Skylight Installation: 5 Important Things to Know

Adding one skylight or multiple ones are great additions to someone’s home. Skylights allow natural light to come in and change the look of your home and improve the overall indoor and outdoor aesthetics. Before contacting a roofing company to install one, read this article to find out a little more about the installation process and how to choose the best place in your home for an installation.

While skylights normally consists of wood, vinyl and metal frames, you can pick from different materials for the glazing – that is the clear part that allows light to come in. There are generally two types of glazing:

Plastic Glazing – Plastic is the cheaper option. While being less heavy, it is easier to install and more durable than the glass option. If you’re on a budget and want something that is low-maintenance, then plastic is the option for you. Do take into account that plastic scratches and does not block any UV light, it can also lose its color over time. This type of glazing comes in standard sizes for different options but can be hard to modify.

Glass Glazing – Is twice as heavy as their plastic counterparts and typically more expensive. However, the benefits come with the higher price tag are that, glass is clearer than plastic and more scratch resistant. Glass also does not lose its shine or will be loose its color. And does its job in blocking UV rays. Glass is also more customizable than the pre-cut plastic glazing.

Glass glazing’s other selling point includes the two available insulation options. The first option is called low-E or low-emissivity coating, which is an invisible layer of metal and is normally goes on the inner pane. The second option is a layer of argon gas. The installation process is done between two panes. This helps retain the indoor heat during the winter time and block exterior heat during the summer. Therefore, it can be a better option than plastic. However, we do know that budget plays a huge part into the decision time.

Pro – tip: When discussing with your roof contractor or installer, ask for a quote on laminated or tempered glass. This additional feature makes the glazing more durable and resistant to breaking on impact.

If there is a skylight already in your house, and you are getting ready to install a new roof, then ask your roofing contractor to include an estimate for this item as well. Replacing a skylight during the roof installation process will be less costly than just replacing the it on its own. This is due to the fact that the roofers are already onsite and it costs more to have them install a skylight only and move all the equipment for one items, rather than move all equipment for a bigger project.

However, if your home does not have a skylight, then you can ask your roofing contractor to help you find the best spot for a new installation. Remember, the purpose is to illuminate a room. This installation should be in a room where you want more natural light in. Some examples of these include attics, guest bedrooms or places with smaller or even no windows.

When installing a skylight, the slope of the roof needs to be taken into account. The rule of thumb is to install it at a slope of 5 to 15 degrees. You do not want to install a skylight on a completely flat roof. Because glass tends to flex very slightly when it is installed flat. The problem with this is that rain water can accumulate on the glass, and once it evaporates, it will leave some stains or watermarks after. A minimum roof pitch is best when installing them, so that the water can naturally run down the glass.

A higher number in roof pitch tends to work better for installations, since the rain water will just slide off more easily. Ask your roofing contractor if you are not sure about the pitch of your roof

Another thing to keep in mind is the direction the skylight is facing and the location of your home. When you want continuous light to come in and illuminate your room, then a north-facing skylight is ideal.

Keep in mind the surroundings of your property. Let’s say your property has plenty of trees, or you have other buildings or obstructions nearby. It would not be beneficial to install a skylight because they could obstruct the light from coming in. You do not want to go through the hassle of installing a new skylight and having a large tree get in the way of lighting your room properly.

While there are many benefits that comes with an installation, keep in mind that there are some tedious factors as well. During the summertime, when the temperatures rises, having a lot of sunlight come in creates higher temperatures inside. Thus, additional air conditioning is necessary to cool the home, leading to higher electricity bills. Sun glares can also cause some furniture to wash out and fade over time. Adding a shade or filter to your skylight will be a good investment to make.

Installing your skylight at a lower angle or scope can help minimize the burning heat glare, as stated above, installing a skylight between 5-15 degrees lower than the roof’s altitude is the way to go.

While there are many benefits that comes with an installation, keep in mind that there are some tedious factors as well. During the summertime, when the temperatures rises, having a lot of sunlight come in creates higher temperatures inside. Thus, additional air conditioning is necessary to cool the home, leading to higher electricity bills. Sun glares can also cause some furniture to wash out and fade over time. Adding a shade or filter to your skylight will be a good investment to make.

Installing your skylight at a lower angle or scope can help minimize the burning heat glare, as stated above, installing a skylight between 5-15 degrees lower than the roof’s altitude is the way to go.

The placing of skylights installations is normally beneath the roof shingles and sheathing, therefore, the roof structure has to support the skylight. Take the framing into consideration, typically, there are two types:

Stick-framed roofs – Since stick-framed are built by placing individual rafters four feet apart. These are more suited for skylights, since there’s enough room to fit a new skylight without adjusting too much.

Truss-framed roofs – Trusses are not designed to be cut after they installation, since this can damage the roof and make it less stable. Therefore, truss-framed roofs are not ideal for installing skylights.

Not sure what kind of framing you have? Consult with your roof installer. Have them do an inspection and let you know what kind of framing you have and what kind of skylight and sizes are best suitable for your roof. Other things to keep in mind, as we said above, is the slope. If you have a flat roof, then skylights will probably not work for your home. Flat roofs are susceptible to collect water, since they do not have any slopes and water can collect on the surface and cause damage.

As any home project, a skylight installation can take a couple of days. This varies depending of the size of the skylight, the shape, materials and placement. The installation can take longer, especially if they are installing a brand new skylight or multiple ones at the same time.

Your installer will also determine the best time of installation, the ideal time would be between spring, summer or fall time. Winter time is not ideal, unless the temperatures are relatively warm, around 40 degrees or higher. If you are not sure the best time of installation is, consult with your roofer first. They will be able to determine the best time and provide more insight in how long it would take the installation to take.

No matter the home project, Oscar Roofing is ready to help you! Contact the professionals at Oscar Roofing to make an appointment and get started today.

We have been in service since 2003 and operate in Bloomington, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis and all surrounding areas. Contact us for your free, no obligation estimate.