The beauty and pain of our advanced society is instructions at our fingertips. It’s so simple to ask our internet browser questions on how-to projects and expect to do it ourselves at professional grade for a portion of the cost. But when it comes to home renovations, especially roofing projects, it is vital to your home’s structural stability that you hire a professional.
Here are some helpful hints to help you understand the process of installing a skylight. Before you call your roof contractor to have a skylight installed, you probably have basic questions about the process. How long does it take, will it reduce my energy bill, how cost-effective is it short-term versus long-term, can I have one installed anywhere I want, etc. There are endless questions and, luckily, we have endless answers! So let’s dive right in.

The first tip is one I’ve already touched on—quality work. This is not a do-it-yourself project and should be completed by a roofing professional. There are several options to consider when having skylight installed, like load resistance, water tightness, energy efficiency, wind resistance, sound reduction, UV coatings, ventilation, sustainable materials, etc.

Installing a skylight is time consuming and is a serious undertaking. Take your time in planning your installation and consider all of these options when looking at your budget. There are so many available options to add to your skylight to give your home added energy efficiency. Many brands of skylights have an option that allows for room ventilation. Think about your budget and consider what add-ons would be worth your initial investment in the long run.

It would be amazing if, as homeowners, we had free reign when it comes to design. Skylight placement, unfortunately, is determined by your home’s rafters. Look at a blueprint of your home before getting your heart set on a specific location for a skylight.

Once your plans are ready and placement is configured, remember that North Texas weather is unpredictable. This is little to no comfort, but it’s a reality we face in Dallas-Fort Worth. Look at the forecast before you schedule a date and remember that rain and other bad weather can hinder the project!

Just like a fireplace has flashing around it to keep water from getting into your home, flashing is required around a newly installed skylight. Your roofing professional will know this, but it is important for homeowners to understand this so that they can keep an eye on the flashing as they inspect their home throughout the year. Always look for damaged, warped, and missing flashing, as these can be indicators of roof damage.