Installing a Home Skylight

A skylight can have a number of advantages for homes of all types. It lets in natural light which brightens up corners and makes the space feel more inviting. On a more practical note, it can also help cut your electric bill as it provides an alternative to keeping bulbs burning all the time.

Cutting a Hole

Cutting a skylight actually involves making two separate holes that eventually meet. Begin by cutting an interior hole in the drywall of the ceiling. Use a stud finder to ensure that you are cutting between the support beams. Insert long screws at each corner of the hole to mark the dimensions on the outside. Next, go on to the roof and cut a matching hole in the shingles. Cut through the shingles and plywood to complete the hole.

Installing the Glass

Peel back the surrounding shingles in order to make room to install the skylight. Place the skylight and nail it into place. Replace the shingles you removed while working, making sure to trim them so they fit around the skylight.

Sealing the Skylight

Apply a layer of water underlayment to the skylight on the outside. Add additional weather stripping around the inside if you are worried about cold air getting in.

Installing a skylight is not a project for beginners, so if you are in any way unsure about it, you may want to turn to a professional roofing company for help.

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