| By: Alyssa Davis |
Safety First
When installing a skylight, always put safety above all else. You will need to venture into the attic rafters, onto the roof and be comfortable on a ladder. Make sure that you wear eye protection, as well as, heavy work gloves to prevent cuts. Sturdy boots and a steady hand will also make the job go much more smoothly and safely.
Location, Location, Location
When choosing the location of the skylight, keep in mind the location of the other aspects of the bathroom. Do you really want an unfiltered skylight over the toilet or shower? Probably not, but a tube skylight that is filtered would probably work out well. Also, keep in mind the electrical outlets and wiring in the room. A skylight hole cut too near an exhaust fan may interfere with electrical cords running through the ceiling. Once you have determined where you would like the skylight to be, use a stud finder to check for the feasibility of the location. A tube skylight should be centered directly between two ceiling studs to make sure that it is sturdy. If the location that you have chosen is not situated between studs, move it slightly to accommodate the required support.
Rafter and Roof Issues
Before starting to cut away at the hole in the bathroom ceiling, venture to the attic to make sure that the location you have chosen will also work within the confines of the attic rafters and roof. The skylight opening on the roof will have to be directly above the opening in the bathroom, so you want to check that it is not at the juncture of two roof points or along a seam. It is important to check this out early on in the location process, as it will save time and hassle later on. Once you cut away at your roof's shingles, you are committed to either placing the skylight in that location or doing extensive repairs on your roof. It is better to check and re-check before starting to cut. For more detailed information on how to install the skylight in your bathroom, read the manufacturer's directions, visit their website and call their customer help line if needed. Asking at the local home improvement store or place where you purchased the skylight is also a good idea. It is important to have a firm understanding of what you need to do and how it needs to be done before you even touch your saw.
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Why is my skylight leaking? A leaky skylight causes relatively minimal damage in the short term, however over the long term this damage can become significant!
If there are no obvious signs of skylight damage, consider the possibility that the problem is actually located at another part of the roof.
Most roof leaks caused by bad flashing can be identified before they occur. If you have a roof leak you may want to check the flashing yourself or have a professional roofer to look it over.
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