How Much Does It Cost to Install a Skylight?
The price of installing a curb-mount skylight, a deck-mount skylight or self-flashing skylight can vary greatly, depending on the type and whether you complete the work yourself or hire a professional. The average price range is typically somewhere between $900 and $2,300, with the national average being approximately $1,500. A professional can provide an estimate for the entire job. If you can do the installation yourself, you’ll simply need to factor in the price of the skylight as well as any additional tools or materials needed for the installation.
Can I Install a Skylight Myself?
Installing a skylight in a roof is a job for a professional or a very advanced DIYer. The following steps show a typical pro installation, which can be informative for planning purposes, but instructions will vary. Homeowners shouldn't attempt this project without first consulting a licensed professional. Check local building codes — a permit or an inspection may be required, so factor this into your planning and preparation time if you are experienced enough to complete the project on your own.
If you're going to work on the roof, use a fall-protection system, with equipment such as a harness, lanyard, roof anchor and lifeline. Follow all instructions for use and safety.
Install a Skylight in Your Home
Here’s an overview of the most important steps for installing a skylight.
Step 1: Plan Where to Place the Skylight
Plan where in the interior of the building the skylight will be installed. Before cutting any part of the roof system, check local codes regarding removal of any structural portions and determine the skylight framing requirements.
For proper water evacuation, choose the correct style of skylight for the pitch of the roof and for where it’ll be installed. If the pitch of the roof is less than a ratio of 3-to-12, use a curb-mounted skylight. If the pitch is above a ratio of 3-to-12, use a deck-mounted skylight.
Step 2: Locate and Mark the Rafters
Once the placement for the skylight has been determined, locate the rafters with a stud finder and mark the locations between the rafter base for the rough opening.
Step 3: Create a Rough Opening
Cut the drywall along the marks for the rough opening to expose the inside of the ceiling. Remove any insulation between the exposed rafters. If there is an additional rafter in the middle of the rough opening, now is the time to remove it.
Step 4: Outline the Skylight Framing
Using the dimensions of the selected skylight, frame the rough opening for it. Once the rough opening for the skylight has been framed, drive a screw into each of the corners of the opening. Use a screw long enough to entirely penetrate the roof so that the outline of the frame can be easily found.
Step 5: Prepare the Roof
Remove all the shingles inside of and 6 to 12 inches outside of the screws that are marking the skylight frame. Using a chalk line and the screws as a guide, snap a line to mark the opening for the skylight. Remove the screws once the outline has been made on the roof.
Step 6: Cut an Opening
Using a circular saw and the outline as a guide, cut out the opening for the skylight. Be sure to secure the portion of the roof that's being cut out so that it doesn’t fall inside. Cut away the roofing underlayment 6 inches on all sides of the opening. This will provide space for the ice-and-water shield to adhere directly to the decking around the opening.
Step 7: Install the Skylight
Remove the cladding from the skylight by pulling the sides and bottom away from the skylight. Now place the skylight over the opening and center it, using the notches on the skylight as a guide. Once the skylight is centered over the opening, nail it into place through the flange, using the provided nails.
Step 8: Install the Ice-and-Water Shield
Measure and cut the ice-and-water shield at least 6 inches from each corner of the skylight. Starting at the bottom of the skylight, install the ice-and-water shield. Make sure that the ice-and-water shield runs up the frame of the skylight. Cut a relief slit in the corners and wrap them round the side of the skylight and flat across the roof. Follow the same process to install the ice-and-water shield on the sides and then finish with the top.
Step 9: Add the Sill and Step Flashing
Install the bottom row of shingles and then place the sill flashing at the bottom edge of the skylight, overlapping the bottom row of shingles. Secure this with roofing nails. Once the sill flashing has been secured, start interweaving flashing and shingles all the way up on both sides, from the bottom to the top. If the final piece of step flashing is too long, cut it to fit.
If a solar-powered venting skylight has been installed, now is the time to connect the solar panel to the body of the skylight.
After the step flashing and the shingles have been installed all the way up both sides, replace the cladding around the body of the skylight.
With the cladding in place, install the saddle flashing around the top of the skylight. Be sure to fit this over the cladding. Interweave another piece of the ice-and-water shield under the cut piece of underlayment above and then place it over the top of the saddle flashing. Now finish shingling the rest of the roof above the skylight.
Step 10: Sync the Skylight
If a solar-powered venting skylight has been installed, sync the remote to the skylight. Syncing the skylight while still on the roof will make the skylight easier to access if the ceilings are high or if it's in a difficult place to reach from the inside.
Step 11: Repair the Drywall
Return inside and place any removed pieces of insulation back into any open space in the rough opening around the skylight frame. Once the insulation has been replaced, it’s time to repair the drywall.
Step 12: Install the Screen
If a solar-powered venting skylight has been installed and the drywall has been finished and painted, install the screen into place in the skylight.