Do you have a metal roof and want to bring more natural light into your home? Skylights are a fantastic way to brighten interiors, improve energy efficiency, and enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. When paired with skylights, they can transform your living space into a brighter, more inviting environment. But installing skylights on a metal roof comes with unique considerations, requiring careful planning and professional expertise. This guide covers everything you need to know about metal roof skylights, from roof compatibility and skylight types to installation tips and maintenance.
At Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing, we specialize in installing skylights that integrate seamlessly with your metal roofing system. Since 1985, we’ve served homeowners across the greater Seattle area, earning a reputation for expert workmanship and consistent customer satisfaction.
If you’re ready to upgrade your home with a skylight, call us at (425)-881-9771 or contact us online for a free consultation and see how our experts can make your vision a reality.
Why Choose Metal Roof Skylights
Metal roofs are growing in popularity thanks to their longevity, energy efficiency, and sleek appearance. Adding skylights to a metal roof offers several advantages:
- Natural light: Illuminate darker rooms and reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
- Energy efficiency: Skylights can help lower heating and lighting costs when strategically placed.
- Aesthetic appeal: Skylights add a modern and spacious feel to any home.
Key Considerations for Metal Roof Skylights
Roof Profile and Panel Type
Metal roofs come in different profiles, which affect how a skylight is installed:
- Standing Seam: Vertical panels with raised seams. Requires specialized flashing to accommodate seams and prevent leaks.
- Corrugated Panels: Wavy or ridged panels. Flashing and curb adjustments may be needed to ensure proper fit.
- Exposed Fastener Panels: Panels with visible screws. Extra care is needed to seal penetrations and maintain weatherproofing.
Knowing your roof type ensures your skylight integrates properly without compromising durability.
Roof Decking and Structural Support
Skylights must attach to a stable surface:
- Solid Deck Required: Most skylights require a continuous roof deck for mounting.
- Retrofit Considerations: Some metal roofs are installed over battens without full decking, which may require adding support.
- Load Bearing: Proper support prevents sagging, leaks, and structural stress over time.
Flashing and Waterproofing
Flashing is critical for metal roof skylights because metal panels expand and contract with temperature changes. Proper flashing prevents leaks and protects your home.
- Curb-Mounted Skylights: Raised frame helps integrate flashing with standing seams.
- Deck-Mounted Skylights: Sit directly on the roof deck; require careful flashing design.
- Material Considerations: Flashing must accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of metal panels.
Timing and Roof Lifecycle
While it’s possible to retrofit a skylight onto an existing metal roof, planning your skylight during a roof replacement is simpler and more cost-effective. This approach allows the skylight to be integrated seamlessly, minimizing the risk of leaks or structural issues.
- During Roof Replacement: Easier integration, less disruption, and optimal flashing installation.
- Retrofit: Possible but more complex; may require additional sealing, decking, or structural support.
Placement, Orientation, and Energy Efficiency
Strategic placement of metal roof skylights impacts daylighting, energy savings, and comfort. Consider these factors:
- Orientation: South-facing skylights capture maximum winter sunlight, while east or west-facing units can increase heat gain.
- Shading: Nearby trees or overhangs may influence light distribution.
- Glazing: Low-E or tinted glass reduces UV exposure and helps control solar heat gain.
Types of Metal Roof Skylights
Curb-Mounted Skylights
Curb-mounted skylights sit on a raised frame above the roof surface, allowing for proper flashing and easy integration with metal panels. They are ideal for standing seam or other complex profiles.
Deck-Mounted Skylights
Deck-mounted skylights are installed directly on the roof deck beneath the metal panels. They require solid decking and properly designed flashing for a secure, leak-free installation.
Tubular Skylights
Tubular skylights, or sun tunnels, are compact reflective tubes that channel sunlight into interior spaces. They are a great solution when full-size skylights aren’t practical due to roof design or budget constraints.
Benefits of Metal Roof Skylights
Brighten Your Home with Natural Light
- Maximize Daylight: Skylights bring abundant natural light into interior spaces, brightening rooms that may have limited wall windows—such as hallways, kitchens, or bathrooms.
- Reduce Energy Use: By illuminating your home naturally, skylights reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, helping you save on electricity. Properly placed skylights can also provide passive solar heating during colder months.
Energy Efficiency and Home Value
- Lower Heating and Cooling Costs: Strategically installed skylights with the right glazing—such as Low-E or tinted glass—help control heat gain and loss. Research from the VELUX Energy Impact Report shows that skylights can reduce annual heating and cooling energy use in most homes.
- Boost Curb Appeal and Property Value: Skylights add a modern, premium look to your home’s design, enhancing aesthetics both inside and out. Well-integrated skylights paired with durable metal roofs can increase market value and appeal to potential buyers.
Comfort, Health, and Durability
- Improve Ventilation and Airflow: Many skylights can open, allowing hot air to escape and fresh air to circulate. This is particularly beneficial in kitchens, bathrooms, and attics.
- Promote Health and Well-being: Studies show that exposure to natural daylight supports circadian rhythms, improves mood, and enhances focus and productivity.
- Long-Lasting Performance: Metal roofs are durable and weather-resistant, and when skylights are professionally installed, they integrate seamlessly for low-maintenance, long-term performance.
- Privacy-Friendly Lighting: Skylights provide natural light without compromising privacy, ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or interior spaces where wall windows aren’t practical.
Risk of Leaks
Improper flashing, incorrect placement, or poorly sealed penetrations can lead to water intrusion, which may damage your roof deck, insulation, or interior finishes. To prevent leaks:
- Use manufacturer-approved flashing designed for metal roofs.
- Hire experienced professionals who understand thermal expansion and roof profile challenges.
- Conduct regular inspections after installation, especially following heavy rain or storms.
Noise
Metal roofs naturally amplify the sound of rain, hail, or wind. Skylights can increase noise levels if not properly insulated. To reduce noise:
- Choose double-glazed or laminated skylights.
- Ensure proper insulation around the skylight curb and frame.
- Position skylights thoughtfully to avoid noise over bedrooms or quiet areas.
Installation Cost
Retrofitting a skylight into an existing metal roof can be more expensive than installing during a roof replacement due to:
- Additional labor for cutting and reinforcing the roof deck.
- Custom flashing or curb solutions for standing seam or corrugated panels.
- Potential temporary roof covering or weatherproofing during installation.
Mitigation: Plan skylight installation during a roof replacement or major renovation to reduce labor costs and ensure seamless integration.
Warranty Considerations
Using improper materials, incorrect flashing, or unlicensed installers may void both the roof and skylight manufacturer’s warranties. To protect your investment:
- Hire certified installers familiar with metal roof skylights.
- Verify that all materials meet manufacturer specifications.
- Keep documentation of installation and inspections for warranty claims.
For more detailed guidance, visit our Residential Roofing FAQs.
Professional Metal Roof Skylight Installers
Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing specializes in skylight installation and full-service metal roofing installations. Here’s why homeowners across King and Snohomish Counties trust us:
- Expertise: Decades of experience with metal roofing systems.
- Skylight Integration: Proper flashing and placement for leak-free results.
- Comprehensive Service: Consultation, installation, and maintenance guidance.
- Local Knowledge: Serving Seattle and surrounding areas with code-compliant solutions.
- Customer Satisfaction: Commitment to quality and long-lasting results.
Work With Us Today!
Metal roof skylights are an excellent way to brighten your home, enhance property value, and improve energy efficiency. When properly installed, they combine the durability of metal roofing with the beauty and functionality of natural light.
Ready to transform your home with a skylight? Choose Seattle’s trusted roofing contractor and enjoy peace of mind—and stunning results.
Call Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing today at (425)-881-9771 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our experts will assess your roof, recommend the best skylight options, and provide a seamless installation that keeps your home protected and illuminated for years to come.
FAQ: Metal Roof Skylights
Q: Can I add a skylight to an existing metal roof?
Yes, but planning during installation or replacement is easier and more cost-effective.
Q: What skylight type works best for metal roofs?
Curb-mounted, deck-mounted, and tubular skylights all work depending on roof profile and design goals.
Q: How do I maintain metal roof skylights?
Inspect annually, check flashing and sealants, clean glass, and monitor for leaks.
Q: Will skylights void my roof warranty?
Not if installed according to manufacturer guidelines by certified professionals.