Installing a skylight is a great way to add natural light to any room. Skylights can add as much as 30% more light than a window. But before putting a hole in your roof and spending up to $3,000, do your homework. Until recently, roof slope would determine whether or not a skylight could be installed. However, today's flashing kits and installation techniques allow skylights to be installed on almost any roof. The cost for metal or tile roofs may be higher.
Some questions to answer before deciding to install a skylight are:
The first thing to decide when planning for a skylight is where it will be placed. Consider the sun's path; skylights on the south or west facing portion of the roof will collect direct sun. This means on hot days you may have a heat trap and will need to plan ways to control the additional heat, perhaps with remote controlled shades or Venetian blinds. Skylights that face north or east may not get direct sunlight. Skylight with an attic If you decide to install a skylight in a room that has an attic above, you will need to build a light shaft or chase. This is a framed tunnel that will funnel light from the roof to the room below. After framing, drywall is added and then painted. This may add as much as $1,500 to your installation costs. You will need to make sure that there is no HVAC, plumbing, or wiring in the way. Installation supplies to install a skylight are 2X4s for the frame, drywall and finishing supplies for the ceiling, roofing paper, roofing nails and 16d galvanized nails, step flashing and continuous flashing. Tools should include a circular saw, hammer, flat pry bar, tin snips, and a utility knife. According to diynetwork.com, some things to consider when deciding to install a skylight are:
Adding a skylight is a beautiful way to bring more natural light to a room. Purchasing the correct skylight and having it installed correctly will add architectural style to your home. Harper Roofing> has been providing roofing services for families in Charleston and the surrounding area since 2009. In that time we have built a solid reputation as a trusted roofer with the Better Business Bureau, and a 5 star rating on Houzz>. If you found this information helpful, click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need. We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Harper Roofing as the author and a link to our website, harperroofingcharleston.com. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/what-i-need-to-know-before-installing-a-skylight-in-my-roof. Email us with any questions. |
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