Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth Skylight Installation

Deciding to add a skylight to your home is an exciting step toward creating a brighter, more inviting space. But before you start, it’s essential to consider a few factors to ensure a smooth installation that enhances your home’s design and functionality. 

From choosing the right placement to understanding installation methods, each decision plays a role in how much light and style a skylight will bring to your space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through key steps for a successful skylight installation that transforms your room with natural light.

VELUX Venting or Fixed Skylight Installation

Step 1: Initial Consultation with a Certified Installer

Before you schedule a skylight installation, you must consult a certified skylight installer. During this meeting, they will look at your home and roof structure and determine which skylight options—fixed, venting, or tubular––best suit your needs. They'll also walk you through placement options and skylight accessories, like shades, remote controls, and other smart home features you can use to maximize functionality.

Learn More: Flat Ceiling? No problem! There’s A Skylight for Every Ceiling

Step 2: Protecting the Interior Space

Before your skylight installation begins, your installers will carefully prepare the area to ensure everything is protected. This may involve covering furniture, flooring, and other surfaces in the room where the skylight will be installed, as well as sealing off the room to prevent dust from spreading into the rest of the home.

Step 3: Marking and Cutting the Skylight Opening

Once everything is prepped, your installer will mark the exact location for your skylight. They’ll then cut an opening in your roof or ceiling where the skylight will be placed. During this step, any shingles or tiles in the installation area will also be removed.

Related: Top 3 reasons to replace your skylight when re-roofing

Step 4: Preparing the Exterior

The next step depends on the type of skylight you are installing. For curb-mounted skylights, your installer will need to build a curb around the opening where the skylight will rest. First, they will head off the rafters to provide support for your new skylight. Then, they will build the curb outside of the rough opening and wrap it with underlayment, the first layer of protection to ensure a weathertight seal.

For deck-mounted skylights, your installer will also support the skylight by heading off the rafters and then placing the skylight into the opening. 

During this step, installers will also add the flashing system around the skylight to create a weathertight seal and protect your home from the elements. If you are installing a VELUX Electric “Fresh Air” venting skylight, an electrician will need to make a single-wire connection to power the skylight.

Step 5: Finishing the Interior

Once your skylights have been installed, your installer will move on to the interior of your home. They will install the drywall and trim, if used, and paint the surrounding area. In general, for standard projects, you can expect the interior work to take about half a day to complete.

Step 6: Final Inspection and Clean-Up

After the skylight installation is complete, the installer will perform a final inspection to ensure the skylight is sealed correctly and make sure that any added features are functioning. As soon as the installation is complete, they will clean the installation area and move any moved furniture back to where it was.

During this time, your installer will also walk you through skylight operation and care, so you’ll know how to maintain your skylight for years to come. All you have to do now is register your new skylights to stay up-to-date on VELUX product news.

VELUX Sun Tunnel® Skylight Installation

If you are adding VELUX Sun Tunnel skylights to your home, the installation is slightly different. Let’s walk through the process so you know what to expect. 

Step 1: Initial Consultation with a Certified Installer

Just like with the venting or fixed skylight installation, you will need to meet with your installer to discuss the details of your Sun Tunnel installation. During this initial consultation, they will help you determine if a rigid or flexible Sun Tunnel skylight is best for your home. Typically, this will depend on your attic space and if there are any obstacles you must work around to install your new tubular skylight. Once the skylight placement, type, and number of skylights are determined, you can move on to installation. 

Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About VELUX Sun Tunnel® Skylights

Step 2: Attic Inspection 

First, the installer will go into your attic space to check the rafter locations and take measurements. This will allow them to mark where to cut the holes in the ceiling and roof.

Step 3: Cutting the Rooftop Opening 

As part of the installation process, the installer cuts a hole in the roof and installs the top collar, tunnel portion, lens, and flashing.

Step 4: Interior Work 

The last step of the skylight installation includes the installer cutting a hole in the ceiling to install the lower section of the reflective tunnel, connecting the two openings, and sealing the seams of the sun tunnel.

They will then finish the installation by adding the diffuser and trim ring, as well as any accessories you have chosen, such as a solar night light or decorative diffuser.

And just like that, your new Sun Tunnel skylight is installed and you can start enjoying the bright benefits of natural light in your home. Typically, this installation process takes only 90 minutes per Sun Tunnel––making it a quick way to add natural light to any space! 

Don’t forget to register your new Sun Tunnel skylights to stay up-to-date with new accessories and maintenance tips.

Discover VELUX-Certified Skylight Installers in Your Area

If you are looking for a skylight installer to help you with your daylighting project, take a look at our Installer Locator. With this collection of trusted skylight installers, you can easily find skilled professionals to help you transform your home.

To find skylight installers near you and begin enjoying all the benefits of your new VELUX skylights click the button below.