Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Tubular Skylights
People used to find it very difficult to provide natural light to a room which had an attic above it. Now, thanks to tubular skylights, this is no longer difficult. Furthermore, tubular skylights are highly affordable and easy to install. Tubular skylights provide light by gathering sunlight from the roof and transmitting it through a reflective tube installed in the room underneath. Installation of tubular skylights is one of the best do it yourself projects and can be done by following the steps explained below.
Steps for Installing Tubular Skylights
1) First of all, choose the place where you want to install tubular skylights and put studs on the ceiling. Make sure that there are no wires or any other barriers in the area. Make a small hole in the ceiling and pass a wire hanger through it. Look for the hanger in the attic and see whether there is a clear space between the joists.
2) Run a flash light along the wire hanger to light up the space between the rafters. Using the first hole as a guide, drill another hole and pass another wire hanger through it to form an opening for the tubular skylights.
3) Trace the outline of the exterior hole using the templates provided in the tubular skylights kit. Using the outline you have drawn as a guide, cut a hole through the roof sheathing with the help of a saw. Avoid dropping pieces of wood on the ceiling below the attic.
4) Prepare the area for installing the flashings of the tubular skylights by removing the nails which are placed under the shingles. Remove any caulk from under the flashing to make it ready for installation.
5) Install the flashing of the tubular skylights under the shingles and the tar. Push the flashing higher so that the raised section touches the shingles.
6) After installing flashings of the tubular skylights, find out the length of tubing that will be required by measuring the distance between the ceiling and the top of the flashing.
7) Gather the tubing required for tubular skylights and take out the protective film from inside.
8) Push the tube through the flashing and fasten it with the ceiling ring and flashing with screws. Cut any extra tubing with the help of a tin snip.
9) Install the dome by connecting it with the flashing using the screws provided. Attach the diffuser to the ceiling ring.
You can now enjoy natural light in your room through tubular skylights. These tubular skylights will also help in saving energy costs by giving natural light.
