How to install a tubular skylight
Step-by-Step guide and tips on how to install a skylight
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You’ll need access to the roof to put in the reflective tube
Fairly simple to install, a tubular skylight requires cutting two holes, one through the ceiling for the diffuser, another in the roof for the dome that covers the reflective tube. Fit the dome in a north-facing aspect of the roof for maximum benefit.
Download the DIY Skylight Installation Project PDF
Fairly simple to install, a tubular skylight requires cutting two holes, one through the ceiling for the diffuser, another in the roof for the dome that covers the reflective tube. Fit the dome in a north-facing aspect of the roof for maximum benefit.
Download the DIY Skylight Installation Project PDF
Positioning the holes
Where the skylight is to be located in the hallway, push a nail through the ceiling so it can be seen in the roof cavity.
In the roof cavity, locate the nail then check the skylight location is clear of joists, pipes and electrical wiring. Drill a small hole through the roof to push a locating nail through for the second hole.
The two holes don’t have to line up as the flexible reflective tubing is designed to be easily manipulated around obstacles.
Waterproofing
Flashing is attached to the roof, window or wall for weatherproofing when the skylight is installed. The type of flashing used depends on the roof pitch and material (tile is generally easier to work with than corrugated iron).
TIP: We installed an Abey Australia Xtralite, $150 from Bunnings Warehouse, positioning the roof dome near the ridge so the flashing is fitted under the ridge capping for extra waterproofing.
STEP 1
Cut the ceiling hole
Mark the centre position of the skylight on the ceiling. Use a length of timber with a nail positioned in the centre hole to mark the circumference of the ceiling ring according to the size given in the instructions. Cut the circle with a keyhole saw or jigsaw.
STEP 2
Cut the roof hole
Use the same length of timber to mark the circle on the roof. Drill a 10mm-diameter starter hole then cut out the circle using tin snips or a jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade.
TIP: Cut the sarking inside the roof with a utility knife.
STEP 3
Install the roof dome
Bend out the dome aluminium base, feeding the tubing through the hole in the roof to position the dome. Use a hammer handle to shape the base to match the roof profile and seal with silicone around the base.
STEP 4
Fit the ceiling ring
Pull the tubing through the ceiling hole and cut away surplus, securing with evenly spaced spring clips and fastening the ring to the ceiling with the supplied screws.
STEP 5
Install the diffuser
Slide the tubing over the spring clips to secure then fit the diffuser to the ceiling ring.
TIP: For maximum light reflection, pull the tubing tight.
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3 of 5 Comments |
| Handyman Editor on 11 September 2012 ,17:11 Hi Ken, the tubing certainly is OK to cut, and should be pulled as tight as possible to maximise its reflective properties. On a raked ceiling, you will probably cut the tubing quite short, but it is still an important step because of how much light is 'collected' by the dome and tube. Hope this helps! - Handyman Editor |
| Ken McKenzie on 05 September 2012 ,00:02 I have raked ceilings in my home, and i think this would be much easier to do. However, would i really need to shorten the tubing? And if so, is the tubing OK to cut? |
| RD Editor on 27 July 2011 ,11:42 Once you've cut the hole in the tiles and positioned the skylight, the skylight flashing goes under the tiles above and over the tiles below and shaped to match the profile of the tile. However if you're not confident of removing and cutting tiles without breakage it would pay to get a tradie to do the job. Remember working on a roof is not easy and you may break other tiles moving around on the roof. | See More Comments |
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