Ella Walter
Skylights can transform a room by letting in natural light, making a room seem larger and brighter. They can be installed without the fear of leaks from the outside or excessive heat loss from within. This guide will take you through the steps of installing a pan-flashed skylight, including the necessary tools and precautions to ensure a successful installation. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations to ensure the warranty is honoured.
Characteristics and Values Table for Installing a Pan Flashed Skylight
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skylight Type | Pan flashed |
| Installation Steps | Pass the skylight through the opening, level the unit, screw the brackets to the sheathing, apply building paper or membrane, install the apron flashing, install step-flashing, shingle over the head flashing, install cladding |
| Tools and Materials | Skylight, brackets, building paper or self-adhering membrane, screws, apron flashing, step-flashing, shingles, cladding (curb caps) |
| Tips | Follow manufacturer's instructions, ensure proper fit and sealing, fill old screw holes, use counter flashing if needed, avoid reusing flashing to prevent leaks |
| Variations | Curb-mounted, Deck-mounted, Custom-sized, Solar-powered |
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What You'll Learn
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your warranty is honoured
- Don't reuse flashing to avoid leaks
- Slip the unit's head underneath after placing head flashing under shingles
- Screw mounting brackets to the sides of the skylight curb
- Wrap the curb with building paper or self-adhering membrane for an extra layer of protection
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your warranty is honoured
To ensure your warranty is honoured, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing a pan-flashed skylight. While the general process of installing a skylight may be similar across different manufacturers, there can be important variations in the specific steps and components involved. By following the manufacturer's instructions, you can avoid common installation mistakes and ensure that your skylight is installed correctly and safely.
One critical aspect of installing a pan-flashed skylight is properly flashing the unit to prevent leaks. Flashing is the process of installing metal or other materials around the skylight to create a waterproof barrier. The manufacturer's instructions will specify the type of flashing required, such as step flashing or counter flashing, and provide guidance on how to install it correctly. For example, the instructions may advise on the proper placement of flashing in relation to shingles or the use of additional materials, such as caulking or membrane underlayment, to ensure a watertight seal.
In addition to flashing, the manufacturer's instructions will cover other important aspects of the installation process. This includes guidance on preparing the opening for the skylight, including any necessary framing or sheathing, as well as instructions for attaching the skylight to the roof. The instructions will also cover the use of any additional components or accessories, such as mounting brackets, curb caps, or proprietary flashing kits, that are specific to the manufacturer's design.
By carefully following the manufacturer's instructions, you can ensure that your pan-flashed skylight is installed securely and in a way that meets the requirements for the warranty to be honoured. While some aspects of the installation process may be standard across different skylight products, it is important to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer to account for any unique features or requirements of their product. Taking the time to review and understand these instructions before beginning the installation process can help ensure a smooth and successful project.
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Don't reuse flashing to avoid leaks
Skylights are notorious for leaking, but this can be avoided by following the proper steps during the installation process. One of the most important things to remember is to never reuse flashing. This is the cause of 90% of skylight leaks. The other 10% are due to glass failure, glazing issues, frame separation, and other issues.
When replacing a skylight, it is tempting to reuse the old flashing, especially if it appears to be in good condition. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to leaks and costly repairs down the line. The process of removing and reinstalling an old skylight can break loose UV-damaged seals, causing leaks around the glass and frame.
To avoid leaks, it is crucial to start with a fresh installation of both the skylight and the flashing. This ensures that all the components work together seamlessly and that there are no hidden issues or vulnerabilities. Flashing should be installed correctly, with all exposed fasteners sealed and step shingles present to prevent water from entering from the sides.
In addition to new flashing, it is recommended to use a peel-and-stick (or self-adhesive) membrane under the flashing for added protection. This membrane acts as the final line of defense, collecting water that gets beneath the metal flashing and redirecting it to the shingle surface below the skylight. This integrated system of membranes, flashings, and shingles ensures that water is directed back to the surface of the roof, preventing leaks and subsequent problems like mold, rot, and damage.
By following these instructions and avoiding the reuse of flashing, you can significantly reduce the risk of leaks in your pan-flashed skylight installation.
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Slip the unit's head underneath after placing head flashing under shingles
When installing a pan-flashed skylight, there are several steps to follow to ensure a proper fit. One of the critical steps is slipping the unit's head underneath after placing head flashing under the shingles. Here is a detailed guide on this process:
First, it is important to understand the components of a skylight. The head flashing is a vital component that helps prevent leaks and directs water away from the skylight opening. It is typically placed under the shingles above the skylight to form a protective layer. The unit's head refers to the top portion of the skylight that will be slipped underneath the shingles and flashing.
To begin the installation process, place the head flashing under the shingles. This involves sliding the flashing up under the shingles, ensuring it is securely positioned and overlaps the shingles. This step creates a barrier that protects the skylight from water intrusion.
Once the head flashing is in place, it's time to slip the unit's head underneath. This requires careful manoeuvring. Lift the top edge of the skylight slightly and slide the unit's head up under the shingles and flashing. Ensure that the skylight is centred and level, with the head flashing fitting snugly against the unit's head.
It is important to work carefully and methodically during this process. Make sure the shingles are not damaged or disturbed, as they play a crucial role in protecting the roof. Additionally, ensure that the head flashing is securely in place and hasn't shifted during the installation of the skylight.
Finally, with the unit's head slipped underneath, you can proceed to secure the skylight in place. This typically involves screwing mounting brackets to the sides of the skylight curb, following the manufacturer's instructions. This step ensures that the skylight is firmly attached to the roof structure.
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Screw mounting brackets to the sides of the skylight curb
When installing a pan-flashed skylight, one of the critical steps is securing the skylight in place by screwing mounting brackets to the sides of the skylight curb. This process involves several careful steps to ensure a sturdy and leak-proof installation.
First, ensure you have the correct number and type of brackets for your specific skylight model. Most skylights come with adjustable mounting brackets that can be customized to fit the dimensions of your curb. These brackets are L-shaped and play a vital role in securely holding the skylight in place.
With the brackets ready, the next step is to position them accurately on the skylight curb. This task typically requires two people: one worker on the roof and another in the attic. The worker on the roof adjusts the brackets until the top and bottom of the skylight unit are perfectly level. Simultaneously, the worker in the attic centers the unit within the opening, ensuring it is positioned correctly relative to the curb.
Once the brackets are properly aligned and the skylight is level, it's time to screw the mounting brackets to the sides of the curb. Use screws that are provided with the skylight or specified by the manufacturer to avoid compatibility issues. Carefully screw in each bracket, ensuring they are securely attached to the curb and the skylight frame. This step is crucial for the long-term stability of the skylight.
After screwing in the mounting brackets, you can enhance the durability and leak-resistance of your installation by applying building paper or a self-adhering membrane. This extra layer of protection wraps around the curb and provides a barrier against moisture intrusion. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for properly sealing the membrane to the curb.
Finally, remember that proper installation is critical to the longevity and performance of your pan-flashed skylight. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines to ensure your installation meets warranty requirements and complies with recommended practices. With careful planning, accurate bracket placement, and secure screwing, your pan-flashed skylight will be a beautiful addition to your home, providing natural light and energy efficiency.
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Wrap the curb with building paper or self-adhering membrane for an extra layer of protection
Wrapping the curb with building paper or a self-adhering membrane is an essential step when installing a pan-flashed skylight. This extra layer of protection acts as a weatherproofing barrier, helping to direct rainwater away from the skylight and towards the gutters. It also provides a seal to limit water and air infiltration.
Before installing the unit's apron, side flashing, and head flashing, apply 12-inch-wide strips of underlayment to the curb. Start with the bottom piece, which should overlap the shingles below, then place the side pieces, and finally, the top piece. This will ensure that any water running off the roof will be directed away from the skylight opening.
When using building paper, it is important to note that it should not be left exposed for extended periods. While it can provide temporary protection during the installation process, it must be covered with a protective layer, typically metal flashing. On the other hand, self-adhering membranes, also known as membrane flashing, offer a more permanent solution. These membranes are made of a rubberized asphalt compound that seals around nails, making them ideal for protecting skylights.
The process of wrapping the curb with a self-adhering membrane involves working from the bottom up. First, install the membrane flashing at the bottom of the curb, followed by the sides, and then directly to the wood deck at the top. This installation direction ensures that the upper layers overlap the lower layers, creating an effective barrier against water intrusion.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that better-quality skylight units may come with self-sticking foam gaskets that are applied to the top of the curb before installing the caps. These gaskets further enhance the seal, reducing air and dust infiltration. By following these steps and paying attention to the manufacturer's instructions, you can ensure a proper installation of your pan-flashed skylight, providing long-lasting protection for your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Pan flashing is a type of skylight flashing with an integral curb and a proprietary flashing kit.
Pan flashing is easy to install and can be purchased in custom sizes. It is also energy-efficient and brightens up any room.
First, ensure that you have the right size skylight for the opening. Then, with one worker on the roof and one in the attic, pass the skylight through the opening. The worker outside should adjust the brackets until the unit is level, while the worker inside centres the unit. Screw the bottom legs of the brackets to the sheathing. Wrap the curb with building paper or a self-adhering membrane, then install the unit's apron, side flashing, and head flashing.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing a skylight to ensure that the warranty will be honoured. Make sure that the installers have experience with skylights.
