What is a skylight, and should I get one?
The main types
- Fixed: does not open, light only.
- Venting: opens by hand, with a motor, or with a solar powered operator, letting heat and humidity out.
- Tubular daylighting device: a small dome on the roof and a reflective tube to the ceiling, good for hallways, closets and bathrooms.
How it mounts
- Curb-mounted: sits on a wooden box built up above the roof. Common on older homes, often with an acrylic dome.
- Deck-mounted: fastens directly to the decking with a lower profile and a factory flashing kit.
Identifying the one you have
Open a venting unit or look along the inside of the frame for a label with the maker, model and size, which you need to order a matching flashing kit, glass or blinds. A plastic bubble usually means an older curb-mounted unit; flat glass in a metal-clad frame is usually newer. Fog between panes means the seal has failed.
Cost factors
Tubular units cost the least, fixed skylights more, and venting or solar powered units the most, plus framing, drywall and paint for the shaft. Roof pitch and shaft length change installation cost a lot.
Should you get one?
For a dark interior room, often yes, if it goes on a north or east slope where possible, has low-e glass, and is installed with the manufacturer's flashing kit, ideally when the roof is replaced. See skylights and roof replacement and roof flashing explained.