Skylights Installation Guide for Calgary AB DIY Homeowners

Having an excellent thumb for DIY work is a laudable characteristic. However, DIY is never easy especially if you're planning a skylights installation. These windows are heavy yet extremely fragile -- an error in handling or installation will shorten its lifespan and performance. However, install them perfectly, and you'll end up with a naturally-lit home with excellent brightness.

Excited to get started? Home Tips has excellent instruction moving forward with skylights installation procedures. Read all about it below.

How to Install a Skylight

In This Article:

• Planning Skylight Installation
• Installation Supplies
• Step-by-Step Skylight Installation

A window on the roof lets in significantly more light than a vertical window, so even a small skylight can make a room feel larger and airier.

When planning a skylight installation, be sure to take into consideration the sun’s path. Skylights on the south- or west-facing portion of the roof will collect direct sun—skylights facing north or east may not get any direct sunlight.

Any skylight that receives direct sunlight is bound to become a heat trap on hot days. So, if you intend to install a skylight facing south or west, be sure you plan ways to control heat gain. Some manufacturers sell remote-controlled shades or Venetian blinds for their skylights—opting for these would be one way to minimize the problem. Another is to choose a ventilating skylight that can be opened to allow hot air to escape. For more, see Skylights Buying Guide and Skylight Blinds & Shades.

Keep in mind one important fact: If you want to install a skylight in a room that has an attic above, you’ll need to build a light shaft.

Types of Light Shafts

Framing for a light shaft that will funnel light from the roof to the room below is built in this attic. When the framing is finished, drywall will be added.

Framing for a light shaft that will funnel light from the roof to the room below is built in this attic. Now that the framing is finished, drywall is being added to the interior side of the light shaft.

The shape of a light shaft controls the spread of the natural light beam. A shaft that’s flared on all four sides spreads light over the widest area; a perpendicular shaft with vertical sides focuses the light straight below. A shaft flared on only one or two sides sends more light in the direction of the flared sides.

Planning Skylight Installation

Be sure any skylight you intend to install will meet local codes for load, wind resistance, and related factors. Building permits are required for installation in most regions.

Sizing and placing a roof window in an attic room so that it captures a view calls for careful planning. The roof’s slope will affect proper placement. A low-sloping roof will require a taller window than a steeper roof for the same amount of view. Manufacturers of roof windows have charts that list recommendations based on the slope of the roof.

Installation Supplies (Read Full Post Here)

True enough, even veteran skylights installation professionals in Calgary AB know that skylights aren't exactly the easiest materials to handle. In fact, even professionals commit errors that ultimately affect the lifespan and durability of these materials. Luckily, you can avoid these problems because Trusted Pros has a good checklist to keep it in check -- read more about it here.

Errors to Avoid when Dealing with Skylights

Skylights are one of the most beautiful and useful elements you can add to a home. Not only do they provide light and thereby cut down on utility bills, but they lend a lighter feel to areas of your home that would otherwise feel heavier and darker.

Adding a skylight is one of the most popular home improvement projects out there. The variety of skylights amazes most homeowners, and the benefits are also a wonderful surprise. However, like any other home improvement project, a skylight installation project can go wrong in several different ways. In addition, skylight maintenance mistakes can turn these small windows into small disasters.

Thankfully, avoiding these mistakes is easy, whether you're tackling this project on a DIY basis or simply performing routine maintenance. Here, we'll review the most commonly made skylight mistakes. We'll cover mistakes made by homeowners and professionals alike, so you can be aware of potential errors and alert your contractor if you see them being made.

Poor Placement Choices

One of the biggest initial mistakes made during the skylight installation process is choosing a location which simply can't accommodate a skylight. Often, homeowners only look at the interior of their home when making this decision. Perhaps there's a long, dark hall in your home that would look great with the addition of some natural sunlight. This sounds like a great location for a skylight, but what's above the ceiling?

It's essential to check your home's structure before making any final plans. Before you fall in love with the idea of a skylight in a particular area, check to ensure that there are no pipes or wires running directly above it which could interfere with installation. You don't want to be changing things like plumbing and electrical work simply to accommodate a skylight. It's possible in some cases, but it usually turns out to be far more trouble than its worth.

Ideally, you should get up in your attic and scout potential locations from a different perspective. A simple map will allow you to make notes of good, clear areas to put a skylight. Then, you can take your map downstairs and see which of these areas you like best. This avoids the mistake of falling in love with the idea of a skylight in a certain area, only to learn (often after hiring pros and purchasing materials) that it simply can't be done.

There is a specific type of skylight which is related to this issue. Many homeowners mistakenly think that an attic prevents the installation of skylights. This is untrue! Skylights can be cut into the attic ceiling and attached to tubes or shafts which direct the light down into your living space. Be sure to explore these options with a contractor before making a final decision.

Installing a Skylight in a Damaged Roof (Read Full Post)

With your skylights installation moving forward in the best way possible, you can definitely enjoy a brightly-lit home without spending a dime on electricity. However, to provide excellent upkeep on your skylights, it pays to know how to provide proper maintenance. Custom Installations has that laid out for you in this short but helpful article.

4 TIPS FOR SKYLIGHT MAINTENANCE

A skylight can be a wonderful way to let more light into the house while adding warmth to dark spaces throughout the interior. Like most other features of the home though skylights need regular maintenance to function properly while also extending the life of the unit. Follow these four tips to keep the natural light shining through these beautiful architectural features.

Regular Inspections

An annual inspection is important to maintaining a worry-free skylight that will last and can easily be tied into a roof inspection or chimney cleaning. The professional contractor will not only complete basic maintenance tasks like cleaning the glass but also check for signs of deterioration or other issues that may be occurring.

Leaky Skylights

A leaky skylight is not only irritating but could also be a sign of larger roof issues. If you are experiencing drips into the home, a certified professional should be hired to check both the roof and skylight unit. Leaks can be caused by a number of problems including excessive condensation, deteriorating roof shingles, and faulty flashing. If the skylight opens, the repairman will often first check that the unit is completely closed and then look for fractures within the weather sealing.

Cracks & Breaks (Read Full Post)

Now, you're all set to enjoy your new skylights! However, if this is quite overwhelming even for your passion to DIY skylights installation, you can call on professionals in Calgary AB to help you get the new skylights you've been looking forward to. No Payne Roofing is Calgary AB's top-tier skylights installation and overall roofing service. Contact us today for a free service quote!

Read Full Article Here: Skylights Installation Guide for Calgary AB DIY Homeowners

No Payne Roofing Inc.
44 Hawkcliff Pl NW,
Calgary, AB T3G 2S2, Canada
587-227-0517
https://goo.gl/maps/VogLjhuvPXYGWQfG9