How to Install a Skylight on a Metal Roof: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Install a Skylight on a Metal Roof: A Step-by-Step Guide

Natural light is one of the best features to prioritise in your home. It makes spaces feel more open, brings in warmth, and helps reduce dampness—plus, it can lower your power bill. If your home doesn’t have enough windows to let in the light you want, installing a skylight is a great way to bring the sunshine in. If you have a metal roof, you might think a skylight isn’t an option—but it absolutely is. With the right installation guide, adding a skylight to a metal roof is entirely possible. That’s exactly what this blog post is here to help with. Today, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing a skylight on a metal roof, highlighting our own process so you can see what’s involved.

Curb-Mounted vs. Deck-Mounted: Which is Best?

Before we dive into the installation process, it’s important to understand the difference between curb-mounted and deck-mounted skylights. These two styles suit different roof types and installation needs. If you’re working with a professional team like ours, we’ll help you choose the best option for your roof. But if you’re selecting one yourself, here’s what you need to know:
  • Curb-mounted skylights are raised above the roofline with a curb structure built around them. This is generally the pick for any skylight on a metal roof, as it helps prevent leaks and integrates well with existing flashing.
  • Deck-mounted skylights sit flush with the roof decking and are generally more common on shingle roofs, although some can work with metal roofs if properly flashed.
While curb-mounted skylights can be a bit more complex to install, we usually recommend them for metal roofing due to their superior long-term waterproofing.

How to Install a Skylight on a Metal Roof: Our Step-by-Step Process

1. Assess the Roof

Every skylight installation with Resolution Roofing starts with a solid plan. We inspect the roof to determine the best placement for the skylight, avoiding structural beams, wiring, or other obstructions. We also check the roof’s condition. If there’s any rust or existing damage, we sort that out first to prevent serious issues down the line.

2. Select the Skylight

Once we’ve tackled the inspection, we’ll recommend a skylight style that suits the style of the roof we’re working on. Roofing profile and slope can play a big role here, but other factors, such as the size of the skylight, the type of glazing on the panes, and even ventilation options, will all influence our recommendation.

3. Clean and Cut

Once we’ve marked out the position for the skylight on the roof, we thoroughly clean the area to prepare for the work ahead. Then, it’s time to grab our metal-cutting tools and cut out the opening, trying not to create rough or jagged edges along the way. 

4. Flash, Mount, and Seal

At this point, we’ll either build a sturdy, sealed curb to house the skylight (if it’s curb-mounted) or work on the flashing if it’s deck-mounted. Proper flashing is essential for every skylight, as it defends against intruding moisture that could decimate your entire roof. We install custom-fitted flashings that match the roof’s profile, mount the skylight, and seal everything with professional-grade sealant around the edges and fasteners to prevent water from seeping in.

5. Finish the Interior

Once the skylight is secure on the roof, we move inside to tidy up a few things and ensure it’s ready for use. This step involves adding insulation around the skylight to prevent drafts, finishing any framing or gib work on the inside to make sure it looks clean, and applying a final interior seal.  In some cases, we may need to mount a tube to carry the light from the skylight into your home, depending on your roof’s profile. That can take a little longer, but it’s well worth the effort when your living areas are flooded with gorgeous natural light.  There you have it! Our step-by-step guide for installing a skylight on a metal roof. This process can be complex, but it’s worth the time and money invested to keep your home as light and bright as possible. A quick note: While installing your own skylight is technically possible, your best bet is to hire professionals to tackle it for you. Most skylights come with pre-packed flashing for a certain roofing profile, but if your home’s roof is anything outside of the ordinary, you might be left staring at a hole in your ceiling with none of the right fixtures to mount your new skylight.  Working at heights can also be dangerous without the right equipment, so we recommend tackling this project DIY-style only if you have plenty of experience with both roofing systems and working up high. When in doubt, trust the experts: it’s what we’re here for!

Trust Your Local Skylight Installation Experts to Get the Job Done!

Ready to let the light in? At Resolution Roofing, our roofing contractors have been tackling new skylight installations, maintenance, and repairs for years, so we’re well-equipped to execute your job with efficiency and care. Get in touch with us today for a free quote on your skylight installation.