What Skylight Installation Involves
Skylight installation is the process of cutting an opening through your roof deck, installing flashing and a curb frame, seating a skylight unit (fixed or vented), and sealing all edges with self-adhered membrane and sealant to create a watertight assembly. The work requires precise coordination between roofing and framing—your existing roof structure must support the opening, and the new skylight must integrate seamlessly with your existing shingles or membrane.
We use industry-standard curb-mounted skylights from manufacturers like VELUX and Solatube, which come with pre-engineered flashing kits designed for Florida's climate. Fixed skylights provide passive daylighting; vented skylights add ventilation control and solar-powered blinds reduce heat gain during summer months. Each type requires different flashing details and substrate preparation.
The installation process involves removing existing roofing material around the opening, installing a structural curb (typically 2×6 or 2×8 lumber), setting the skylight unit with ring-shank nails and self-adhered flashing tape, and then laying new shingles in staggered courses around the perimeter. Every nail hole, seam, and edge must be sealed to prevent water from wicking into the decking or attic cavity.
Signs You Need Skylight Installation or Repair
If you're considering adding a skylight, the signs are straightforward: you want more natural light in a specific room, or you're building an addition and want to avoid electrical lighting during daylight hours. If you already have a skylight, watch for active leaks during heavy rain, water stains on the ceiling around the frame, condensation buildup on the inside of the glass, or visible deterioration of the flashing where the skylight meets the roof. Central Florida's intense afternoon thunderstorms from May to October expose weak seals immediately—if water is seeping into your attic or dripping onto interior surfaces, the flashing or sealant has failed and needs restoration.
Older skylights installed before the 2000s often have single-pane glass and brittle rubber gaskets that crack in our heat and humidity. High humidity also causes algae and moss growth on the skylight frame itself, which traps moisture and accelerates decay. If your skylight is more than 20 years old, consider replacement with a modern, high-performance unit.
Our Skylight Installation Process
1. Site Assessment & Design: We inspect your roof structure, verify the opening location avoids rafters and electrical wiring, and confirm the skylight size and type match your needs. For vented skylights, we ensure proper attic ventilation pathways. We pull permits with Orange County if required and coordinate with your builder or contractor if you're in the middle of a renovation.
2. Roof Preparation: We remove existing shingles and underlayment around the opening area, exposing the roof deck. We then cut the opening to size, install a structural curb frame, and verify all edges are clean and dry. This step is critical—a weak curb or wet substrate causes the entire installation to fail.
3. Flashing & Sealing: We install the manufacturer's flashing kit, securing it with ring-shank nails and overlapping self-adhered membrane tape at all seams. We apply polyurethane sealant or silicone around the perimeter where the flashing meets the curb, creating a continuous moisture barrier. This is where craftsmanship separates a dry skylight from a leaking one.
4. Roof Restoration: We lay new shingles in staggered courses around the skylight, back-nailing the field course to the deck and face-nailing the starter course above the flashing. We ensure proper lap and overlap so water sheds away from the skylight opening. All fasteners are sealed and the roof is left clean with magnetic nail sweep and debris removal.
5. Final Inspection & Warranty Registration: We inspect the completed work, test the skylight for operation (if vented), and register the manufacturer warranty in your name. We provide you with documentation and care instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
Cost Considerations in Orlando
Skylight installation costs in Orlando range from $1,200 to $3,500 for a typical residential project, depending on skylight size (22×46 inches to 46×46 inches), type (fixed vs. vented), and roof complexity. Fixed skylights are less expensive ($1,200–$2,200) because they have no moving parts. Vented skylights with solar-powered blinds run $2,200–$3,500 due to motor and control integration. Roof pitch, existing shingle condition, and whether we need to repair decking or framing add to the final cost.
Most homeowners can expect labor to represent 50–60% of the total cost, with materials (skylight, flashing, shingles, sealant) making up the remainder. We provide a detailed written estimate before beginning work, with no hidden fees for permits or cleanup. If your insurance covers the skylight installation as part of a larger roof claim, we handle the paperwork coordination with your adjuster.
Warranty & Insurance
VELUX skylights carry a 10-year manufacturer defect warranty on the glass and frame, and Solatube units include similar coverage. Our labor carries a 5-year workmanship warranty on flashing and sealing—if the skylight leaks due to our installation error, we return at no charge to repair it. We also register your skylight with the manufacturer to activate the full warranty term.
If your skylight installation is part of a homeowners insurance claim (new roof, storm damage, etc.), we document the work with photos and provide itemized invoices that match your insurance estimate. We coordinate with your adjuster and ensure all work meets the terms of your policy.
Why Choose Orlando Top Roofers for Skylight Installation in Orlando?
We've installed and repaired skylights in Baldwin Park, College Park, Dr. Phillips, Winter Park, and Lake Nona—neighborhoods with 1980s concrete block ranches, 2000s Mediterranean-style villas, and historic 1950s Mid-Century bungalows, each with different roof structures and flashing requirements. Our crews understand Central Florida's intense afternoon thunderstorms and know how to seal a skylight so water stays out even when rain is driven sideways at 60 mph. We use only manufacturer-approved flashing kits and self-adhered membranes rated for our heat and humidity, not cheap alternatives that peel and fail. Every skylight we install includes a written warranty and manufacturer registration—you're not just getting a skylight, you're getting peace of mind that it will stay watertight for 20+ years.
Signs You Need Skylight Installation & Repair
Active Leaks During Heavy Rain
Water dripping or seeping around your skylight frame during thunderstorms means the flashing or sealant has failed. Central Florida's intense afternoon downpours expose weak seals immediately—the longer you wait, the more water wicks into your attic and decking.
Condensation Buildup on Glass
Moisture collecting on the inside of your skylight indicates poor ventilation or a seal failure allowing humid air into the frame cavity. High humidity in Orlando accelerates mold growth and wood decay around the skylight curb.
Water Stains on Ceiling or Attic
Yellow, brown, or black stains around the skylight opening signal water intrusion into the attic or interior walls. This damage can spread quickly in our climate and requires immediate restoration to prevent structural rot.
Algae or Moss on Skylight Frame
Green or black growth on the skylight frame and flashing traps moisture and accelerates sealant failure. Our high humidity causes rapid algae growth—cleaning alone won't fix the underlying seal problem.
Skylight Older Than 20 Years
Single-pane skylights and rubber gaskets from the 1990s and early 2000s become brittle in Florida's heat and UV exposure. Replacement with a modern, high-performance unit improves energy efficiency and eliminates chronic leak issues.
Want to Add Natural Light to a Dark Room
If you're considering a skylight for daylighting or an addition, we assess your roof structure, verify the opening location, and recommend fixed or vented skylights based on your ventilation and sun control needs.
What's Included
- ✓ Free roof inspection and skylight site assessment
- ✓ Structural evaluation of roof deck and curb requirements
- ✓ Permit coordination with Orange County
- ✓ Professional installation with manufacturer-approved flashing and self-adhered membrane
- ✓ Cleanup, magnetic nail sweep, and debris removal
- ✓ Manufacturer warranty registration and documentation
- ✓ 5-year workmanship warranty on flashing and sealing
Related Services
Ready to get started? Call us today at 8775861316 for a free estimate.
☎ Call 8775861316
