Can I make my own skylight?

Installing a skylight can bring beautiful, natural light into your home. Skylights are typically installed by roofing contractors, but a do-it-yourself skylight is possible for some homeowners. There are a few key factors to consider when deciding if a DIY skylight project is right for you.

Is a skylight within my abilities?

Installing a skylight requires cutting a hole in your roof, flashing and sealing around the skylight, and finishing the interior. This involves roofing skills such as working safely on a ladder, cutting roof decking, flashing, and sealing. Most DIYers do not have the necessary expertise to complete these steps properly. An improperly installed skylight can lead to leaks and roof damage down the road. Consider your abilities before deciding to install a skylight yourself.

Do I need building permits?

Most areas require building permits for skylight installation to ensure they meet code requirements. As the homeowner, you are responsible for obtaining permits before starting work. The permit process requires submitting plans for approval. If you install a skylight without permits and inspections, you could face fines or be required to remove the skylight if it does not meet code.

What about my roof warranty?

Cutting into your roof to install a skylight will void the remainder of your roof warranty. Once you modify your roof decking and framing, most roof warranties are voided. Since proper skylight installation is key to preventing leaks, the lack of warranty coverage is a significant downside to a DIY skylight. Hiring a professional ensures you still have warranty coverage on your roof.

Skylight types

There are several types of skylights to consider:

• Fixed: Stationary skylight that does not open. Provides constant daylight.
• Venting: Opens to provide ventilation. Uses a hand crank or electric motor.
• Tubular: Channels light through tubes from roof to ceiling. Less complex installation.
• Glass: Traditional skylight made of glass. Custom sizes available.
• Acrylic: More affordable option. Weighs less than glass.

A fixed glass skylight is the most common choice for DIY installation. Tubular skylights are also reasonable for DIYers to install. Venting skylights and custom glass units are best left to the professionals.

Is my roof a good candidate?

Certain roof types and conditions make a DIY skylight installation more difficult or even impossible:

• Low slope roof: Roofs with a pitch less than 3:12 are not well-suited for skylights.
• Asphalt shingles: Cutting through asphalt shingles is more complicated than other roof types.
• Standing seam metal: Requires special techniques to integrate skylight flashing.
• Poor condition: Roof leaks, sagging structure, and other issues rule out a skylight install.
• No attic access: Attic space is needed to finish and frame the skylight from the interior.

If you have an asphalt shingle roof or other complicating factors, it’s best to avoid a DIY skylight project. Contact a roofing contractor to evaluate your roof’s suitability.

Gather the necessary materials and tools

Once you decide to take on a DIY skylight, be sure you have the correct materials and tools on hand. Essential items needed include:

• Skylight kit (fixed glass or tubular)
• Safety gear (harness, ropes, hard hat, gloves, goggles)
• Shingles to match your existing roof
• Flashing and roofing cement
• Fasteners (screws, nails)
• Sealant/caulk
• Ladder
• Roofing shovel
• Utility knife
• Circular saw
• Drill
• Hammer
• Tin snips

Acquire all materials and tools needed before starting the project. Having to stop work to purchase something will derail your progress.

Take necessary safety precautions

Safety should be your top concern with a skylight installation. Falls are the leading cause of serious injury from DIY projects. Follow these precautions:

• Use a sturdy ladder that extends 3 feet above the roof.
• Wear a safety harness tied off to a secure anchor point.
• Have someone assist as a spotter to hold the ladder.
• Wear protective headgear, gloves, and goggles.
• Avoid working on very hot days when heat exhaustion is a risk.
• Check weather forecast for rain or storms.
• Cordon off area below work site.
• Work during daylight hours only.

Rushing through the job or cutting corners on safety to save time only leads to accidents. Take your time and remain focused on working safely.

How much does a DIY skylight cost?

A DIY skylight costs $200 to $2,000, depending on the type of unit:

Skylight Type	Cost
Tubular	$200 – $400
Fixed glass	$400 – $1,000
Venting	$800 – $2,000

Other material costs range from $50 – $100 for tools, roofing supplies, and sealants. While a DIY installation saves on labor costs, you still have to purchase the skylight unit.

Return on investment

Adding a skylight costs about $1,500 to $3,000 if hiring a professional. Doing it yourself can save $1,000 or more in labor expenses. However, you need to weigh this savings against the risks of improperly installing the skylight.

The resale value of adding a skylight is 50% to 90% of your total project cost. Skylights appeal to many homebuyers and can recoup much of your initial investment.

Cutting an opening in the roof

Once you have gathered materials and safety gear, you can start by cutting an opening:

1. Mark opening for skylight unit with chalk line.
2. Put on safety harness, secure it properly.
3. Use a circular saw to cut through roof along chalk lines.
4. Make angled cuts at corners to remove roof section.
5. Pry up and remove roof decking.
6. Cut through rafters using a reciprocating saw.

Measure twice before making any cuts to avoid mistakes. Remove debris promptly from the roof. Have your helper hand you tools and hold materials to keep your hands free while on the ladder.

Alternative tubular method

For tubular skylights, you cut a smaller circular hole rather than a large rectangle. A special adapter fits over the hole and seals it off. The tube then attaches on top to channel light down into the attic and living space.

Installing the skylight unit

After cutting the opening, you can install the skylight unit:

1. Apply roofing cement around bottom opening.
2. Insert skylight into roof hole.
3. Fasten unit temporarily with screws.
4. Flash skylight using step flashing pieces.
5. Apply roofing cement at seams and junctions.
6. Re-shingle roof around skylight.
7. Caulk perimeter of flashing.

Proper flashing techniques are essential to prevent leaks. Most kits include step-by-step instructions. Work slowly and follow directions closely during this crucial step.

Finishing the interior

After sealing the exterior, you can complete the job from below:

1. Frame opening in ceiling with timber.
2. Run wiring if adding an electric venting unit.
3. Insulate around framed opening.
4. Install vapor barrier and gypsum board.
5. Finish interior with trim molding.

The interior finish will require basic drywall, wiring, and carpentry skills. Having attic access makes this phase much simpler.

Hiring a pro for skylight installation

While a DIY skylight is technically possible, most homeowners opt to hire a professional installer. The benefits of hiring a roofing contractor include:

• Skylight installed properly the first time.
• Your roof warranty remains valid.
• No risk of weather damage or falling from heights.
• Carpentry and electrical is handled by experts.
• Required building permits obtained.

A professional skylight installation ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the skylight type and complexity. This covers the unit, labor, and related expenses.

Finding a roofing contractor

When hiring a roofer, look for the following:

• Licensed and insured.
• Extensive skylight installation experience.
• Can provide references from past clients.
• Offers a workmanship warranty.
• Provides detailed quoting and pricing.

Also be sure to check reviews and ratings online. A reliable roofer will ensure an expert skylight installation free of leaks or other problems.

Conclusion

For most DIYers, installing your own skylight is an extremely difficult and dangerous task best left to the professionals. Attempting to cut into your roof and flashing a skylight on your own risks creating major leaks or even personal injury. Minor errors in roofing workmanship can lead to costly repairs later on. Unless you have professional-level roofing expertise, it is not advisable to try a DIY skylight installation. Hiring an experienced local roofer to install a skylight properly the first time is worth the investment.