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Installing Skylights on Flat Roofs: Illuminating Your Home with Natural Light

December , 2023 | 7 min. read

By Macie LaCau

skylight view from flat roof

Have you ever envisioned the transformative impact a skylight could have on your home? Picture the soft, natural light flowing from your ceiling. Brightening every corner of your room and making colors come alive. Skylights provide steady light all day, unlike regular windows that rely on the sun's position.

At RoofCrafters, we understand the allure and functionality of skylights. We have installed skylights on different roofs for 30 years. We have also seen how skylights can make a room bright and welcoming. Skylights are important for improving your home's appeal and ambiance in today's design trends.

Now, let's address the practical aspect of skylight installation. Focusing on homes with flat roofs. Oh, you are not alone! Many people wonder if they can install a skylight on a flat roof. Flat roofs pose unique challenges for modifications and repairs, including skylight installation.

In this article, we'll dive into the specifics of skylight installation on flat roofs. You'll gain insight into the possibilities and considerations. Whether skylights are even a viable option for your flat roof. Hopefully, it will empower you to make an informed decision about enhancing your home with natural light. Ready to discover the potential of skylights for your flat roof? Let's get started!

 

Skylight Installation on Flat Roofs: Exploring the Possibilities

 

Yes, skylights can be installed on flat roofs. Skylights are known for their versatility and can be placed on any home, ranging from modern designs to contemporary houses with peaked roofs. There are a lot of skylight options to browse through. How do you know which skylights suit flat roof types?

skylight view

VELUX, a company specializing in skylight products, is America's most sought-after skylight enterprise. They make a variety of high-quality skylights, including options made exclusively for flat roof types! They're a great place to start when it comes to flat roof skylight installation.

So, now that you know skylights are an option for flat roofing, we should let you in on which options are best suited for them. Not every type of skylight will be a good fit for your flat roof, and you'll discover why below. 

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Choosing the Right Skylights for Flat Roofs: Overcoming Water Pooling Challenges

 

There are a couple of issues that can occur with skylights that are placed on flat roofs. The main problem is rainwater collecting on top. Pooling water on a skylight will potentially cause costly water leakage, leading to even more issues. 

ponding water on a flat roof off the back of a home

Because of this potential inconvenience, your installer can choose an option made with curved glass, or they can build the curb at an angle to allow the water to run off the skylight. Below is an overview of each type compatible with flat roofing to help you brainstorm which may be the best fit for your home. 

Roof Access Skylights: Dual Functionality and Aesthetic Appeal 

 

Roof access skylights are known for pleasing the eye and brightening spaces with natural sunlight's luminescence. Providing access to your roof, you can allow fresh, filtered air through the ventilation flap. 

roof access skylight

This design features a polycarbonate dome and a 60-degree opening angle. Also, offering a "no leak guarantee," you won't have to worry about the elements making their way into your home! The price of a new roof access skylight ranges from $3250 to $4,650

Bubble Skylights for Flat Roofs: Innovative Design for Leak Prevention

 

This type of skylight is a unique design that was created to transform virtually any space with natural light. Its design allows rainwater to run smoothly off its curvetech glass or polycarbonate dome, preventing leaks.  

bubble skylight on a shingle roof

Bubble skylights stand out, offering a modern look and feel. Because of their maintenance-free design, there's no need to clean the glass surface regularly, while toughened glass makes them stand firm against damage. The price for this particular skylight can range from $1,150 to $2,750, depending on what material and size you choose from. 

Vented Skylights: Enhancing Airflow and Natural Light

 

Vented skylights offer a combination of natural illumination and improved air circulation. Which makes them an excellent choice for flat roofs. These skylights open, either manually or through motorized systems, allowing fresh air to flow into your home. This feature is particularly beneficial for areas that need regular ventilation.

vented skylight on an asphalt shingle roof

The Dual Benefits of Vented Skylights

  1. Natural Ventilation: Vented skylights provide an effective way to exchange indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This natural ventilation helps in reducing the reliance on artificial cooling systems. .
  2. Enhanced Lighting: Vented skylights flood your space with natural light. Brightening your room's interior and creating a more inviting atmosphere.

Whether it's a cozy reading nook, a bustling kitchen, or a serene bathroom, vented skylights can transform any room. If your flat roof could use an upgrade in both lighting and ventilation, vented skylights might be the perfect addition to your home. The average price range of a vented skylight is $2,250 to $4,300.

 

Fixed Skylights: Timeless Design for Versatile Illumination

 

This design is timeless and clean-cut, allowing light to pour in with a sky view. Whether your space is a game room, work area, or even a bathroom, this is a design that works for everything. VELUX fixed skylights are made with clean, quiet, and safe glass and offer a "no leak promise."

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The fixed skylight is the most popular of the skylight options. They come in many sizes and can be made to fit a custom opening. Prices for a new fixed skylight range from $1,900 to $4,200

Related Article:  What You Need To Know About Skylights

VELUX TCR Sun Tunnel: Modern Design Meets Natural Illumination

 

With a crisp, circular design, the VELUX TCR Sun Tunnel is designed to add a ray of natural light to any part of your home. These are made to capture light through a high-impact dome on the roof, sending it through a highly reflective tunnel. From there, pure natural light is transmitted with no color shift. If you're looking for an option that's modern and functions like a dream, this one may be perfect for you.

sun-tunnel-TGR

Featuring an adjustable pitch adapter, tunnel installation enables more light to be captured. Another fantastic feature of this skylight is its Flexi Loc System. It's a tunnel connection system that cuts tunnel installation time in half, displaying reflective tunnels that deliver high-quality daylight. Prices for the VELUX TCR Sun Tunnel range from $950 to $2,150, depending on what size you choose. 

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Evaluating Skylight Options for Your Flat Roof

 

Skylights can transform your living space. The addition of natural light can unify and enhance your home's interior. Offering benefits like improved air quality and potential energy savings. Skylights can make your home look better and function better by adding light.

But, choosing the right skylight for your flat roof can involve several considerations. It's important to understand how different skylights interact with the dynamics of a flat roof.

If you find yourself excited yet uncertain about which skylight is the best fit for your home. Professional guidance is available. Licensed roofers can provide the expertise and insights to help streamline your decision. When searching for a roofer, take the time to do thorough research to ensure they align with your specific needs and expectations.

Are you ready to explore the possibilities of skylights for your flat roof? RoofCrafters is here to assist you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out to our team for personalized advice and support. Our learning center also offers a wealth of resources to further your understanding of roofing. We’re committed to helping you make informed decisions for your home's roofing needs.

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Macie LaCau

I'm a native Georgian who spends my days nurturing my passions and embracing the quiet life. With a penchant for taking the road less traveled, I love discovering new ideas, rooting for the underdog, and taking the long way home. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, animals, and making memories.