Skylights on a flat roof?

9 years ago

I have a 2500 square feet house with flat roof in Phoenix, it was built back in mid 70s. I would like to have at least 4 (2x4) skylights installed, I do wonder if it is possible without breaching the integrity of the roof in any way? I have seen skylights on flat roof in my area however couple of the contractors I have spoken to didn't appear too keen on skylights, they suggested that I should look into 10-12" solar tunnels.

I would appreciate any insight into this, please.
Thank you.

Featured Answer

greg_2015

9 years ago

I don't see why a solar tunnel would be less likely to leak than a skylight. A hole in the roof is a hole in the roof.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

millworkman
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
"without breaching the integrity of the roof in any way?"

Any skylites (even solar tunnels) will need to have a hole cut in the roof, thereby breaching the integrity of the roof I suppose. And a flat roof is even more prone to leaking issues as the roof is flat and doesn't shed water as well (obviously).
Related Professionals
Crestview Home Remodeling · Monroe Home Remodeling · Hagerstown Home Remodeling · Fairbanks Home Remodeling · Hot Springs General Contractors · Bloomington General Contractors · Florence General Contractors · McAllen General Contractors · Lynchburg General Contractors · Aurora General Contractors · Alexandria General Contractors · New Orleans Bathroom Remodelers · Torrington Bathroom Remodelers · Gary Bathroom Remodelers · Lansing Bathroom Remodelers
User
9 years ago
12" solar tunnels are much easier to seal than 2' by 4' skylights.

If you want a view, skylights are necessary. If you just want light in the rooms, the tunnels are much better.
klem1
9 years ago
Putting any size hole in an existing flat roof is a bad idea. Skylights should be installed at same time as a new roof,otherwise I wouldn't do it. The key to leak resistant penitrations is flashing and flashing can only be properly installed while roof is being installed. Come to think of it,skylights is one of the last things I'd want in a hot place like Phoenix.
millworkman
9 years ago
"Come to think of it,skylights is one of the last things I'd want in a hot place like Phoenix."

Especially on a flat roof!
rwiegand
9 years ago
Let's take a roof design that's already set up to leak and cut some holes in it.

I wouldn't. When I've had flat roofs I've built pitched roofs over them when they leak rather than messing with them. Even with a pitched roof I wouldn't cut any non-mandated holes in it. I've only ever seen two kinds of skylights, those that are leaking now and those that will be leaking soon. For more light I would go with taller windows in the exterior and consider adding high interior windows to bring light into inside spaces. Clerstory windows can be quite good for this.
PRO
J Cubed Custom Inc
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Wow I'm thoroughly taken aback! It sounds like everyone despises flat roof systems. I have been involved in flat roof construction for the entirety of my career. Installing skylights in a flat roof system is perfectly fine and have done so an extensive amount of times. Flat roofs need to be understood and understood well. I happen to live in a climate where 6 months of the year we are under snow. Roof penetrations no matter what they be in a flat roof need to be installed with care and knowledge by journeymen roofers. Sloped roofers are very different from flat roofers. To be a sloped roofer you do need to know a few things about installation but to be a flat roofer you should be ticketed. Do not be afraid of flat roofs just talk to the right people that are professionals in the field.
Seabornman
6 years ago
Ditto J Cubed. The biggest problem I've seen with properly installed skylights is condensation, which, I assume is not an issue in Phoenix. Is it a membrane roof (EPDM, TPO or PVC)?