If you have an existing home and want to install a new skylight in your current roof, you certainly can…if you have the proper type of roof. Determining if it’s possible to add a skylight to your home’s existing roof will involve a thorough assessment from a skylight specialist and perhaps from your Austin roofer, too. Not all roofs can accommodate a skylight, but if yours can, you might be curious to understand more about the process. So, how do you install skylights in an existing roof? Let’s take a closer look.
Installing Skylights in an Existing Roof: What to Know
A new skylight needs to be installed properly and accurately; there can’t be any shortcuts or miscalculations. Leaking skylights tend to be a problem from poor installations. So, having an excellent skylight professional working on your skylight installation is necessary to meet these high standards.
How to Determine if you Can Add Skylights to an Existing Roof
A few things to think about and discuss with your skylight installation expert before committing to adding skylights to your current roof:
- Is your roof able to hold a skylight without cutting portions of the roof that shouldn’t be cut? You don’t want to impede the integrity of your roof and put your home in jeopardy. Cutting your roof to install the skylight must be done properly and in locations that are safe.
- Is your roofline on a slope that works well for a skylight? For example, a flat roof might not be the best option for a skylight because of moisture collection.
- The direction your home faces can indicate where a good location for your skylight lies. If you have a roof section that gets good daylight, inquire if this area is a good fit. Is it blocked by another home or trees? Consider this when selecting a location on your roof.
- Will your type of roofing shingles allow for a skylight install? Proper flashing specifics need to be followed on each type of roofing material to ensure your skylight will be leak proof.
Where is the Best Place to Put Skylights on my Roof?
Your new skylight should be installed on your roof in a spot that captures light well and meets any local building codes in relation to wind, slope, or materials.
While you are looking for more light in your home, a skylight on the south side of your home might bring in more than you’d like. The heat can become more than is comfortable, so consider that when choosing which side of your home to install your skylight on.
With a lot to consider in terms of the specific location of your new skylight, it helps to understand the variables associated with installing a new skylight in an existing roof.
Your Local Austin Area Roofing Professionals
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of roofing experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s needs. We are a top residential Austin roofing company in both roof repair and roof replacement. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best product and service in Austin.
When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options for your roof design, components, and ventilation. We are Master Elite Contractors bringing you the latest in roofing technology, and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today.
