Your Guide to Skylight Installers: Who Installs Skylights?

Skylights come with many benefits, but it’s important to hire the right professional for the installation, as these windows are the most likely to leak and cause water damage if they’re not installed properly. It’s best to hire a dedicated skylight installer or window professional who specializes in skylights and ideally has InstallationMasters certification from the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA).

Read on to learn why we recommend a specialist for the job and the benefits you’ll see from hiring a pro.

Benefits of Hiring a Dedicated Skylight Installer for Skylight Installation

Hiring a dedicated skylight installer near you comes with a few significant benefits over choosing a general contractor:

• Lower risk of roof leaks: First and foremost, certified skylight installers are more likely to do the installation and sealing properly. This means a lower risk of roof leaks and costly water damage in your home from your skylight or solar tube.

• Professional advice: Window installers specializing in skylights are more likely to give you better advice on what type of skylight is right for your home. That can lead to a nicer appearance, better energy efficiency, and more natural light entering your living space.

• Better warranty coverage: Some manufacturers may void your warranty or part of the coverage if the skylight isn’t installed by a professional or certified skylight installer. Some also offer extended warranties if you hire a professional who’s certified directly by the manufacturer and acts as a dedicated skylight installer.

• Peace of mind: Above all else, hiring a pro means greater peace of mind that your skylight will last for many years without causing issues.

Can I DIY Skylight Installation?

It is possible to DIY skylight installation, but we strongly recommend hiring a professional instead. Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, and any mistakes you make during the installation can be costly. Not only is it difficult and dangerous to maneuver a heavy, bulky window up to the roof, but you also welcome a high risk of your skylight leaking and causing water damage if you don’t seal it properly.

You’ll pay more to have a certified skylight installer take care of the work for you, but it’s almost always worth the investment, if only for the peace of mind that you’re not opening your home up to the elements.

Can I Hire a Standard Window Contractor for Skylight Installation?

Many standard window contractors can handle skylight installation, but we recommend hiring a dedicated skylight installer instead. A regular window installation company won’t have nearly as much experience with skylights and will be more likely to make mistakes during the sealing process. Skylights are more likely to leak than any other window, and that risk increases if it isn’t sealed properly.

Can I Hire a Roofing Company for Skylight Installation?

Many roofing companies will also offer skylight installation services, but we recommend against hiring a roofer unless they have a dedicated staff member who specializes in skylight installation and is explicitly certified for skylights.

Roofing companies that don’t specialize in skylight installation are a bit more qualified to get the sealing done properly than a general window contractor, but it’s still better to hire a dedicated skylight technician for the best results. Otherwise, you could be looking at skylight replacement or repairs much sooner.

How Do Skylight Installers Put In Skylights?

Skylight installers use the following process to install skylights:

• Mark the location of the skylight. First, your pro will consult with you about the location of the skylight and mark the ceiling inside.

• Cut out the drywall. Once you’re satisfied with the placement, the installer will cut out the opening from the drywall and remove any insulation.

• Drill through the roof. The tech will then drill through the roof decking from inside at the four corners of the opening.

• Remove roof shingles. The expert will remove shingles from around the opening, now marked by the four drill holes.

• Cut out the opening in the roof. Next, they’ll use a circular saw or reciprocating saw to cut out the hole in the roof deck.

• Install the skylight. The professional will then lay the window in the opening and ensure a proper fit.

• Install the ice and water shield. Next, the tech will install the water and ice shield, which helps direct any water under your shingles down and off your roof rather than into your home.

• Install the flashing outside. The expert will then install window flashing to protect from rain and snow.

• Install the trim inside. Finally, the tech will finish the interior by repairing sheetrock, if necessary, replacing insulation around the window, and installing trim around the new skylight. Most will also offer to install skylight shades or other coverings while they’re on site.