subject: How To Install Your Very Own Skylight [print this page] Skylight is a term used for a leak-free glass window installed on the roof, usually at the attic, to provide natural lighting in a room. Unlike ordinary windows, it is permanently fixed and inclined parallel with the roof. This is a good architectural feature for residential houses because of its aesthetic appeal and functionality.
There are two ways of installing a skylight; one is by designing and constructing it with the roofing and the other is by constructing it on existing roofing. Both follow the same principle of construction, but the latter is more difficult, as it requires dismantling of the ceiling before actual installation.
Several places in the country, such as Omaha City in Nebraska, have houses designed with or renovated for a skylight. Regardless of the presence of a pre-existing ceiling, installation requires systematic job to prevent common side effects, such as leaks. Weather must also be considered before and upon construction, because a window-sized hole will be drawn from the ceiling.
After deciding on where to put the skylight, the proper size of the hole must be carefully measured. If it is located in the attic, the sill must be between 38 to 44 inches above the floor. Using a drywall saw, cut through the ceiling and remove the drywall and the insulation to provide ample space for the skylight. Most professionals in roofing Omaha use a reciprocating saw to cut even the rafters that crosses the space.
After the hole is made, it is time to install the skylight glass. Skylight glass is usually supported by a tight metal framing. Experts in roofing Omaha recommend installing the glass from the outside, as it will not be pressed down to level with the roof. Fasten the frame along the sides before putting the flashing.
After fixing it from the outside, secure it further from the inside so that sashes will be removed and that a header can hide the rough framing. Finally, finish the viewing area using plywood strips placed adjacently to make it look good when varnished or painted. This makes roofing Omaha, NE modifications quite a unique and worthwhile activity.
