privacy needs.

 

• Glass isn’t the only option for glazing

When considering skylight glazing options, remember that glass isn’t the only choice available. While glass glazing offers superior clarity, scratch resistance, and insulation with low-E coatings and argon gas, it can be heavier and more expensive. 

You should consider selecting tempered or laminated glass for added safety.

On the other hand, plastic glazing, like polycarbonate or acrylic, is cheaper, lightweight, and less likely to break. However, it may scratch and discolor more easily while offering limited UV protection. 

Weigh the pros and cons of each material to select the most suitable glazing for your skylight. Choose an option that can give you the perfect balance between functionality and cost.

 

• Skylights aren’t suitable for all roofs

Installing skylights isn’t suitable for all roofs. This is because the roof’s construction and framing play a crucial role. 

For instance, stick-framed roofs with spaced rafters are better suited because they allow proper fitting of skylights between rafters. On the other hand, truss-framed roofs are less ideal because cutting through them can compromise the roof’s integrity. 

If you must install skylights on truss-framed roofs, you must install small ones. Unfortunately, installing smaller skylights limits the amount of light they can provide. 

Additionally, consider the roof slope. Gable, hip, and shed roofs are ideal as they divert rainwater and debris away from the skylight. In most cases, flat roofs tend to be unideal. Hence why, many advise against installing skylights on them.

However, if you can get the services of qualified professionals, they can help to install a skylight on your flat roof properly.

 

• Leave skylight installation to the pros

It’s best to entrust skylight installation to professional experts. Although some skylights come with flashing for DIYers with carpentry skills, the complexity of the process and potential risks make professional installation worth the higher cost. 

The intricate steps involve cutting a hole in the roof, modifying framing, installing flashing, and patching up the roof and ceiling. Re-shingling sections of the roof are also necessary for existing installations. 

It is, therefore, advisable to hire the services of a professional when you want to install a skylight. Professional installers ensure a seamless, leak-free installation while providing a well-executed skylight addition to your home.

 

Conclusion

While skylights can significantly enhance the aesthetic and ambiance of a room, introducing natural light and possibly even reducing energy costs, it’s vital to be well-informed before making such a commitment. Installing a skylight involves a deep understanding of roof structure, energy dynamics, and potential maintenance issues. Proper planning, knowledge, and execution are crucial to prevent pitfalls such as leaks, heat loss, or UV damage.

Roofpro, renowned for our exceptional roofing installation, repair, and maintenance services, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of your roof. With our unmatched skills, they can evaluate, advise, and provide maintenance solutions to ensure longevity for your roofing needs. Call us at 250-248-3400 today to schedule a consultation.