Skylight Installation: Everything You Should Know About It!

Jul 17, 2023

WRITTEN BY:

Viking Contractors

CATEGORY:

Uncategorized

POSTED ON:

July 17, 2023

UPDATED ON:

May 10, 2024

Got Questions?

Can you imagine basking in natural light and enjoying an unobstructed view of the sky from inside the comforts of your home? A skylight installation can give you that and more!

Skylights have a timeless charm in the renovation industry, given how they go with every interior style out there. So if you’re planning to install one, this is the right place to be. We’ve prepared a detailed guide about skylights, their types, pros, cons, and price.

We at Viking Contractors LLC provide in-depth information for everything roof-related.

 

What Is a Skylight?

A skylight is a roof window made from transparent glass or plastic to let sunlight and air into your house vertically, as opposed to the typical side windows. Roof windows come in many shapes, including dome, pyramid, tubular, and more, with each type serving a specific purpose.

 

Types of Skylight Installation

 Builder stands atop an unfinished roof and saws an opening in wood.

Skylights can be installed in many shapes to fit different interiors. Here are the four most common types:

Fixed Skylight

Fixed skylights can’t be opened like a window, so they only allow light into the room without fresh air. For that reason, they’re better left for well-ventilated rooms that don’t need an extra window. They’re also perfect for poorly lit attics because they keep humidity out but allow sufficient light into the room.

Ventilating Skylight

Ventilating skylights, also known as vented skylights, are the opposite of fixed skylights, as they can open and close like a window. They’re perfect for damp rooms like kitchens and bathrooms because they remove excess humidity from the room and provide a steady flow of fresh air inside when opened.

Dome-Shaped Skylight

Dome-shaped skylights have unique circular designs that allow multiple light rays into the room, lighting it fully. Other skylights allow one ray of light that focuses on the spot beneath the window and only poorly lights the rest of the room.

Since dome skylights are aesthetically appealing, they’re famous in the commercial renovation industry, as you can commonly see them in malls, hotels, etc. The only catch is that they can’t be opened to let air in.

Tubular Skylight

Tubular skylights are designed to allow light into rooms beneath attics. They’re made from three parts, a rooftop dome to catch the light, a highly reflective tube that goes through the roof and attic, and an interior diffuser that spreads the reflected light into your house. The dome is typically installed on top of your roof shingles, while the tube and the diffuser are installed inside the house.

 

The Pros and Cons of Installing a Skylight

Skylights come packing a lot of pros and cons. Here’s a list of them so that you can make an informed purchasing decision:

Pros

Lessens your use of artificial light and gives you smaller electricity bills

Makes your rooms look wider

They’re a constant source of natural light, which promotes mental health and boosts the production of vitamin D

Provides an easily accessible roof opening for maintenance and cleaning

Cons

Skylight installation costs are higher than window installation costs

It can damage your roof if installed improperly

The constant UV exposure can make the colors of your floors and furniture fade.

 

How Much Does Skylight Installation Cost?

The specific cost of installing a skylight depends on the type and size you choose, the skylight frame material, and the average labor costs where you live. However, the national average is anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.

 

Things to Consider Before Installing a New Skylight

Aside from the pros and cons that come with skylights, there are a few factors you should consider before installing one atop your roof, such as:

Glass or Plastic?

Skylights are either made from glass or plastic. Glass comes at a higher price since it’s clearer, more durable, and more resistant to scratches and impacts. However, it’s heavier and more susceptible to breaking. Plastic is naturally more affordable, but it isn’t as clear as glass, so it lets less light inside.

Type of Your Roof

Unfortunately, skylights aren’t suitable for all types of roofs, namely flat roofs. Flat roof skylights collect rain droplets, tree leaves, and dust, which makes keeping them clean a challenge. Ideally, you should only install them on a sloped roof so that water and dust slip right off.

Installation Style

Skylights are either curb-mounted or deck-mounted. Curb-mounted skylights are different in that they’re installed a bit higher than the roof, on top of a box-like structure. Their installation is easier than their counterparts because all you have to do is build a curb the same size as your newly purchased skylight. After that, you can mount it over the opening easily.

Meanwhile, a deck-mounted skylight is the same height as the roof and is installed right amidst it. It’s more challenging to install because you have to cut into your roof and adjust the size till your skylight fits. That’s why they’re also more expensive than curb skylights.

Hiring Professionals for the Job

New Roof Windows Check

Although a DIY skylight installation will cost you less money initially, any mistake can jeopardize your roof. For instance, you might cut your shingles wrong and cause a roof leak or cut the sill flashing improperly.

On top of that, installing a custom skylight requires many tools to create a light shaft, like a circular saw, pry bar, carpenter’s square, tin snips, a scraper, and more. Since it’s unlikely you have all of these lying around in your toolbox, it’s best to let expert roofers install skylights in your house.

 

To Wrap Up

Skylights are an aesthetically appealing and practical addition to any house. They let plenty of natural light inside, resulting in a charming aura and a smaller electricity bill.

So if your roof is suitable for mounting a skylight and you want to install one now, get in touch with us today; we at Viking Contractors LLC are the professionals for the job!

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