10 Things to Know Before Installing a Skylight

Your Guide to Smarter, Brighter Spaces

Adding a skylight is one of the best ways to flood your home with natural light, improve ventilation, and enhance your living space. But before cutting a hole in the roof, there are some important things to consider. Here's what every homeowner should know before installing a skylight—straight from the pros at Skylights2Go.

Not All Skylights Are the Same

Skylights come in various types:

• Fixed skylights (no ventilation)
• Ventilating skylights (manually or electrically operated)
• Tubular skylights (ideal for small spaces)

Understanding your needs—natural light, airflow, or energy efficiency—will guide your choice.

Location Is Everything

The placement of your skylight will determine how much light you receive and when.

• South-facing skylights bring the most light throughout the day.
• North-facing offers consistent, cooler light.
• Avoid direct west-facing installs unless you're okay with intense afternoon sun and added heat.

Roof Pitch & Structure Matters

Your roof’s slope and framing type (truss vs. rafter) can affect which skylight styles are compatible—and how complicated the install will be.  Always match the skylight type with your roof pitch to avoid issues with leaks or improper water runoff.

Size It Right

Bigger isn’t always better. Oversized skylights can increase heat gain or loss.
As a general guideline:  Skylight area should be no more than 5–10% of the room’s floor area, depending on how much natural light you want.

Energy Efficiency Pays Off

Look for skylights with Low-E glass, UV coatings, and Energy Star certification to reduce heat transfer, glare, and energy bills.
We always recommend Velux skylights for their high-efficiency glazing and solar-powered options.

Waterproofing & Flashing Are Critical

Improper flashing is the #1 cause of skylight leaks.
Using a complete flashing kit (specific to your roof type) and professional-grade installation is crucial.

Tip: At Skylights2Go, our Velux flashing kits are designed to fit seamlessly and offer long-term leak protection.

DIY vs. Pro Installation

While tubular skylights are a popular DIY project, larger deck-mounted skylights often require cutting into roofing and framing—best left to licensed installers.

Ask yourself:

• Are you comfortable with roof work?
• Is a warranty important to you?
• Do local codes require a licensed pro?

Building Codes & HOA Rules

Some neighborhoods or HOAs may restrict skylight additions.
Check for:

• Permit requirements
• Energy code compliance
• Exterior design guidelines

Ventilation Options Add Value

Ventilating skylights help remove hot air and moisture, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Electric or solar-powered options offer remote operation, rain sensors, and even smart-home integration.

Cost vs. Long-Term Benefit

While skylights are an investment, the long-term gains are worth it:

• Lower lighting costs
• Better ventilation
• Increased home value
• Boosted mood and wellbeing

Let us help you price it right—our team can match you with the right product, size, and install plan for your space and budget.

Ready to Let the Light In?

Installing a skylight is a beautiful upgrade—when done right. If you're still unsure where to start, Skylights2Go is here to help. We offer top-rated Velux skylights, expert advice, and all the right parts to make your install stress-free.

Contact us today to speak with a skylight specialist or browse our best-selling skylights online.