| Installing a Skylight: Cut Roof Opening, Install Skylight, Replace Shingles |
From "Weekend Remodeling"
episode WKR-108 |
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Prep Work = 2 hours
Cutting Hole in the Ceiling and Marking the Roof = 4 hours
Cut Roof Opening, Install Skylight and Replace Shingles = 4 hours
Finishing Touches = 4 hours
Total hours spent on project = 14 hours over 2-1/2 days On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the hardest, this project is a 3. We spent approximately $700 on supplies for this project. If you hired a contractor to install a skylight, it would probably cost you around $1,200. Materials: Skylight
Hammer
Screwdrivers
Nails and screws
Plastic sheeting
Pry bar
Reciprocating saw or circular saw
Level
Keyhole saw
Cat's paw
Roofing felt and step flashing
Sheets of drywall
Joint compound
Drywall tools and tape
Taping knife
Multi-Head Shower
Silicone caulk
Pencil
Socket set
Tape measure
Drill and bits
Hex wrenches
Shims
Adhesive tape
2 x 4's
2 x 10
Paint - Use a drill with a paddle bit to cut a couple of the holes a little larger -- this will allow you to use a reciprocating saw to cut the hole in the ceiling. To make it easier to handle, just follow the lines and cut half of the hole at a time (figure A). Trim off the jagged edges.
- Brace in between the rafters with a 2 x 10 in order to have something solid to nail into (figure B). After setting it in position, secure it in place from the top of the sheeting using wood screws.
- Spread roofing cement on the edges of the cutout with a 4-inch knife (figure C). This will help seal the skylight.
- Screw 2 x 4's to the top and to one side of the skylight (figure D) to act as guides in setting the skylight in place.
- Carefully set the skylight over the hole, letting it rest on the top brace, then slide it up to the side brace.
Expert Tip: If you are thinking about installing a skylight but are worried about it leaking, don't worry because most skylights do not leak. About 90 percent of the time leaks develop because of improper installation. Do a little research before cutting a hole in your roof. - Once it is in place, screw the flashing down with 1-1/2" galvanized screws through the predrilled holes (figure E).
- Apply a heavy layer of tar over the flange of the skylight. Make sure to go over the area where the flange meets the roof sheeting.
- Begin installing the shingles from the bottom of the roof to the top. You will have to install the shingles at the edges of the skylight and will have to notch the shingles in order to make a tight fit (figure F). The edges of the shingles that run next to the skylight need to be pressed into place so that they make good contact with the roofing cement.
- Square up the shingles before you nail them into place. Work your way up one side and then on to the next.
Expert Tip: An important consideration for any DIY'er doing a skylight install is the pitch of your roof. A 3/12 pitch is about the minimum slope you want to ensure good water runoff. If the slope is much less than that, you are asking for a leak. - Use a utility knife and lightly score along the edges of the frame so that the protective film can be easily removed from the skylight.
RESOURCES :
Self-Flashing Venting Skylight (ODL)
Model #2852
ODL Incorporated
Website: www.odl.com
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