RoofCont provides expert roofing, siding and contractor services, specializing in installations, repairs, and replacements for residential and commercial properties.
RoofCont provides expert roofing, siding and contractor services, specializing in installations, repairs, and replacements for residential and commercial properties.
Skylights can brighten up your home in more ways than one! They bring in beautiful natural sunlight and allow fresh air to flow, creating a vibrant and comfortable indoor environment. Skylights are not only a stylish design choice—they’re also practical. They help reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning, cutting down on your energy bills.
However, installing skylights on a flat roof requires careful planning and the right approach. At RoofCont, we’ve identified the most important details to keep in mind before moving forward with your skylight project. Understanding these key factors can save you from common mistakes like leaks, overheating, or choosing the wrong model altogether.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the six essential things you need to consider before installing skylights on a flat roof—so you can enjoy all the benefits without the headaches!
Flat roofs offer a unique opportunity to install a variety of skylights that enhance both the appearance and functionality of your space. Whether you’re aiming to brighten up a dim interior or improve air circulation, there’s a skylight design that suits your goals.
Choosing the right skylight involves more than just picking the most attractive model—it’s about understanding how each type functions and what benefits it brings to your home or building. Let’s explore the top three skylight options available for flat roofs.
Fixed skylights are the go-to choice for homeowners who want to maximise natural light without worrying about ventilation. These skylights remain sealed shut and are perfect for areas that don’t require airflow, such as living rooms, home offices, and hallways.
With sleek options like double-domed acrylic in clear or tinted finishes, fixed skylights add a touch of elegance while helping to reduce your dependency on artificial lighting. Over time, they can lower your energy costs and contribute to a greener, more energy-efficient home.
Vented skylights are ideal for homeowners who want both light and ventilation. These models can open manually or electronically, making them great for moisture-prone rooms like kitchens, laundry areas, and bathrooms.
They help control humidity, reduce odours, and improve overall air quality. While vented skylights tend to cost more upfront than fixed models, their dual-purpose functionality makes them a smart long-term investment, especially in homes where indoor air circulation is a concern.
For those who need regular access to the rooftop, roof access skylights offer a practical and stylish solution. These skylights act as a built-in hatch, allowing safe and convenient access to the roof while still delivering abundant natural light.
Water pooling is one of the most significant challenges faced by skylights installed on flat roofs. When water collects around the skylight, it can lead to leaks, structural damage, and costly repairs. However, by utilising innovative solutions, you can effectively address this issue and maintain the integrity of your flat roof skylight installation.
Two of the most effective methods for preventing water pooling are curved glass skylights and angled curbs. These solutions work together to ensure water drains away properly, preserving both your skylight’s performance and the longevity of your roof.
Curved glass skylights are designed with water drainage in mind. Using advanced CurveTech glass, these skylights prevent water from collecting around the edges by channelling it away from the skylight area. This innovative design helps reduce the risk of leaks and minimises the possibility of water damage to both the skylight and the roof structure.
Beyond their functional advantages, curved glass skylights offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that can transform your home’s interior. The elegant curve adds a dynamic touch to any space while increasing the value and appeal of your property.
Another effective solution for combating water pooling is the use of angled curbs around the skylight installation. This approach involves building a slightly sloped curb around the skylight, which directs rainwater away from the opening. The angle of the curb ensures that water flows off the roof, preventing it from gathering around the skylight and causing potential leaks.
This technique is simple yet highly effective in maintaining proper drainage and safeguarding the roof from water-related damage. Angled curbs can be seamlessly integrated into the skylight installation, offering both practicality and an additional layer of protection.
Installing skylights on a flat roof is a detailed process that requires careful planning and precision to achieve a successful and lasting result. From selecting the ideal location to properly preparing the roof surface, each step is crucial for ensuring the skylight functions as intended. While it may be tempting to attempt a DIY project, hiring professional installers is highly recommended. They bring the necessary expertise to ensure compliance with local building codes and ensure that your skylight installation maximises the benefits of natural light while preventing potential issues like leaks and structural damage.
Professionals are equipped with the right tools, experience, and materials to ensure a high-quality installation. With their help, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure the skylight’s longevity with proper maintenance and regular inspections.
The first step in skylight installation is selecting the ideal location on your flat roof. This decision plays a significant role in maximising the amount of natural light your space receives while also minimising potential structural issues. Professional installers carefully evaluate the roof’s layout, identifying the best spots that align with your aesthetic goals and avoid interference with any underlying structural elements.
By choosing the right placement, professionals can guarantee that the skylight enhances your living space’s brightness while maintaining the roof’s overall integrity. Proper location selection also minimises the risk of future problems, such as water pooling or poor insulation.
A well-prepared roof surface is crucial for ensuring a secure and long-lasting skylight installation. The process involves thoroughly cleaning and drying the roof to eliminate any debris or moisture that could impact the installation. A clean surface is necessary to create a strong, watertight seal that prevents leaks and ensures the durability of the skylight.
Without proper preparation, even the highest-quality skylight materials can fail to function optimally. Professional installers take extra care during this step to ensure the surface is in perfect condition before proceeding with the installation.
The actual installation process involves several precise steps to ensure a leak-proof and secure skylight. Professionals begin by constructing a curb around the skylight with high-quality 1x material. This curb serves as the foundation for the skylight, elevating it above the roof’s surface to facilitate drainage.
Next, professionals use EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofing material to seal and flash the curb to the roof, ensuring that the edges are secure and fully watertight. To enhance protection against leaks, they also apply two layers of EPDM or install moulded outside corners, creating a seamless barrier around the skylight.
This meticulous process ensures that the skylight is installed correctly, offering lasting performance and protection against leaks and water damage.
Opting for professional skylight installation offers a wide range of advantages that DIY methods or less experienced installers cannot match. From expert advice to high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship, professional installation ensures that your skylight performs optimally for years to come. When you hire experts, you not only enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal and functionality but also secure long-term value and peace of mind.
When you choose professionals for your skylight installation, you benefit from their specialised knowledge and years of experience. Installing skylights can present unique challenges, such as maintaining the structural integrity of your roof while ensuring proper sealing to prevent leaks. Professionals have the skills to handle these challenges with ease, ensuring the work is completed to the highest safety and quality standards. Their ability to foresee potential issues before they arise helps avoid costly repairs and ensures your skylight serves its purpose effectively.
One of the biggest benefits of hiring professionals for skylight installation is the use of premium materials and top-tier craftsmanship. Professionals have access to high-quality skylights, flashing materials, and other necessary components that contribute to the longevity and efficiency of the installation. Their attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the installation is meticulously executed, reducing the risk of errors that could compromise the skylight’s performance.
For example, working with trusted installers like Rapid Roofing guarantees that the skylight is built to last, with precise fitting and durable materials that prevent issues like leaks or drafts. This professional approach leads to fewer maintenance needs and improved energy efficiency.
A major advantage of professional skylight installation is the inclusion of warranties and continuous support. For instance, Rapid Roofing offers a 5-Year Craftsmanship Warranty, which covers any issues resulting from the installation process. This added layer of protection ensures that, should something go wrong, you won’t incur additional costs for repairs.
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your flat roof skylight continues to perform optimally for many years. A well-maintained skylight can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years or more, but neglecting its care can result in leaks, drafts, or other damage. Regular maintenance tasks like cleaning, inspecting seals, and addressing any necessary repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of your skylight and preserve the comfort and beauty it adds to your home.
By using high-quality materials during installation and following routine maintenance practices, you can avoid common issues and reduce long-term upkeep. Keeping your skylight in top shape will not only improve its efficiency but also protect your home from the costly repairs that come with neglect.
Cleaning your flat roof skylight at least twice a year is essential to maintain its clarity and functionality. Over time, dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate on the glass, blocking light and reducing the aesthetic value of your skylight. To clean the surface, always use non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths to prevent scratches or damage to the glass.
Routine cleaning ensures that your skylight remains clear and continues to allow maximum natural light into your home. It’s also a good opportunity to check for any visible signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or discolouration, that may need further attention.
The seals and flashing around your flat roof skylight play a crucial role in keeping water out and preventing leaks. Over time, the sealant may degrade due to exposure to the elements, which can compromise its ability to form a watertight barrier. Regularly inspecting these components—preferably once a year—will help catch any potential issues before they become serious problems.
During your inspection, check for any gaps, cracks, or areas where the sealant may have worn away. If you notice any of these issues, prompt repairs or re-sealing will help prevent water damage to both the skylight and the roof structure beneath.
When small issues arise, it’s crucial to address them right away to avoid more extensive damage down the road. A minor leak or crack in the skylight may not seem urgent, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious structural issues, mould growth, or costly repairs.
Skylights are an excellent investment for homeowners looking to boost energy efficiency while cutting down on household expenses. By introducing abundant natural light into your home, skylights reduce the need for artificial lighting, leading to lower electricity bills. Moreover, they assist in regulating indoor temperatures by keeping warmth in during the winter and preventing excessive heat during the summer, reducing the strain on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This dual benefit not only conserves energy but also helps create a more eco-friendly and sustainable home.
Opting for professional skylight installation ensures that the job is done correctly, and it often comes with warranties that cover both the materials and workmanship, further reducing long-term costs. Additionally, some skylights may qualify for federal tax incentives, such as the Energy Property Tax Credit, which can help offset part of the installation costs.
Harnessing natural light through skylights is one of the most effective ways to reduce your electricity consumption. As more sunlight enters your home, the need for artificial lighting diminishes, leading to noticeable savings on your energy bills. Beyond the financial benefits, natural light has a positive impact on the ambience of your home, making your living spaces feel brighter, more welcoming, and visually appealing.
Installing skylights ensures that every room can enjoy an influx of natural light, transforming your home into a more vibrant and inviting place to live. By decreasing your reliance on artificial lighting, you’re not only cutting costs but also reducing your carbon footprint.
For homeowners seeking an even more energy-efficient solution, vented skylights offer added advantages. These skylights can be opened to allow hot air to escape while drawing in cooler outdoor air, providing natural ventilation and temperature control. By improving airflow, vented skylights can help maintain a comfortable indoor climate, reducing the need for air conditioning in the warmer months and minimising heating demands during the colder months.
This natural ventilation reduces your home’s reliance on HVAC systems, contributing to further energy savings and enhancing your overall comfort. With vented skylights, you can enjoy consistent indoor temperatures without constantly adjusting thermostats or relying on energy-hungry appliances.
Choosing a skylight for your flat roof can feel overwhelming, but Rapid Roofing simplifies the process with expert guidance. They offer a wide range of skylight options to match your preferences and home style. Whether you need a fixed, vented, or roof access skylight, they provide tailored solutions. Their team combines top-quality materials with expert installation to ensure lasting performance and beauty. Rapid Roofing begins every project with a free consultation and detailed estimate. They assess your roof’s structure and suggest the best skylight options. You receive a clear plan and cost estimate to support your decision-making.
Rapid Roofing offers a thorough, no-cost consultation and estimate to assist you in evaluating your skylight options. This service includes an in-depth assessment of your roof and personalised guidance on selecting the ideal skylight solution tailored to your needs.
The consultation focuses on delivering clear, useful insights about the skylight installation process, helping you decide on the best type of skylight for your home. Whether you’re aiming for increased natural light, better ventilation, or both, Rapid Roofing provides all the details necessary to help you move forward with confidence.
One of the standout features of Rapid Roofing’s service is its ability to provide customised skylight solutions. Rapid Roofing tailors each skylight installation to match your home’s unique style and functional needs. They brighten dark rooms, boost airflow, and increase home value with custom skylight solutions. Their team uses top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship for every project. They ensure your skylight looks great and works efficiently. Rapid Roofing focuses on long-term durability and complete customer satisfaction. Their personalised approach adds value and improves energy performance. Homeowners trust them for reliable, attractive skylight installations every time.
Skylight installation is a process that requires careful planning, as it involves cutting through multiple layers of your roof. The ideal time to install a skylight is during a roof replacement, as this minimises the disruption to your home’s structure and ensures that everything is sealed properly. However, if you’re not replacing your roof, it’s still possible to install a skylight. In this case, it’s essential to make sure that the skylight installation is carried out with precision and professionalism. This type of work demands specialised skills, licensing, and equipment. To ensure a quality result, it’s highly recommended to hire a reputable local roofing contractor with experience in installing flat roof skylights.
Before committing to a skylight installation, it’s important to evaluate the climate and weather conditions in your area. Since skylight installation opens up the interior of your home to the elements, it’s critical to avoid installing it during periods of rain, snow, storms, or hail. Checking your local weather forecast can give you a good idea of whether conditions are favourable for the installation.
Additionally, ask yourself several key questions:
Considering these factors will help you choose the ideal type of skylight for your home. There are a variety of skylight styles available, from traditional models to modern designs with sophisticated features and advanced technology.
Choosing the right skylight for your home depends on the specific lighting and ventilation needs of the room where it will be installed. There are five main types of flat roof skylights, each designed to serve different purposes. Understanding the benefits of each type will help you make an informed decision.
These skylights do not open and are fixed in place. They provide excellent natural light without offering additional ventilation. Fixed skylights are ideal for spaces like hallways, stairwells, or any dark room that needs extra light but doesn’t require ventilation. They help regulate the temperature by keeping heat inside during winter and blocking it out during summer. Additionally, they reduce outside noise, making them perfect for quiet spaces like offices or study rooms.
Operable skylights can be opened to allow ventilation. They are commonly installed in rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms, where moisture levels tend to be high. These skylights allow air to flow through while maintaining privacy. They can be opened manually or controlled remotely, and many models are compatible with smartphones. Some even feature rain sensors that automatically close the skylight when rain starts to fall.
A roof-access skylight is a type of open skylight that offers direct access to the roof. This is a specialised skylight that includes an entryway, which makes it possible to access your roof safely. While this type of skylight is more common on commercial properties and modern homes, it can be a valuable addition to any home, offering a cost-effective way to utilise rooftop space.
Tunnel skylights are an excellent choice for adding light to smaller spaces. These skylights are easier to install because they require only a small hole to be cut in the roof layers, without disturbing the rafters. A flexible tube or tunnel is then inserted to direct light into the room below. Tunnel skylights can be a great way to brighten spaces like small closets or green rooms. You can even add colored filters to create a unique ambience that adds a calming effect to the room.
Incorporating a skylight into your flat roof can significantly enhance the natural light, ventilation, and aesthetic appeal of your home. Partnering with Rapid Roofing means access to expert guidance, premium materials, and tailored solutions for smooth skylight installation. The process begins with a free consultation and continues through final installation, with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction. Your skylight is designed to perform efficiently while enhancing your home’s appearance. Energy cost reduction, better air quality, and increased natural light can be achieved with their help. Your vision is carefully handled by professionals with attention to detail and long-term results in mind.
Let Rapid Roofing guide you through the process, offering you peace of mind and long-term value with every skylight installation.
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