You can purchase a skylight by reaching out to a skylight installer and having them help you determine the right size, accessories, and placement, or you can purchase one yourself through an authorized skylight dealer.
Different Ways to Buy a Skylight
Through a Roofer or Skylight Installer
Choosing to work with a professional for your skylight journey involves a skylight installer or general roofer to come to your home and work with you on design, planning, and pricing. Ideally, the installer will have your desired skylight in stock and can quickly install it. Otherwise, they will have to order it from the manufacturer.
When looking for which installer to go with for your skylight project, check to see if they are certified for building and installing in your area. Some roofers who have been certified by certain skylight manufacturers may have undergone specific training from the skylight brand to install their specific skylights. Generally, a skylight installer is your best option for ensuring that your skylight is installed properly and won’t leak in the future.
Unlike a general roofer or contractor, skylight installers will typically have more inventory in house and may not need to order parts from a manufacturer.
Through an Authorized Dealer
Buying your skylight through an authorized dealer such as Lowes, Home Depot, and others is a great option if you plan on installing the skylight yourself. Typically, authorized dealers are staffed by knowledgeable employees that can help you answer any questions you may have on the install process.
Authorized Skylight Dealers
- Lowes
- Home Depot
- ABC Supply
- Amazon
- Roofing4US
- Skylights For Less
How to Buy the Right Skylight for 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 your skylight should be for that space.
Installer or DIY, Which Buying Method is Best?
Here are some pros and cons to think about when choosing to buy your skylight through an installer or by yourself through an authorized dealer.
Installer
Pros:
- Professional installation of your skylight
- Skylights are less likely to leak
- More robust warranty protection
- Less time consuming than DIY
- Professional insight on placement, size, and design
Cons:
- More expensive labor cost than DIY
- Contractors coming in and out of your home
DIY
Pros:
- Cheaper overall installation
- Can be installed on your own time
Cons:
- Skylights are more likely to leak
- Requires tools and advanced knowledge of roofing and carpentry
- Warranty coverage may be voided
- Time-consuming installation
Unless you have advanced DIY skills, it is best to purchase your skylight through a professional skylight installer or contractor and have them install it for you.
