Before you decide to just have a skylight installed, you should ask yourself a few questions first to make sure your home is a good candidate.
Does Your Roof Have Truss Framing?
As a general rule, truss framing is 24 inches on center. This means that a skylight that is two-foot wide can easily fit into the space without a lot of – if any at all – additional work. However, if you are interested in a larger skylight, such as a four-foot wide one, alternative framing will need to be designed by a structural engineer. It is important that you understand this can increase your overall costs considerably.
Is Your Attic and Roof Clear?
Once you know where in the ceiling/roof you would like a skylight to be installed, you need to check the attic for any obstructions. This can include anything from plumbing pipes and electrical wires to HVAC ducting and equipment. The same goes for your roof. You need to make sure there aren’t any solar panels, vent stacks, attic fans, wires, etc. in the way. By knowing what’s there ahead of time, you will save a lot of annoyance later.
Will It Fit with Your Home’s Architectural Style?
Typically, skylights actually improve the appearance of a home. However, in some cases, it can actually hurt the home’s aesthetic value. This is particularly true if you own an older house, such as a Victorian or New England colonial. Large skylights can actually hinder the home’s curb appeal. Depending on your location, installing a skylight may be against the historic district code.
For more information on whether your home is candidate for skylight installation, please give us a call at C and K Roofing & Construction at (256) 326-4232.