How to Replace a Skylight

 

Even a small skylight can bring in a large amount of light into a room, making it appear larger and brighter. As long as it is working well, it is a blessing. However, when it starts giving problems like leaking, broken or damaged glass that limits the entry of sunlight, jammed hinges, etc. the blessing becomes a curse.

If there is a leak, the skylight must be replaced. When it becomes dirty, scarred, or damaged, the process happens slowly and often goes unnoticed for a long time. The occupants of the house may not realize how it is ruining the look of their home, but visitors will, although they will be too polite to mention it.

Read Also: The Pros and Cons of Skylights

The bottom line is that a home cannot afford to have a damaged or worn skylight. Repairing a skylight is never a viable option – not only is it not cost-effective but the life of the unit after the repair is also typically short. The best thing to do, to protect the house and keep it looking good, is to replace the skylight.

Skylight Replacement – The Basics

• Get all the information you can on skylight replacement so that you know everything that is involved in the project.

• Ensure that you remain safe while on the roof.

• Get all the installation supplies you will need.

• Check to see if the area around the skylight has suffered any wear or damage and requires repairs. If so, all this must be done before the new skylight is installed.

• Reframe the opening, if it is required – it usually is.

• Slip in the underlayment

• Install a bottom and step flashing

• Install the solid flashing pieces.

• If the skylight is a motorized one, complete all the connections and try it out.

• Check for any aesthetic issues that mar the look of the skylight and fix them.

If this sounds complicated and terms like underlayment, flashing, etc. are strange to you, perhaps you should not be doing the job. Skylight replacement is not something you want to learn as you go along. There are too many problems that could arise and damage not just the new skylight but also the roof of your house.

Read Also: When Skylights Become Worn-Out

Replacing a skylight is not a DIY project. The risks of damage to the skylight, improper installation, and injury are too great to make it worthwhile. Opting for professional replacement is far better. If you are living in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact a skylight dealer in Santa Clara that represents the leading manufacturer of skylights. This is where you will find the best quality, the latest functional features, an installation that will not cause you any problems in the future. You will have a skylight your family will enjoy for many years to come. You could also ask the dealer about solar attic fans in Santa Clara in case you want to increase the ventilation of your home to complement the skylight replacement project.