Installing Tubular Skylights Yourself

Installing tubular skylights require carpentry skills, the ability to be able to work on the roof, and the willingness to cut a hole into your roof.  If you do not have carpentry skills, are fearful of working on your roof, or are skeptical of cutting a hole into your roof, then you should hire a contractor to install your tubular skylight.  If you do hire a tubular skylight installation contractor, ask if they guarantee their work, generally most reputable contractors offer a 2- to 3-year installation warranty to cover weatherproofing and storm protection as well as their work.

Tubular skylights can usually be installed in half a day and assembles similar to that of ductwork.  With tubular skylights, you have a variety of elbow joints and fittings to help you make turns, and some units include flexible tubing for installation in hard-to-reach areas. 

When installing tubular skylights it is important to understand that the shorter and straighter the tubing, the brighter the sunlight will be in the room.  However, the interior of the tubing is highly reflective and nearly mirror-like, which will transmit bright light even if the tube is several feet long with numerous bends.  Most standard kits include 2-3 adjustable elbows, but you can purchase additional elbows from your local home improvement store. 

The most crucial part of installing tubular skylights is making sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when working on the roof to ensure that the unite does not leak during wet weather. 

You will need the follow tools and materials to install tubular skylights:

Tape Measure, Hammer, Drill, Flat Pry Bar, Putty knife, Drywall Saw, Screwdriver, Reciprocating Saw, Utility Knife, Ductwork, Elbows, sheet metal screws, duct tape, roofing cement, and of course the tube skylight.

Before you begin installing your tubular skylight, you must first determine where you want the skylight and then check that the attic space is unobstructed.  Next, follow the steps below along with your manufacturer’s instructions.

1.   Once you have determined the location of your skylight, drill a hole, and then poke a wire up into the attic.  Next, fold back the insulation, locate the wire in the attic, and then drill a hole centered between the two joists so you will have room for the tubing.

2.   Using the ceiling ring, trace the outline on the center.  Next using a drywall saw or saber saw, cut the opening then attach the ceiling ring using the hardware included to grip the drywall from behind so that you will only see the ring and no hardware.

3.   In the attic space, you want to start assembling the tube, beginning with an elbow at the bottom (above the ceiling), start adding pieces of the tubing—working your way up toward the roof.  Center the tube between the rafters, then using a nail, drive the nail up through the roof to indicate the center of the roof.

4.   MAKE SURE THE ROOF IS SAFE AND SECURE FOR YOU TO WORK!  
Using the flange as a template, trace the opening in the roof for the skylight.  For dark roof, you can use chalk to race the opening as pencil marks may be difficult to see.

5.   Using a 3/4-inch spade bit drill the access hole.  Next take your reciprocating saw and cut out the hole, guiding it the saw around the outside of the outline will give you more room for installation.

6.   Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions for how many roofing shingles will need to be removed.  To do this you will need to use a flat pry bar to pry out the roofing nails and remove the shingles.

7.   Slide the flange under the shingles and the felt at the top.  Carefully align the opening of the flange with the hole in the roof.

8.   Carefully reinstall the shingles around the flange, cutting then to form a 5/8-inch gap around the ring. 

9.   Inside the attic space again, carefully seal all the joints with sheet metal screws and then by covering the joints using duct tape.

10.  Inside the room, carefully attach the diffuser lens according to the manufacturer’s instructions.