Even though a skylight is used primarily for decoration and aesthetic appeal, it still qualifies as a hole in your roof. And just like any other roofing hole, including a chimney or vent, a skylight must be sealed impeccably to prevent the possibility of leaking and water damage.
THE BEST WAY TO SEAL A SKYLIGHT IS BY INSTALLING FLASHING AROUND ITS PERIMETER.
Here are the basic guidelines to consider for installing flashing around a skylight:
- Take the measurements of each side of the skylight
. - Cut flashing materials 2 inches longer than each measurement taken.
- Measure 1 inch longer than the end of each flashing piece and mark accordingly.
- Measure skylight height and mark each end of the flashing strips; cut a 1 inch slot at each end mark with wire snips.
- Place a flashing piece between two roof boards and line snipped slots with board edges.
- Bend flashing at an 85° angle by pressing on the third board overhang.
- Repeat this bending process with each flashing piece.
- Fit a flashing piece around one side of the skylight; nail it securely to the roof.
- Fold flashing tabs around the sides of the skylight and secure by screwing through flashing directly into the skylight frame.
- Continue to install each flashing section in the same process.
- Caulk flashing seams and clean off excess to seal completely.
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