How to Cut a Roof Opening for a Skylight
If your room too dark for you liking even during daytime, an easy solution is to install a skylight which will not only illuminate the room but will also add to the overall decor.
To install a skylight, you need to cut out a roof opening. Although cutting out a roof opening is not an easy task, still you can manage it yourself.
Things Required:
– 2″ x 12″ wooden plank
– Roof jacks
– 16-penny nails
– Measuring tape
– Reciprocating saw
– Wood screws
– Roofing cement
– 1-1/2″ galvanized screws
– Roofing sealant
Instructions
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1
Before you start cutting a roof opening for a skylight, you need to setup a safe work space on the roof. Support a 2" x 12" plank using roof jacks, securing the roof jacks with 16-penny nails driven into roof joists.
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2
Now you need to measure the exact dimensions of the skylight. Use a measuring tape for the job. Once you have taken the necessary measurements, it is time to remove a few roof shingles. Transfer the dimensions of the skylight to the roof and use the resulting sketch as a reference. Start removing shingles at least two rows above the top reference line. Use a flat pry bar to break the shingle seals and to remove roofing nails.
Work your way to the bottom of the reference sketch. Do not remove the last row of shingles falling within the reference sketch because you will be setting the skylight flange on this row of shingles.
Image Courtesy: savevid.com
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3
Cut through the roof using a reciprocating saw. Make sure you cut only the roof space falling between the reference lines you drew in the earlier step. Be patient while you cut through the roof because it will take both energy and time.
Image Courtesy: diyadvice.com
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4
Brace two 2" x 10" blocks between the rafters. Drive wood screws in the bracing to secure hold it in position. Spread roofing cement on the edges of the opening.
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5
Carefully place the skylight on the braces and drive 1-1/2" galvanized screws to secure the flashing. Apply a thick layer of roofing sealant over the skylight flange to prevent water from dripping below during rainy days.
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6
Finally, reinstall shingles that you had removed, starting from the bottom of the skylight and working your way up, finishing on one side of the skylight before starting on the other.
Image Courtesy: doityourselfhomeroofrepair.com
