Installing A Skylight

A skylight can be an excellent feature in any home. It is a wonderful solution to improving the lighting situation in a dark, drab room. This kind of project will take some careful planning, however, to ensure that it is the right solution for your home.

Once you have decided that this is what you would like to do, you will need to decide on the size and positioning of your skylight. There are many styles possible; tubular, round dome, square dome, segmented pyramid, modular pyramid. It is important that you consider carefully how this is going to affect the design and look of your home.

If you are purchasing a pre-made skylight, follow the instructions from the manufacturer carefully.

Remember that you are about to put a hole in your roof, so be prepared for any unforseen circumstances. Have a tarpaulin and some rope on hand, just in case you are held up for any reason.

Mark the position of the skylight from the inside, ensuring that it fits alongside the existing ceiling joists. Now get up on the roof, taking all your tools and equipment with you. You do not want to waste valuable time going back and forward fetching forgotten tools.

Locate the position of your skylight and begin removing tiles. When you are sure of your position, cut the battens and then the rafters as required. Finally saw the hole in the plasterboard.

Beware of any electrical cabling which may be running through your work area.

Place your skylight into position and fix it to the framing. Check that the skylight is level at both the upper and lower sides of the frame.

Depending on your particular style of skylight you will now need to install the flashings. This is an important part of the job because; if these are installed incorrectly you will experience leaking. Flashing can be moulded into place using a soft wooden block to gently beat the metal into the shape of the tiles.

Once flashings are in place, replace the tiles. This may involve cutting the tiles. Once this is done you are finished with the outside part of the job.

Now you will need to fit plaster board into the rebate between the skylight and the ceiling. Measure your plasterboard carefully and nail it into place. Once this is done apply joining cement for an even finish. Metal angles can help strengthen joins and give a straight line to work with. Once you have finished your plastering sand, dry and paint for a neat finish on the inside of your new skylight.

Your new skylight will bring natural light and a feeling of warmth to your home.