How to Install Skylights in Your Two-Story Home

Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home. They add brightness, warmth, and even an illusion of extra space by connecting rooms to the outdoors. They’re especially impactful in a two-story house, where they can bring light to spaces that may otherwise feel dim or enclosed.

But how exactly does the installation process work? What steps do you need to follow to add a skylight to your two-story home? Here’s what the Solatube team recommends:

1. Decide What Type of Skylight You Want
   The first step in your skylight project is to determine where you want to install your skylight and what type will work best for that location. Knowing the room or area that needs more light will guide you in choosing between traditional skylights and tubular skylights.

   Traditional Skylights

   Traditional skylights are the classic choice, offering a larger window on the roof that lets in natural light, creates visual openness, and provides a view of the sky above. In a two-story home, traditional skylights can work well in large spaces where you want to make a dramatic statement, like the kitchen, living room, or primary bedroom.

   Tubular Skylights

   Tubular skylights, otherwise known as sun tunnels, are compact skylights that are designed for smaller spaces or areas where a traditional skylight may not fit. They work by capturing sunlight through a small dome on the roof and then channeling it down through a reflective tube to a diffuser on your ceiling.
   In a two-story property, tube skylights are ideal for spaces that don’t have direct roof access, like hallways, closets, bathrooms, and stairwells.

2. Measure and Plan the Skylight Opening
   Once you have chosen the type of skylight and its location, it’s time to measure and plan the skylight opening. Start by marking the spot on your ceiling where you want the light to shine through.For tubular skylights, keep the area compact, as these skylights are designed to fit in small spaces. For traditional skylights, you’ll have more flexibility with size, but make sure to account for the room’s proportions and lighting needs.If possible, use masking tape to outline the dimensions of the skylight on the ceiling. This visual guide will help you see how the skylight will fit within the room, so you can adjust before making any cuts.
3. Prepare Your Roof and Cut the Opening
   After deciding on your skylight location and measurements, it’s time to move on to the actual installation. Begin by preparing your roof. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and protective gear, including a stable ladder.Start from the inside, cutting an initial opening in the ceiling. Then, go up to the roof and cut out the roofing material according to the skylight’s size, being careful to avoid any roof beams or other structural elements.This process may require lifting or temporarily securing shingles around the skylight area. Keeping everything tidy will make it easier to seal the skylight later.
4. Install the Skylight Frame
   Now that the openings are prepared, you can install the skylight frame, which secures the skylight to the roof and ensures a tight, leak-proof fit. Place the frame within the opening, making sure it’s level and correctly aligned with the ceiling opening. Then, secure the frame to the roof with screws or nails.Next, install flashing around the edges to prevent water from leaking in. Overlap the flashing pieces properly and use roofing cement as needed for additional waterproofing. Ensuring a tight seal is especially important for traditional skylights, as they are typically larger and more exposed than tubular options.
5. Install the Skylight and Interior Trim
   With the frame secured and waterproofed, you’re ready to install the skylight itself. Carefully position the skylight in the frame. Ensure that it sits snugly in place to avoid any air or water leaks.Once the skylight is mounted, return to the interior and install trim around the ceiling opening. This finishing touch will create a polished, seamless appearance and help the skylight blend with the room’s decor.
6. Add the Final Touches
   After the skylight is installed, take time to inspect and finalize the details. Clean the skylight glass to make sure it’s clear and free from dust or fingerprints. Check that all flashing is secure and that there are no gaps in the roof or ceiling.

With these final touches, your skylight installation is complete, and you can enjoy the new brightness and warmth in your home.

Expert Installation from an Experienced Skylight Company

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the prospect of installing a skylight on your own? No worries! Our experienced team can install your new traditional or tubular skylights on your behalf. We have fitted thousands of skylights over the years, and we can finish most jobs in just a few hours. Find your local Solatube dealer today!