Skylight installation: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering skylight installation

Skylight installation is a roof-opening and waterproofing job where the flashing order and the framing decide whether the skylight stays dry. Your win is measuring the layout, showing the homeowner the flashing layers and testing the seal before the roof is closed up.

What customers ask

  • Will the skylight leak in the first storm?
  • Can you put a skylight in my existing roof without new framing?
  • How much light will it bring into the room?
  • Can I open it for ventilation?
  • Who fixes the ceiling and the shaft after the install?
  • What warranty covers the flashing?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask for the room, the roof pitch and roofing material, the rafter spacing if they know it, and the reason for the skylight, so you bring the right unit and flashing kit.
  • Bring a sample of the flashing kit and a glazing sample, and show the homeowner the flashing layers and where the water goes.
  • Check the rafters, the ceiling and any wiring or ducts in the planned opening from the attic on the site visit, and photograph everything before you quote.
  • Put the skylight model, size, flashing kit, framing work, shaft finish and leak test in the quote as separate lines.
  • Explain the flashing order in plain words, and why the upper flashing goes under the roofing, so the homeowner understands the install.
  • Run a water test on the flashing before the roofing is closed up, and photograph the result.
  • Send a closeout packet with the skylight product, flashing kit, warranty, and a photo log of the roof opening and each flashing layer.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of finished skylight installs that show the flashing layers, the curb and the interior shaft
  • Skylight types you install, such as fixed, vented, curb-mounted and tubular
  • Roofing materials you flash skylights into
  • Service area and whether you handle roof repair and framing for skylight openings

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a flashing and seal check after the first winter, since the first freeze and thaw shows any weak point.
  • Suggest a shade or blind for the skylight if the homeowner has heat or glare concerns.
  • Recommend a roof inspection around the skylight at the next season change.

Licenses and permits

Skylight installation is commonly done by licensed roofing or general contractors, and roof openings and framing changes often need a permit and inspection. Check your state and local licensing and building office requirements before you bid.

Questions

Do I need a permit to cut a skylight opening?

Often yes, because the roof framing changes. Check with the local building office before you cut, and put the permit responsibility in the contract.

How do I handle rotted rafters found in the opening?

Stop, photograph the rot, and send a priced change order before you cut the framing. Repair the framing first, then set the skylight.

Can I install a skylight on a low-slope roof?

Only with a skylight designed for that pitch and a flashing plan the manufacturer lists. Confirm the fit before you quote the job.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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