Skylights instantly make you think of sophistication and elegance in a home. They can surely add that to any home if they’re put in correctly. If they aren’t, then they can quickly and easily become a costly liability. Make sure that you’ve done the following before venturing into the world of skylights. Also remember that this is a task too big to take on yourself, so be sure to consider all of your options.

Should You Install a Skylight in Your Ypsilanti Michigan Home?

Here at Ypsilanti Roofing Company we can install your skylight quickly and affordably. Since we offer roof services we also realize that installation that is correct is a must to prevent any type of leaks or water damage to your home. If you’re considering a skylight for your home be sure to call Ypsilanti Roofing Company today for a free estimate.

1. Look at Your Blueprints – A contractor should always take a look at the blueprints of your home when you consult to install skylights. You want to be sure that your planned skylights won’t interfere with electrical or plumbing as well as with any load bearing beams. You also want to be able to meticulously plan where the skylights will go for optimal sunlight in a particular room.

2. Use only Quality Materials – As with anything you put into your home, you truly get what you pay for. When considering adding a skylight, keep in mind that this is literally a window in your roof. You’ll want to go with only the best of materials to prevent any major issues from occurring. You’re going to put money into this, so be sure you are committed to doing so. You’ll want to choose energy efficient materials of great quality. Keep in mind this should increase your home’s value, not take away from it.

3. Rain can be a BIG deal – This should go without saying, but it’s important to understand that weather can really throw a wrench into roof work plans. If you contractor delays the skylight installation due to weather forecast, be understanding. You wouldn’t want the mess to clean up if your contractor were to attempt to install your skylights in the middle of a rainstorm.

4. Protect from Water – You’ll want to discuss material options with your contractor. Try to work towards using as many waterproof options as you can to protect your skylight and therefore your home from the rain. You don’t want water to collect or pool anywhere around the skylight, either, so be sure to use anything to help prevent this and plan the placement accordingly.

5. Measure Twice – This is always the first rule when it comes to home renovations. You should always measure everything and plan things out with your contractor so that the skylights are placed exactly as you wish. This way, also, you’ll know how much material is needed and where your costs are going.

6. Inside Out – It is recommended that skylights are started from the inside of the attic. This not only keeps the project safer for a longer amount of time, but also keeps things simpler. Your contractor should be aware of this and should know this makes for a better installation experience and end result.

7. Safety First – This is where making sure your contractor has the correct insurance and permits comes into play. A skylight installation is a tedious project spent mostly on the roof. If any accident were to happen, your contractor should have the appropriate insurance and protocol in place to claim liability. Failure to have the right insurance would make you as the homeowner liable for accidents, so that is something you want to avoid.

8. Remove Shingles – Shingles are made to be very durable. This makes them very hard to cut through, so it’s recommended that shingles are removed prior to trying to cut the space for the skylight. This is why it is imperative that you and your contractor have discussed the exact placement of a skylight prior to any work being done so that the shingles aren’t removed from the wrong place.

9. Drywall – Many may try to skip this step since it seems excessive and not necessary, but it’s important to remember than anything done should be done well. You’ll be pleased to know that you took this extra step to insulate and drywall the area around the skylights to help it look better and to make sure it’s extra watertight.

10. Ventilation – Some skylights are functional in that they are self-ventilating. They can open to allow better and more air flow through a room, so that could be an option to explore.

As with any home renovation project, especially a roofing one, it’s strongly suggested that you consult with a professional before proceeding. Roofing projects are not to be done on your own – you’ll more than likely cost yourself more in the long run.