However, the installation of skylights isn’t a simple home project. Before you go out to buy your own skylight to install, take a moment to read through these six key considerations.
For professional installations and expert advice that will ensure peace of mind, contact the team at Skylights WA today.
1. The Type, Size and Shape of Your Skylights
If you are researching DIY skylight installations, or skylights in general, some of the first questions you should be asking are around the type, size and shape of the skylight or skylights you have in mind.
There are a range of skylights available on the market, including fixed or non-opening skylights, ventilated skylights that can be opened, and tubular skylights (or solar tubes), which transfer sunlight inside a room using a tube-shaped duct. These options come in different shapes and sizes, and their installation requirements involve different levels of complexity.
For instance, skylights on the larger side may require complex carpentry work or other advanced structural requirements. Also, certain skylights – including motorised or solar-powered options – may require electrical work.
2. Location, Location, Location
At the same time you are considering the above, you should also be weighing up where in your home or business the skylight will be located. This placement can be as important as the actual skylight. Many spots won’t be suitable, and an ill-advised choice can create a range of issues, from poor performance to structural damage.
There are a number of questions to ask about the surrounding roof structure, sunlight exposure, and potential obstructions. For instance, will the area of the roof support the addition of a skylight? Are there any tricky ridges to work around, or water accumulation issues? How will the placement affect the amount of light and heat coming inside at various times of the year? And are there any nearby trees, chimneys, or other buildings that may stop the sun’s rays from getting into your skylight?
It often takes professional knowledge, skills and experience to navigate the considerations above and to pick the perfect skylight and location. But of course, the hard work doesn’t stop there.
3. Adequate Skills and Safety Precautions
The installation of skylights requires a solid understanding of carpentry and roofing, and electrical work in some instances. It will probably involve tasks such as cutting through the roof to make a hole for the skylight, sealing and waterproofing the skylight to prevent leaks, and potentially rerouting electrical wiring or plumbing. In most cases, working at a height and handling heavy materials and tools is required.
There are several needs to consider here in terms of both effectiveness and safety. Firstly, working ineffectively can cause a range of issues; you may even experience headaches on the day, for instance, if you’re running behind and the installation is taking longer than expected. You will either be forced to keep working at night when it’s dark or to leave your house exposed with a hole in the roof overnight.
Safety considerations are also paramount, as inadequate measures can heighten the risk of falls, injuries and other incidents. For example, inexperienced DIY installers may assume a skylight will bear their weight and will attempt to sit or stand on it, only for the skylight to give way, leading them to fall and be injured. Professional teams have policies and procedures in place to avoid safety issues wherever possible.
4. The Right Tools for the Job
Even if you have the adequate skills and expertise to carry out an installation, you won’t be ready without the right tools. Your toolkit may require a number of specialist items such as a roofing knife, circular saw, waterproofing and sealant products, a spirit level and measuring tape, and safety harnesses.
Without the right tools, or the level of knowledge and comfort needed to use the tools correctly, there is a heightened risk of injury or other issues.
5. The Time and Money Involved
It may seem like a DIY skylight installation will save you time and money, but it’s not always a fast process, or budget-friendly. Firstly, doing the job yourself will require significant time for planning, research and execution, especially if you lack experience and need to upskill or source equipment. You may also be more prone to making errors that take lots of time to fix.
It’s also more likely you will come across hidden costs, or have your costs snowball. For instance, if a mistake is made during installation, any resulting issues, like water leaks, may be expensive to address. You may also need to repair the skylight itself, or even replace it entirely – leading to pain for your wallet in the long term.
6. Codes, Warranties and Insurance
Finally, a huge advantage of outsourcing skylight installations to the experts is the fact you can outsource much of the paperwork and logistics required. You will receive assistance and advice regarding any building codes, regulations or permits required within your area. This is important, as a failure to comply can lead to fines or future complications if you choose to move.
It’s also important to consider any requirements regarding warranties from skylight manufacturers, as well as your home insurance policy. Many manufacturers may not offer a warranty if their product is being installed by non-certified professionals. Similarly, some insurance policies won’t cover any damage caused by DIY work.
What Can Go Wrong With DIY Installation?
In some instances, a DIY skylight installation is a viable option and can be rewarding. But it is never a beginner-level project. The work can be logistically difficult and physically demanding and poses certain dangers and risks.
Below are some of the most common issues caused by the improper placement, installation or waterproofing of skylights.
- Water leaks and damage to roofs, insulation or inside areas
- Damage to the structure of the building
- Energy inefficiency, particularly heat loss or gain. In addition to being less environmentally friendly, an energy-inefficient skylight may also lead to seasonal temperature issues and higher bills.
- Personal drawbacks, from loss of money and time to a heightened risk of injury.
We highly recommend turning to trusted professionals, especially if you are in any doubt about your level of skill and competency, or would like more certainty around your output of time, money and effort. From the planning stages through to installation, they will ensure the process is smooth and easy.
Trust in the Expertise of Our Professional Team
At Skylights WA, we assist clients with a wide range of natural daylight solutions, from standard ventilated skylights to custom architectural roof windows and more. Our experienced team can help you choose the perfect skylight for your home and business. They will also ensure the installation is safe, effective and timely.
Contact Skylights WA today to learn more about our lighting solutions and how we can help brighten your home or business.