Installing skylight without going on roof?

[bigbangtech]

We have an unfinished attic and want to finish it off and add skylights.

Now, I'm a little nervous about going on the roof to install the skylight.

Is it common/possible to install a skylight(in general) without having to stand on the roof?

Maybe: cut the hole from inside, slide the skylight frame through and then back down without glass, screw in frame, finish off shingles and flashing though skylight hole and then slide through the glass and attach? We have the asphalt shingles BTW

 

[Kelemvor]

You have to do stuf on the roof but I guess if you want ot be inside poking out of the opening because you took the glass out you could. As long as you can get it all attached back together from the inside...

 

[everman]

I'm pretty sure you'll need to do some water sealing work from the outside.

 

[bigbangtech]

It would most likely be a skylight that opens so hopefully the glass can be removed. And I can probably reach the shingles that are right next to the opening to insert the flashing. LOL I can't be the first guy afraid to fall off his roof that wants to do this assbackwards, but I haven't seen any instructions or tips anywhere. I guess I'll ask a roofer

 

[amdskip]

I suppose you could go about it this way but it'd be easier to just do it on the roof I think. Generally you remove shingles before you start, cut the hole, install skylight, install/cut shingles and flashing.

 

[CFster]

Cutting through from underneath is just going to rip up a bunch of shingles.

Aside from that though, if you can get maybe waist high through that window, you might be able to pull it off - though you're going to have to remove shingles, install the window, install flashing around the window and replace the shingles up to the window.

 

[blert]

Originally posted by: CFster
Cutting through from underneath is just going to rip up a bunch of shingles.

Aside from that though, if you can get maybe waist high through that window, you might be able to pull it off - though you're going to have to remove shingles, install the window, install flashing around the window and replace the shingles up to the window.

Not only all of that, you'll need to seal the flashing and window to prevent leaks and bring it up to code. If you are worried about falling off of the roof you can rent safety equipment at most large rental stores.

 

[Darwin333]

I am an estimator and project manager for a commercial roofing contractor. Although I am in the commercial line of roofing and not the residential the procedures are virtually the same with shingle roofing.

The short answer to your question is no. It is not possible to do the job correctly without being on the roof.

First of all, the skylight needs to be anchored into the structure from the roof. You can probably get around that although I would not recommend it. Most importantly, it will be impossible to watertight the skylight without getting onto the roof.

Depending on how steep your roof is, you might want to call a professional. If your roof is a 6/12 or below you could probably do it yourself rather easily. Wear tennis shoes with good soles, walking up (and down) the hips and valleys, and along the ridge is easier, you can rent or buy a safety harness with a rope slide to prevent you from falling off the roof (or prevent you from hitting the ground if you are working near the edge). However, you must get to a proper location and install a tie off before you can ?hook in? your safety harness. The best place for a tie off is near or over the ridge because it gives you the best range of work. You NEVER want your tie off location to be below you (as in nearer the edge of the roof than where you will be working or moving). Have the person you are getting the harness from instruct you in the proper way to wear and use it. Do not leave until you are sure that you can put it on properly. A harness that is worn incorrectly could (if you fall) put a few thousand pounds of pressure directly onto your balls. Never work alone even if you are wearing a harness. You have a limited amount of time that you can hang in a harness before the circulation being cut off in your legs can lead to permanent damage.


If the slope of your roof is greater than a 6 on 12 I would suggest hiring a pro.