Skylights In A Metal Roof Installation Costs And Warnings
Skylights add natural light as well as interest to any home. They give it a distinctive look both inside and outside. Youve got two options for adding a new skylight. Doing it during the installation of a new metal roof or waiting until some future date after the roof has been installed.
If you have the skylights installed at the same time youre having the roof replaced, youll save money on the project as well as reduce the potential for leaks in the future. Heres an overview of the problems associated with skylights, why its best to add them when installing a new roof and what you can expect skylight prices to be when you get an estimate.
Potential Skylight Problems
There are several problems associated with skylights. The first and most concerning to most homeowners is that they can leak if not properly installed. When you consider how much water cascades down a roof during a heavy rain, you can see why this might be a problem. With all that water, if theres a way for it to get into your home, it will create a mess. Homeowners with skylights have more roof leak repairs, and the windows are the primary source of the leaks.
Thirdly, A skylight is a weak spot in the roof. Should a large tree branch or other heavy debris fall onto your roof, it might shatter the window and penetrate your home.
Advantages of Installing Skylights During Roof Installation
The Installed Cost of a Skylight
Pros And Cons Of Skylights
There are many advantages to skylights in general. They can make small rooms appear larger, make dark rooms brighter and ventilate humid rooms. Roof skylights can also contribute to architectural and stylistic statements.
Yet, skylights can also cause a homeowner some grief. Lower-quality skylights can cause ultraviolet damage on furniture and flooring, or can create glare. All roof skylights will allow for some heat loss, as they penetrate the roof deck. In fact, skylights will release more conditioned air than even a window of the same size would. And even a properly installed skylight may sometimes lead to condensation or a leak. But there are many ways to avoid these problems, including choosing the skylight that is right for your home and making sure it is properly installed.
Five: A Skylight May Increase Noise From Rain And Hail
Its a common misconception that a metal roof will be louder during a storm than an asphalt shingle roof, but the opposite is true: Most metal roofs are quieter than shingled roofs, but a skylight may lead to additional noise during storms. If you have any concerns about the noise in your home from storms, its worth taking time to consider how a skylight may change this. There arent any functional insulation methods against noise for skylights, so you may need to accept slightly louder storms if you decide to install one.
Don’t Miss: How To Stop A Roof Leak Temporarily
Skylights Are A Great Feature To A Home But Sometimes They Just Need To Go
Skylights are a great feature in any home. Found on rooms on a houses top floor, the opening gives the room a fantastic source of natural, ambient light.
Having a skylight can be great. They can be used to let in fresh air into the room naturally. During warm weather, they can be opened up to cool the room. Meanwhile, during nippy days, closing them up will allow heat to collect and naturally raise the rooms temperature.
Aside from warming up the room, they are also great for lighting. During the day, sunlight will brighten up the room naturally. After the sun sets, skylights can give us a great view of the beautiful night sky over Canton and Georgia. Also, its great if you need roofing canton ga.
Of course, all of these go with the assumption that a competent, professional roofing contractor installed your skylight.
There are some inherent problems in having a skylight, though. Since they are interruptions on a roofs structure, they are a place where structural weaknesses are common. As an opening in the roof, they can allow the weather and other factors to damage the room under it. Unattended skylights are a common reason for water damage from rain or snow. They also allow dust, debris and even branches to get inside the room, making it harder to clean and even ruining whats inside.
Insurance premiums on your house may also increase. Many insurance companies treat skylights as potential causes for roof and home damage, and may use it to justify higher payments.
Two: Location Is Worth Considering
Unfortunately, a skylight may not be a good idea for where you live, regardless of the type of roof your home has. To put it simply, areas that receive lots of precipitation in the form of snow and rain are not ideal for skylight installation. The excessive precipitation increases the chances of leaks and moisture damage, and ultimately skylight installation is not worth the problems it may cause in these areas. If you live in a very dry area, this will not be as much of a concern for you, and a skylight can be a tremendous investment that makes your home more comfortable and easier to ventilate.
You May Like: Is Red Roof Pet Friendly
Do You Pre Drill Metal Roofing
More on how to install metal roofing : On exposed fastener panels: While you are not required to, consider pre drilling holes for your screws. Pre drilling panels will make it easier to get the screw lines straighter. Otherwise, they will cause unsightly rust spots where they rest on the metal roofing .
Which Type Of Metal Roof Is Best For Your Flat Roof
There are 2 types of metal roof systems for your flat roof, standing seam and screw-down. While they both get the job done, you need to pick the one thats right for your situation.
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of panels locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. This allows for panels to expand and contract freely when the metal heats up.
If your flat roof is over a heated living or workspace, I recommend using a standing seam metal roof. This type of metal roof also requires virtually no maintenance.
A screw-down panel is just what it’s called it’s screwed down. The screws are screwed through the panel, which leaves no room for expansion and contraction.
Due to its lack of expansion capability, I would not recommend putting a screw-down panel on a flat roof thats above a heated space such as your home or office. You can still get this type of metal roof over your flat roof, but youll have to pay to replace the screws when they get wallowed out to avoid roof leaks.
The type of metal roof you choose for your flat roof is up to you and your budget. But as I stated earlier, I recommend going with a standing seam metal roof system over a flat roof if its above a heated surface.
Recommended Reading: What Is A Hail Resistant Roof
Contact Queensland Sheet Metal Today
Queensland Sheet Metal combine extensive local knowledge with a huge network and years of expertise. Located centrally in Brisbane, our team can supply you with a wide range of products that include Colorbond® Steel roofing, walling, fascia, gutters, downpipes, flashings, carports and patios. Plus, we can offer you advice if you happen to run into trouble during the installation process. To place an order or request a quote, contact us online or call 07 3267 1010.
Can You Put A Metal Roof Over Shingles
Yes, its possible to put metal roofing over shingles. Before you get started on your project, though, you will need to check with your local building department to see if theyll allow you to. Some areas will only allow re-roofing over one layer of shingles while others will allow over two layers. There are also some disadvantages to installing metal roofing over shingles that youll want to know about before starting. Contact your local roofing company to learn more and see what they can do for you.
Don’t Miss: How Do I Know If My Roof Is Leaking
Replacement Of A New Skylight Window To Existing Shingle Roof
Installing a skylight in a safe and proper manner is above the average do-it-yourselfer level. It requires tools and experience in roofing and carpentry, a simple mistake might have huge consequences.
Often even experienced roofers think that the replacement of an old skylight window to an existing shingle roof can be a tricky job. But when a roofer follows the following simple but important guidelines and recommendations, the installation will be a success.
Why Put Skylights On Your Roof
Skylights provide free natural lighting indoors, and can brighten rooms that are otherwise dark. Homeowners seeking to reduce their carbon footprint favor skylights as a way to tap into the abundant sunlight, and avoid running electric lights indoors. Homeowners who prioritize aesthetics also seek skylights because natural daylight is flattering and can make dark rooms seem bigger, brighter and more spacious.
Don’t Miss: How Do I Calculate Roof Square Footage
Size Matters: How Big Should A Skylight Be
Contrary to popular belief, bigger is not always better. In fact, with the blistering Aussie sun, a smaller skylight might actually be a better call!
One factor that comes into play is your budget naturally, but orientation is another factor to consider. Since were in the southern hemisphere, any south-facing skylights will be angled away from most of the suns rays.
The Ease Of Installing A Skylight In A Metal Roof
Metal roofing of all kinds is a great material for people wanting to install a skylight. Metal roofs are durable and versatile you should be able to install one of many different varieties of skylight without compromising the structural integrity of your roof. If youre handy with the tools, you might be able to install a skylight by yourself. However, if youre not much of a DIY-type, a professional will be able to install a skylight into your metal roof without much bother or cost.
Read Also: Where To Buy Hydrostop Roofing
Do I Need Underlayment For A Metal Roof Over Shingles
All roofs need an underlayment. If youre installing a metal roof over asphalt shingles, the shingles may be able to act as an underlayment for the roof. However, the shingles expanding and contracting can cause damage underneath the metal roof over time. For this reason, its usually recommended that you remove the shingles on your home before installing a metal roof.
Proper Curb Installation Is Key
Metal roof skylight installations are increasingly moving toward curb-built attachments, and one of the most important things to consider is the construction of the curb. Though modern skylight systems are packed with components to help mitigate water intrusion through the structure, a watertight seal between the curb and finished roofing material should be the initial and primary consideration to ensure a successful installation.
Similar to vertical window installations, installers should consider the path of water around the opening and plan to minimize the interaction as much as possible. For skylight applications on sloped roofs, the critical joint is the high side where water will both reach the curb and be a potential ponding spot. To eliminate the risk of water build-up, the high side of the curb should always have a cricket or diverter installed, either as part of the curb or as a secondary component. This will ensure water does not dam on the top side of the structure. Proper curb installation is essential as is matching the roof and curb profiles to ensure correct skylight attachment. As with all skylight jobs, providing a proper attachment for the skylight and sealing critical joints will decrease the chance of leaking.
Also Check: How Much Should A Shingle Roof Cost
Where Do You Put The Screws On A Metal Roof
Next, you must make sure you are placing the screws in the appropriate place for a tight fit. Absolute Steel advises screws be installed down inside the flat of the panel and not in the top of the rib. See the illustration below. This is important as placing a screw in the top of the rib will prohibit a good seal.
Three: Skylights In A Metal Roof Can Influence Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners opt to install new metal roofs because of the substantial savings they can offer in the form of reduced energy bills. Metal roofs typically allow homes heating and air conditioning systems to work only as hard as they need to in order to maintain consistent interior temperatures, whereas asphalt shingle roofs can allow interior air to escape or the outside air to influence temperatures inside the home. If you want to install a new metal roof because of the energy savings it might provide, you should know which type of skylight would be best for your Tennessee home.
Modern skylights made with thermal glass can provide additional natural light without allowing additional heat to enter the home. Ultimately, skylights will only influence your inside temperatures and moisture levels if they can open or if they do not have thermal glass. Depending on where you live, additional warmth through a skylight can be a good or bad thing, but its an important consideration before committing to a skylight installation for your home.
Read Also: Where Can I Buy Roofing Shingles
Can You Use Metal Roofing On A Flat Roof
Metal roofing is becoming more and more popular in the residential roofing industry. The reason for its rise in popularity is because its one of the most versatile roofing materials on the market.
It can be used for your entire roof system, over a covered porch, and more. But can a metal roof also be installed over a flat roof?
Here at Bill Ragan Roofing, our main job is to give you the information needed to make the right purchasing decision. Thats why well be breaking down if you can install a metal roof on your flat roof.
Lets get to all the information you need about putting a metal roof over your flat roof.
Planning Ahead: Preparations Before Installing A Metal Roof With Skylights
The beauty of skylights can be a real benefit to the aesthetic value of a metal building project. Beyond looks, though, the proven benefits of daylighting are many: building occupant satisfaction from natural lighting, mold and mildew growth prevention and, of course, energy savings, to name a few. In fact, once the decision has been made to go with metal for the roofing material, a skylight is often a natural tie-in when it comes to sustainable designfor both form and function. In order to make the most of the design choice, there are a few key considerations to bear in mind during the specification and pre-installation phases of the process.
Types of Available Skylights
Two common types of skylights used with metal roofs are Light Transmitting Panels and Curb Mount Skylights. Both supply natural light into the building and provide similar benefits. LTPs, which are formed from a translucent material and come in many different panel profiles, in actuality, can be used not only in metal roofs but as an accessory for metal wall panels, too. One of the key benefits of LTPs is that the panel is formed so that it substantially matches the configuration and characteristics of the system into which it is installed, and therefore can work seamlessly with specific metal roof systems. Curbed skylights include a raised structure formed around the roof opening where the skylight will be attached. Curb skylights come in many shapes and styles.
Read Also: How To Clean Solar Roof Panels
Where To Place Skylights
Your local climate and exposure are the two biggest factors that will determine skylight placement on your metal roof. If you live in an area with cold and snowy winters, youll likely want skylights that offer southern exposure so they can provide passive solar heat.
If you plan to heat and cool your building with an HVAC system, this might not be a big concern. Many people who go with metal building kits featuring metal roofs are looking for as much help from Mother Nature as possible. Skylights offer this in the form of passive winter heating and keeping summer heating costs lower. Opaque skylights may make more sense if you live in warmer climates.
Manufacturer Specifications And Warranty
Even with the best warranties, it may be hard to track someone down after 40 or 50 years so they can assess your roof and write you a check for any damage. Depreciation may also significantly reduce the amount youd receive. This is why its good advice to purchase the best product you can afford, follow the specifications of the manufacturer, and have it installed properly. Then, you can pitch the warranty after about five years.
You May Like: How To Install Metal Roof On Pergola
Type Of Skylight Material
Another factor that you need to consider in skylight installation is the type of glass material for your skylight.
Tempered glass has the strength to withstand any impact from outdoor objects that can cause damage, and offers great UV protection.
Another common material is plastic. Like glass, plastic is quite durable and can be more cost-effective.
Six: Youll Need To Inspect The Skylight Regularly
While a skylight can offer significant benefits to Tennessee homes, you must also be aware of the drawbacks as well as the problems skylights may pose for your roof. Skylights will protrude from the roofs slope to prevent water from collecting on them during storms. However, unless they have peaked or curved upper edges, the pan location at the top of each skylight will allow moisture to accumulate during storms. These areas are the most likely to develop rust over time, so you should plan multiple professional inspections every year to make sure your skylights arent allowing your metal roof to accumulate rust.
Don’t Miss: When Should You Replace Your Roof
