Skylight Installation Alternatives
DEAR TIM: I'm thinking of adding a skylight to my kitchen area. I would really like to tackle the project myself even though my skills are limited. Many skylight manufacturers talk about flaring the shaft so that more light gets into the room. I only have three days to complete the project. My wife has started a neighborhood betting pool. The smart money says I can't finish the job in time. Can you share any tips or suggest an alternative method to get sunlight into my kitchen? G.Y.
DEAR G. Y.: I can help you, but first, what are the current odds? I might want some of that action. You better get plenty of rest, because if you choose to install a skylight, you are going to be busy!
I am installing blocking in between the ceiling joists.
I have installed hundreds of skylights. Some installations are more difficult than others, especially the flashing details between the skylight and the roofing materials. If you don't pick a skylight that has a pre-engineered flashing system, you might spend three days up on the roof. Pre-engineered flashing systems make quick work up on the roof.
Flaring skylight shafts is a very good idea. If you happen to own a flashlight that has an adjustable beam you already know why. Flaring the shaft of a skylight tunnel allows more light to enter the room. However, flaring a skylight tunnel also adds slightly more time and material to the installation.
Flaring the skylight shaft may not even be an option in your case if your roof is constructed of pre-engineered roof trusses. Trusses should not be cut. Only a structural engineer can make this determination.
If you are determined to try this project, here is what you will need to do. By the end of the first day, you must have the skylight properly installed. This means that if you had to cut any roof rafters, you have properly strengthened adjacent rafters to carry the additional load that used to be supported by the cut rafter(s). It also means that all flashing work is complete on the roof.
By lunch time of the second day you had better have the skylight shaft framing complete. Take a short break for lunch and get busy installing your insulation on the side walls of the shaft. When finished, apply your drywall. Just before going to bed make sure you have taped the drywall and put a first coat of fast setting joint compound on all the nails, screws, and cornerbead.
This particular product required face screws through the plastic outer dome to secure it to the roof.
On the third day, use fast setting joint compound for your second and final coats. If all goes well, you can sand the compound after lunch and complete your painting by supper time. Before you decide to jump into the project, only on two occasions have I been able to meet such a deadline.
As an alternative, why not consider installing one or more of the new tubular skylights. These are nifty devices that actually pipe sunlight directly into just about any space you choose. What's more, if everything goes right, you can have one of these completely installed in about 4 hours.
These devices are comprised of a flush or domed diffuser which is cut into your ceiling, a highly polished steel or aluminum pipe, and a clear acrylic dome on the roof which lets the light into the pipe. If your kitchen roof faces south, you will be pleasantly surprised as to how much light one of these sun tubes will let into your kitchen.
There are three distinct advantages that these tubes have over conventional skylights: no framing, plastering, or painting is necessary. The use of the highly polished pipe or tube eliminates all of this work. You simply need to cut a hole in your ceiling for the diffuser, install the flashing on the roof, insert the pipe and the dome and BINGO you're done. Just think, if you play your cards right you'll have 2 plus days to golf!