The Skylight Installation Process

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Skylights allow natural light to enter an area through the ceiling.
Homeowners install them to reduce electricity costs and illuminate without harsh lighting.
The basic types of skylights are frame-in-place and curb-mounted.
The first version is installed flush with the roof plane and secured with L-shaped brackets.
Curb-mounted skylights rest on curbs above the roof plane.
Skylight installation is actually easier than installing a window.
Initial Steps in the Skylight Installation Process Framing a rough opening is the first step in installing a skylight.
A skylight framing assembly features three parts and a framed curb is required for a curb-mounted skylight.
Headers are used to frame the roof opening and the ceiling opening is framed in a similar manner.
Framing connecting the ceiling and roof openings is called the light shaft.
It may be flared or vertical and is insulated and finished.
The framing process involves several steps that include measuring 2x6 headers for the roof and ceiling openings and 2x4 headers for the light shaft.
Holes must be drilled through the roof to mark the location of the framing, with installation taking place both inside and outside the home.
How the opening is framed depends on the position and size of the skylight.
Installing the Skylight and Building the Openings Installing a framed-in-place skylight involves mounting the L-brackets on the side of the skylight, setting the skylight in the framed hole, and fastening it in place.
A curb must be built for a curb-mounted skylight and this should be squared and caulked before the skylight is put into place and fastened.
Shingles are then replaced, allowing space for flashing installation between their edges and the curb.
Sill flashing should be installed first and is usually nailed into the curb and attached to the roof using plastic roof cement.
Side flashing is then installed and fastened into place.
The base of the head flashing is slipped under the shingles, put on top of the side flashing, fastened into place, and temporary supports are removed.
After cutting the ceiling opening, headers are installed in a similar manner as for the roof opening.
Studs of 2x4s angled to fit flush against ceiling joists and rafters create the light shaft corners.
Field studs are placed across the top and bottom and rigid foam insulation is installed over the outside of the light shaft in the attic.
The final step in skylight installation involves using drywall to finish the interior of the shaft.
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