Metal roofing is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike, celebrated for its durability, energy efficiency, and modern aesthetic. As more properties embrace metal roofs, questions often arise about customization, such as the addition of skylights. While metal roofs are robust, cutting into them for a skylight requires specialized knowledge and precision. The good news is, yes, you absolutely can put a skylight on a metal roof, but it's a project that demands professional expertise to ensure a leak-free and long-lasting result. Masterpiece Roofing explains the nuances of integrating skylights into metal roofing systems.

Is it possible to add a skylight to metal roofing?

Yes, it is entirely possible to add a skylight to an existing metal roof. Many homeowners successfully integrate skylights to bring natural light and ventilation into their spaces, just as they would with asphalt shingles or tile roofs. However, installing a skylight on a metal roof presents unique challenges compared to other roofing materials.

The primary differences lie in:

• The nature of metal panels: Unlike shingles, metal panels are typically continuous sheets with distinct profiles (ribs, seams). Cutting these and maintaining watertightness requires specific techniques.

• Thermal Expansion and Contraction: Metal expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes. The skylight flashing system must accommodate this movement without compromising the seal.

• Specialized Flashing: Standard skylight flashing kits designed for asphalt shingles will not work effectively on metal roofs. Custom or specialized flashing specifically designed for the metal roof profile is almost always required.

Due to these factors, it's crucial that installation is handled by professionals experienced in both metal roofing and skylight integration.

Best types of skylights for metal roofs

The type of skylight best suited for your metal roof often depends on your specific needs and the roof's profile.

• Fixed (Stationary) Skylights:

  • Best For: Bringing in natural light without the need for ventilation. They are generally the most straightforward to install on metal roofs as they have no moving parts.

  • Considerations: Still require specialized metal roof flashing kits designed for a fixed curb or deck-mounted unit.

• Vented (Ventilating) Skylights:

  • Best For: Adding both light and the ability to vent hot, stale air, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or spaces prone to heat buildup. Available as manual (crank handle) or electric (remote-controlled, often with rain sensors).

  • Considerations: More complex due to moving parts, but still compatible with metal roofs using appropriate flashing. Electric models are popular for convenience on higher roofs.

• Tubular Daylight Devices (TDDs) / Sun Tunnels:

  • Best For: Illuminating small, interior spaces like hallways, closets, or pantries where a view is not needed. They create a small penetration in the roof and channel light through a reflective tube.

  • Considerations: These often come with specific flashing kits designed for various metal roof profiles, making their installation generally simpler for metal roofs than larger skylights, as they avoid major structural alterations.

Key: Regardless of the skylight type, ensure that the manufacturer offers or recommends a metal-specific flashing kit compatible with your roof's profile (e.g., standing seam, corrugated, ribbed panel).

Installation considerations and waterproofing

Waterproofing is the single most critical aspect of installing a skylight on a metal roof. A single missed detail can lead to persistent leaks.

1. Precise Opening Cut:

   • The opening in the metal panels must be precisely cut to accommodate the skylight curb or frame. This often involves cutting through the ribs or seams of the metal panels.

   • Care must be taken to avoid damaging underlying purlins or roof deck, and to minimize metal shavings which can cause rust spots.

   • Any cut edges of the metal must be properly sealed and corrosion-protected.

2. Structural Framing:

   • Just like with any roof, the rafters or trusses underneath must be considered. If a rafter needs to be cut, proper header and trimmer framing must be installed to maintain the structural integrity of the roof. This work often requires a structural engineer's approval and a building permit.

3. Specialized Flashing System:

   • This is the most crucial waterproofing component. A metal roof skylight requires a multi-layered flashing system designed to integrate with the panel profile.

   • This often includes:

     • Self-Adhering Underlayment: Applied directly to the roof deck around the opening.

     • Custom Base Flashing: Metal pieces specifically formed to fit around the skylight curb and integrate with the ribs/valleys of the roof panels. These direct water away.

     • Step Flashing (if applicable): For curb-mounted units on some profiles, individual pieces of flashing installed with each course of shingles (if mixed material) or over the metal ribs.

     • Head and Sill Flashing: Top and bottom pieces designed to shed water over the skylight and direct it away from the bottom.

     • Counter Flashing: Often used to cover the top edges of other flashing components, creating a layered, watertight system.

   • Thermal Movement: The flashing must be installed in a way that allows for the thermal expansion and contraction of the metal roof panels without breaking the waterproof seal. This often involves specific fastening techniques that allow for slight movement.

4. Sealants and Fasteners:

   • High-quality, UV-resistant sealants compatible with both the skylight materials and the metal roof must be used meticulously at all points of connection and overlap.

   • Fasteners should be designed for metal roofing, often with neoprene washers to create a watertight seal.

5. Pitch and Orientation: The skylight must be installed at the correct pitch for the specific model and flashed appropriately to ensure water drains effectively around it.

Pros and cons of skylights on metal

Considering a skylight for your metal roof involves weighing both the benefits and potential drawbacks.

Pros:

• Abundant Natural Light: Significantly brightens interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

• Energy Efficiency (Potential): Can reduce electricity consumption for lighting. Some skylights offer excellent insulation and Low-E coatings to mitigate heat gain/loss.

• Improved Ventilation (Vented Skylights): Allows hot, stagnant air to escape, improving indoor air quality and comfort, particularly beneficial in warmer climates.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a modern, architectural feature that can enhance the beauty and value of your home.

• Durability of Metal Roof: Once properly installed, the combination of a durable metal roof and a well-integrated skylight can provide decades of reliable performance.

Cons:

• Higher Installation Complexity & Cost: Cutting and flashing a skylight on a metal roof is more complex and labor-intensive than on a shingle roof, which translates to higher installation costs.

• Increased Leak Risk (If Not Pro): Due to the complexity of metal roof integration and thermal movement, the potential for leaks is higher if the installation is not executed flawlessly by an experienced professional. This is the biggest risk.

• Heat Gain: Without proper Low-E coatings and good U-values, skylights can contribute to unwanted heat gain in summer.

• Glare: Direct sunlight can cause glare on surfaces below.

• Maintenance: While the metal roof itself is low maintenance, the skylight unit will require occasional cleaning and inspection.

• Sound Transmission: Rain hitting a skylight on a metal roof can be louder than on other roof types.

Hiring a pro vs DIY approach

Given the specialized nature of metal roofing and the critical importance of a watertight seal, installing a skylight on a metal roof is unequivocally a job for a seasoned professional.

Why DIY is not recommended:

• Complexity of Metal Cuts: Improper cuts can compromise the integrity of the metal panels and lead to future rusting or leaks.

• Specialized Flashing: Off-the-shelf flashing kits rarely work for metal roofs. Custom fabrication or specific metal-roof skylight kits are required, along with expert knowledge of their installation.

• Waterproofing Expertise: Understanding how water behaves on a metal roof's profile and properly sealing every penetration point is an art form that comes with experience. Small errors lead to big leaks.

• Thermal Movement: Without accounting for thermal expansion/contraction of metal, a rigid skylight installation will inevitably fail.

• Safety: Working on metal roofs can be slippery and hazardous, especially on sloped surfaces. Professionals have the necessary safety equipment and training.

• Voiding Warranties: Improper DIY installation will almost certainly void both your metal roof's and the skylight's manufacturer warranties.

• Building Codes and Permits: Skylight installations often require building permits and inspections, ensuring the work meets local codes. Professionals are familiar with this process.

Why choose Masterpiece Roofing:

Masterpiece Roofing has extensive experience with both metal roofing systems and skylight installations. Our certified professionals possess the specialized knowledge, tools, and meticulous attention to detail required to:

• Precisely cut and frame the opening in your metal roof.

• Install the correct, profile-specific flashing system that accommodates thermal movement.

• Ensure all seals and fasteners are watertight and durable.

• Adhere to all building codes and safety standards.

• Deliver a beautiful, leak-free skylight that enhances your home and lasts for decades.

Don't risk costly leaks and structural damage by attempting a complex skylight installation on your metal roof. Trust the experts at Masterpiece Roofing to bring natural light into your home with precision and peace of mind.

Ready to add a skylight to your metal roof? Contact Masterpiece Roofing today for a professional consultation and a detailed estimate!