The Pros and Cons of Skylight Installation: What You Need to Know

Skylights are an excellent way to bring natural light in to brighten up your home. They are a great choice if you’re wanting to make a room feel more inviting or save on energy costs. However, like any home improvement, it’s important to consider the benefits and challenges before making a decision. Let’s explore what makes skylights such a popular choice and what you should keep in mind before installing one.

The Bright Side of Skylights

Increased Natural Light

The most obvious perk of a skylight is the natural light it brings into your home. If you’ve ever wished a room felt brighter or more inviting, adding a skylight could be the perfect solution. A skylight can transform any room, a kitchen, a bathroom, or a living room, by allowing natural sunlight to stream in. 

Energy Efficiency

Skylights can help minimize your reliance on artificial lighting during the day, which means lower energy bills. Some skylights are even designed with energy-efficient glazing that helps regulate indoor temperatures by minimizing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Just make sure to position the skylight thoughtfully. A poorly placed one might not save you as much energy as you’d like.

Enhanced Aesthetics and Ambiance

A skylight can make a room feel larger, airier, and more modern. With options like flat, domed, or curb-mounted skylights, you can select a style that complements your home’s aesthetic. Plus, the added sunlight can highlight architectural features or decor that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Ventilation Options

Not all skylights are fixed. Vented models can help improve airflow, especially in areas like bathrooms or kitchens where moisture and odours tend to linger. A vented skylight allows for warm air to escape, which naturally cools your home without needing a fan.

The Challenges of Skylight Installation

Potential for Leaks

One of the biggest concerns with skylights is the risk of water leaks. If the flashing piece or step flashing isn’t installed correctly, water can seep in around the edges of the opening, particularly at the top outside corners. Professional installation is key to avoiding this issue, as it ensures that the flashing overlaps properly and the roofing shingles are seamlessly integrated.

Heat Gain and Loss

While skylights can improve energy efficiency, they can also backfire if not installed correctly. Heat gain during the summer or heat loss during the winter can happen if the skylight’s glazing isn’t up to par. Using double or triple glazing, combined with proper insulation around the rough opening, can minimize these issues.

Cost Considerations

Skylights aren’t cheap. Beyond the cost of the skylight itself, the installation process involves expenses for materials, labour, and possible roof modifications. If your roof needs extra reinforcement to handle the skylight, you’ll need to factor that into the budget.

Maintenance Requirements

Skylights, especially those on the roof at the top of your home, are exposed to the elements. This means they’re prone to dirt buildup, scratches, and potential damage from hail or falling debris. Cleaning the bottom edge and ensuring seals remain intact are just a couple of the regular maintenance tasks required to keep them in good shape.

What to Consider Before Installing a Skylight

Roof Type and Slope

Your roof’s structure plays a big role in the skylight’s success. A flat roof may require a domed skylight to shed water effectively, while a sloped roof allows for more flexibility. Make sure to consult a professional to determine the best type of skylight for your roof.

Positioning and Placement

Strategic placement is everything. Too close to a tree and you’ll have constant shade (and falling leaves to clean). Positioned poorly on the slope of the roof, and you risk water pooling. Pay attention to how the sun moves over your home and consider where the skylight’s light will fall throughout the day.

Quality of Materials

Choosing high-quality materials, from the glazing to the flashing, is critical. Durable materials reduce the likelihood of leaks and wear over time, saving you money in the long run. A curb-mounted skylight might be a better choice for long run compared to a flush-mounted option.

Understanding the Installation Process

The skylight installation process involves careful planning and precision. Here’s an overview of how it’s done:

Marking the Rough Opening

A chalk line is used to outline the rough opening on the roof. This ensures accuracy when cutting through the roofing materials.

Preparing the Roof

The shingles around the edge of the opening are carefully removed, and the rough opening is cut to size. The bottom edge and sides of the skylight must fit snugly to prevent gaps.

Installing the Flashing

Step flashing, sill flashing, and saddle flashing are all critical components to ensure a watertight seal. These pieces overlap strategically, starting at the bottom of the skylight and working upwards. Proper overlapping of the bottom and top pieces is crucial to directing water away.

Securing the Skylight

The skylight is positioned in the rough opening and secured with roofing nails. A curb-mounted skylight is raised slightly above the roof level, adding an extra protection against leaks.

Replacing the Roofing Shingles

The shingles are replaced around the skylight’s edges, with careful attention to maintaining the overlap of the top flashing piece to ensure water flows down and away from the skylight.

Is a Skylight Right for Your Home?

Ultimately, deciding whether to install a skylight depends on your home’s structure, your budget, and your goals. While the added natural light and improved aesthetics are tempting, the costs and potential challenges require careful consideration. Consulting with a professional can help you assess your roof’s suitability and guide you through the installation process.

Final Thoughts on Skylight Installation

A skylight can be a beautiful and functional addition to your home, but it’s not a decision to take lightly. By understanding the pros and cons and considering factors like roof type, materials, and placement, you’ll be better equipped to decide if this upgrade is worth it.

If you’re ready to brighten up your home, Contact us today to explore your options.