Skylight installation means opening the roof deck, framing the hole, and rebuilding every layer back in order. Ice-and-water shield laps up the curb first, then synthetic underlayment, then shingle woven around the opening.
We fit fixed skylights, vented skylights, solar-powered blinds, and sun tunnels, choosing VELUX or Solatube units sized to the room below. One well-placed unit is often enough to light a stairwell all afternoon.
Mid-century ranch and split-level homes from the 1950s-1970s usually have a dark central hallway that a skylight fixes for less than running new wiring. Daylight also trims the electric bill, and solar-powered blinds mean no new circuits to chase.
In our climate, flashing fails before glass does. Step flashing and counter-flashing at the curb, plus sealant rated for freeze-thaw, keeps a Nor'easter outside. Units have to meet New Jersey building code for insulation around the shaft.
We replace any rotted sheathing we find, because a soft roof deck will sag under the weight of a curb. If the surrounding shingle is near end-of-life, we tell you that too, and we waterproof the opening the same day.
