Skylights & Roof Windows (E05)
Skylights bring natural light deep into homes – but improper installation causes leaks and energy loss in Utah’s climate.
This BidScope guides you through skylight types: fixed skylights (non-opening, simplest, most affordable, maximum light), venting skylights (operable, provide light and ventilation, higher cost), tubular skylights (small diameter tubes bring light to interior rooms, no direct roof penetration into living space), and roof windows (larger operable units, egress-capable for bedrooms).
Learn glazing options: double-pane insulated glass minimum for Utah (U-factor 0.35 or better), low-E coatings to reduce heat transfer, laminated glass for hail protection, tempered glass for safety, tinted or reflective for solar control.
Understand curb-mount versus deck-mount installation: curb-mount uses site-built curb with step flashing (traditional, repairable), deck-mount integrates directly with roofing (sleeker, relies on manufacturer’s flashing kit).
Master flashing requirements – the critical leak-prevention component: proper step flashing integration with roofing, ice and water shield underlayment, proper curb height above roof surface (minimum 4 inches).
Navigate light well/shaft construction: insulated shaft between skylight and ceiling, splaying for better light distribution, drywall or other finished surface.
Learn condensation prevention: proper insulation around shaft, vapor barriers, ventilation to reduce interior moisture.
Understand controls for operable units: manual pole operators, electric motors, rain sensors that auto-close.
Know when sun tunnels make sense versus traditional skylights.
Calculate energy impacts – skylights can increase cooling loads.
Budget realistically: fixed skylights $500-1,500 installed, venting units $900-2,500, tubular $300-900.
This tool ensures your skylight provides light without leaks.
What’s Included:
- Skylight types (fixed, venting/operable, tubular, roof windows)
- Fixed skylights (non-opening, simple, affordable, light only)
- Venting skylights (operable, ventilation plus light, screens)
- Tubular skylights (sun tunnels, light to interior spaces, small footprint)
- Roof windows (large operable, egress-capable for bedrooms)
- Glazing options (single vs double vs triple pane)
- Double-pane minimum for Utah energy efficiency
- U-factor ratings (0.35 or better for cold climates)
- Low-E coatings to reduce heat transfer
- Laminated glass for hail resistance
- Tempered glass for safety
- Tinted or reflective glass for solar heat control
- Skylight sizes and dimensions
- Standard sizes vs custom
- Curb-mount vs deck-mount installation
- Curb-mount with site-built curb (traditional, easier to flash)
- Deck-mount integrated flashing (sleeker, manufacturer kit)
- Flashing requirements and leak prevention
- Step flashing integration with roofing
- Ice and water shield around skylight
- Proper curb height (minimum 4 inches above roof)
- Manufacturer flashing kits and installation
- Light well/shaft construction
- Insulated shaft between skylight and ceiling
- Shaft insulation (R-19 minimum)
- Splaying shaft for light distribution
- Drywall finish or other interior surface
- Condensation prevention strategies
- Vapor barriers in shaft
- Weep holes in curb
- Interior moisture control
- Ventilation to reduce humidity
- Controls for operable skylights (manual, electric, remote)
- Rain sensors for automatic closing
- Solar-powered operators
- Programmable controls and home automation
- Energy considerations (passive solar gain, cooling loads)
- Shading options (blinds, shades integrated or aftermarket)
- When to use tubular vs traditional skylights
- Roof pitch requirements
- Structural framing modifications
- Snow load considerations Utah
- Cost factors ($500-1,500 fixed, $900-2,500 venting, $300-900 tubular)
- Installation complexity and labor
- Skylight replacement and upgrades
- Leak repair and reflashing
- Finding qualified installers
