Installing a skylight is a great way to add natural light and ventilation to your home. And, if you are considering adding a VELUX skylight to your home, you may be wondering what you can expect from the installation process. Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect from a skylight installation and how to find a VELUX Certified Skylight Installer for your project.

VELUX Skylight Installation

The installation process is relatively easy and straightforward and happens in two phases, the exterior and interior. 

Phase 1: Exterior

The exterior, or rooftop part of a skylight installation, is where most of the work occurs for your contractor. It involves cutting a hole in the roof, fitting the skylight, then waterproofing and flashing the unit.

Phase 2: Interior

The interior phase of the installation includes building the drywall work to ensure that natural light will be evenly dispersed throughout the space then painting over any affected areas. This may include building a light well and flaring.

A qualified installer will be able to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Once the skylight is installed, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light and fresh air for years to come.
 

How long does the installation process take? 

The process can vary in complexity and time depending on the type of ceiling you have and the type of skylight you wish to install. Depending on what kind of skylight and where you want to install it, the process can take anywhere from half a day to three days. 

General steps for installing a standard fixed skylight on a roof

Although the concept of installing a skylight seems simple, there are many methodical steps an installer takes to ensure that your skylight is leakproof and will last a long time. Here are the general steps you can expect during a VELUX Fixed Skylight installation. 

• Carefully mark and cut an opening in the roof
• Apply a layer of roof sheathing along the perimeter of the opening 
• Place the skylight in the opening
• Seal the sides with a waterproof adhesive 
• Replace roof shingles and apply metal flashing around the sides to prevent leaks
• Repair the drywall on the interior of the house and paint it over as needed 

Again, installing a skylight comes with many variations depending on the type of roof and skylight, but this gives you an idea of the installation process for a fixed skylight.

How To Measure a Skylight for Your Space

The addition of natural light into your home brought by a skylight will transform a room while also having a significant effect on your home’s temperature during the summer and winter months. That’s why properly measuring a skylight can help prevent energy efficiency problems in your home.

The industry standard for a new in-home skylight is typically 5% of your floor space for rooms that already have a lot of windows and 15% of your floor space for a room that does not have many windows. Abiding by these measurements helps keep your space as energy-efficient as possible while enabling you to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air that a skylight offers.

• Using a tape measurer, calculate the square footage of your floor by multiplying the length and width. 
• If your room is dark with few windows, multiply the square footage of your floor by .15 (15%) and if it has plenty of windows multiply by .5 (5%).
• The final number is the approximate square footage that your skylight should be for that space.

VELUX Skylight Measurement Example

Sally wants to install a skylight in her living room. She measures the length and width of her floor space which only has one window. Her length is 12ft x 18ft giving her square footage of 21616ft. To find the right size skylight, she takes her floor’s square footage of 216ft and multiplies it by the industry standard of 15%. 216 x .15 = 32sqft. Now Sally knows that to have an energy-efficient space she needs a skylight measuring approximately 32sqft to fill her dark living room with natural light.

Need help determining the right VELUX skylight for your home? 

Reach out to one of our Trusted Advisors for a free virtual consultation. 

Is it hard to install a VELUX Skylight?

Properly installing a VELUX skylight is not an easy task. Although it may be tempting, we highly recommend against attempting to install a skylight on your own. Unless you have advanced DIY skills, it is best to work with a certified skylight installer as proper installation requires advanced roofing and carpentry skills for new skylight cut-ins. 

Entrusting your skylight installation to professionals is the best way to guarantee that it complies with all local building codes, remains weathertight over time, and is eligible for the manufacturer’s warranty in the event of any issues during or after installation.

Work with a VELUX Certified Skylight Installer

Ready to brighten up your living space with a VELUX skylight? Find a VELUX Certified Skylight Installer near you that can help you select the perfect skylight for your home and install it quickly and efficiently. With a VELUX Certified Installer, you can be sure the job will be done right.