Skylight installation
A new or replacement VELUX skylight, with the surrounding roof work and agreed interior finish included.
When you need it
Signs it is time
- A kitchen, hallway or living space needs lights on throughout the day.
- An interior room has no outside wall for a window.
- Haze or condensation stays trapped between the glass panes.
- An older acrylic dome is yellow, cloudy or brittle.
- Flashing around the skylight has rusted, lifted or been patched repeatedly.
- A planned roof replacement gives you an opportunity to consider a skylight.
What we do
How we do the work
A skylight can bring daylight into a room that stays dim even on a bright day. Adding one involves more than making a hole in the roof. We check the pitch and framing, plan the opening and build an insulated shaft down to the ceiling. The flashing is fitted into the surrounding roofing so rain can pass around the unit. We'll also discuss the glass, the direction the roof faces and the finish inside the room. If you're replacing the roof soon, it is worth planning both jobs together while the area around the skylight is already open.
Plan the position
We discuss the light you want and check the roof pitch and framing.
Frame the opening
We cut the deck and support the opening with the required headers.
Build the light shaft
An insulated shaft connects the skylight to the ceiling below.
Fit the flashing kit
VELUX flashing pieces overlap with the surrounding roofing courses.
Install the unit
We secure and seal the skylight according to its fitting instructions.
Finish the roof around it
Shingles, tiles or panels are refitted into the flashing detail.
Complete the inside
The agreed finish includes the drywall, texture and trim around the opening.
Test and review
We water-test the work, clean up and show you the finished skylight.
From below
What the room gets
Options
What you can choose
Fixed
A fixed unit brings in daylight without opening. Low-E glass is one choice to discuss alongside the roof's exposure and the amount of light you want in the room.
Venting, manual or solar
An opening unit can let warm or damp air out. We discuss manual or solar operation and the controls included with the selected model, rather than assume every unit has the same features.
Sun tunnel
Reflective tubing carries daylight to a hallway, closet or bathroom through a smaller roof opening. It can be useful where a full skylight and wider shaft won't fit.
VELUX flashing kit
The flashing kit needs to match the shingles, tile or metal surrounding the unit. Its pieces overlap with the covering to carry rain past the opening.
How long it takes
How long it takes, and what is covered
Roof framing and exterior flashing are completed first, followed by the light shaft and interior finish. Clear schedule dates are provided in your written estimate.
- 10 yearsWorkmanship on new installs
- one to five years depending on scopeOn repairs, by scope
- 10 years leak-freeVELUX skylights
Questions
Questions about skylight installation
Is it better to do this during a re-roof?
It is a useful time to plan the work. Once the old roofing is removed, we can inspect the rafters and fit the flashing while the surrounding area is open. The new roof covering can then be laid around the skylight as part of the same job. If you're already considering a replacement roof, discuss the skylight before the work is scheduled so the two scopes can be coordinated.
Will it make the room too hot?
It depends on the exposure and glass, so we discuss both before settling on a position. North-facing slopes tend to give more even daylight. A south- or west-facing opening can receive stronger sun and bring more warmth into the room. VELUX options include Low-E glass with argon insulation, and solar-powered shades can help control afternoon light. We can compare those choices with the way you use the space.
Do you finish the ceiling?
Yes. The work can include the light well, drywall framing, taping and trim as well as the flashing outside. We'll discuss the finish you want around the ceiling opening and include the agreed work in the scope. That helps you review the whole installation, from the roof down into the room, instead of finding out later that the visible interior work was left out.
Related
Other skylights problems
Service
Skylight repair
We inspect the skylight and nearby roofing to find the source of moisture before recommending a repair.
Overview
Skylights
VELUX skylight installation, replacement and repairs, including the flashing around the opening.
Free estimate
Find out what it costs
Tell us what's happening at your property, one step at a time. We'll review your request during business hours and arrange a free inspection.
What happens after you send it
- We call during business hours to set a time.
- A free visit. We measure on site and nothing is signed at the door.
- The proposed work and the price, in writing.
- (925) 555-0100Phone
- Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMHours
Sat by appointment · Sun closed
100 Example Road, Brentwood, CA 94513 · office@example-roofing.demo
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