Installing a skylight is not an easy project at all, and you will require many things to get done with it correctly. From cutting the roof, installing new structural framing members to finishing the ceiling beneath.
The skylight after installing drywall, it needs hell lot of effort for you. It is necessary for you to install the proofing paper and metal flashing correctly; otherwise, the roof will start leaking around the skylight. Have a look at the instructions given below to get a thorough idea of the work involved in the process.
Cutting and Framing the Opening
You will have to follow the specifications given by the manufacturer when going for cutting the hole in your roof. You need to drill a locator hole at the place where you require the skylight’s center to be. You then have to frame the opening in a way that it sounds according to building codes. If you have the skylight installed above the attic, you require cutting and framing that hole in your home’s ceiling.
Attaching the Skylight
You can use a utility knife and straight edge to cut the shingles according to what is required. Consider cutting it from about 3 inches back from the start of the sides. Put the skylight in the correct area and attach the same to the roof.
Install step as well as bottom flashing
You need to install the bottom flashing, which wraps the pathway around the entire skylight and be there at the top of the roof shingles. Then drive flashing nails all roofing in a horizontal motion into the skylight and not vertical into the roof. Now under the shingles, you need to slip individual pieces of step flashing. Bottom on each side and make sure that the step flashing pieces overlap each other. Finally, you need to properly attach these flashing pieces into the skylight and not to the roof.
Installing the flashing pieces
These splashing pieces are specifically designed to tightly fit into the skylight and make sure that water does not enter between the skylight and step flashing. Try attaching the bottom piece first and then go for side pieces. Slip the top piece under the roofing and attach the same to the skylight and then install it.
What are the risks involved in installing a skylight
That is an apparent reason for skylights being so immensely popular. They add an enhanced Beauty in a commercial building and are an excellent source for free lighting. But it comes with certain drawbacks, and if you do not know them, you might end up bearing the expenses rather than availing the benefits. So here are some downsides that you may come across and hence you need to be prepared for them
Breakage
Even if you have standard roofs, they cannot resist the damage from storm and wind. Flying debris and hail can actually crack a skylight easily. Skylights are not so durable when it comes to snow loads. Your skylight can fail when heavy snowfall occurs due to its inability to carry excess weight.
Leaks
Skylights are infamous because of the leaking problem. Flashing and seals can destroy it, resulting in leakage of water from the roof. It can also be accelerated by snow, debris, and rains. Nowadays, skylights are designed in a way that is resistant to the leaks, but if not installed properly, it can also cause the problem.
Light exposure
Although exposure to natural light is one of the most advantageous things for skylights, there are certain demerits. Skylight actually allowed too much light depending on its placement, which contributes to excess UV exposure and glare. It can be dangerous for employees and can cause severe damage to carpeting, art, furniture and other valuable items.
Falls
It comes out to be a severe risk to those workers who perform roof maintenance and can cause severe injury, which can turn fatal. Many workers do not have any idea, and their things skylight are designed in a way that can bear their weight, and hence they sit and stand on them. Falling tripping onto a skylight gives another risk, and therefore it needs to be taken care of by everyone.
Loss of Energy
Skylights can adversely affect cooling and heating costs due to the lure of free lighting. Traditional roofing materials acted as the barrier to heat transfer, which is not the same with skylights.
Space
Skylights cover all the rooftop space that can be utilized for other tools and equipment. You need to dedicate 7-10 % of the roof space to skylights in order to get the maximum advantages. Those spaces cannot be used for any other things at all. It also takes up the space that may be required for workers to get done with the roof maintenance. Having a small roof can literally cause difficulty.
Pros of installing a Skylight
Adds the Natural Light
One of the main advantages of skylights is the way they allow natural light into your space, with which solar heat comes in. What are the benefits of these lights? Well, these help you enhance mood and work wonders in performing at workplaces. When you heat your home with sunlight, it can actually save heating costs when there are chilly seasons.
Better Ventilation
Skylight windows allow fresh air to enter your home. It works wonders with cross ventilation in congested rooms and cools down your room without using the air conditioner
Saves energy costs (electric and heating)
Sunlight heats your places, and the ventilation can cool your space down. When it happens, it can cut down on the costs of energy. Ensure that you install a skylight, which has laminated glass and has leak-proof.
Resale value
Using skylight can up the resale value and give attraction to your rooms more than anything else.
Adds Space to the Room
Just the way adding mirrors on the walls add space to the room, skylights also help the room to look bigger and spacious.
So, if you want to install the skylight in the most appropriate way, you can get in touch with us. Clear-vue Skylights is Orlando’s premier skylight installation and repair company. Do not waste your time and contact us for installing the skylights.
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