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Are you tired of your mobile home being dark and cramped? A skylight could be your perfect solution! Imagine sunlight streaming in, brightening your day and saving you money. Here’s how to install a mobile home skylight DIY.
Find out everything from choosing the right mobile home skylight dome (sizes like 24×24 mobile home skylights are popular) to what skylight installation costs. Want to tackle it yourself? We’ll provide skylight installation instructions and tips for mobile home skylight repair.
Plus, check out our mobile home skylight installation video for a visual walkthrough. Let’s make your mobile home a sun-drenched haven!
DIY Mobile Home Skylight Installation Steps:
You should consider these things before starting. There are two types of roofs for mobile homes: metal or shingles. Your method will be slightly different. This project requires moderate DIY skills. If you’re not sure, consult a pro. Make sure you’re safe on a roof (harness, sturdy ladder, etc.).
Planning & Selection:
Make sure there are no rafters or internal obstacles. Consider sunlight patterns. The type of skylight you choose depends on the pitch of your roof and your style. You can order standard sizes (like 22×22 or 22×46) or custom sizes.
Cut the interior opening:
Use a stud finder to find the rafter positions. Make a rough opening: Draw the size of your skylight. The drywall should be cut along the marked outline to expose the roof sheathing.
Prepare for the roof opening:
Remove the shingles around the marked opening. Make sure you cut the sheathing within your outline. When you’re installing a curb-mounted skylight, make a wooden frame.
Install the skylight:
- Place your skylight in the opening.
- You can nail or screw the skylight into place through its flange.
- Apply ice and water shield, then step flashing interwoven with shingles.
- Add roofing sealant where necessary to keep it waterproof.
Interior Finishing:
You can build a light shaft if space allows to increase light dispersion. Add drywall and trim to make it look nice.
Common Mobile Home Skylight Problems
Most common issue: leaks. The most common causes are:
- The sealant around the skylight frame and flashing gets weathered, cracks, shrinks.
- The metal flashing around the skylight can bend, crease, or rust.
- A cracked skylight dome can happen if it’s hit or deteriorated from the sun.
Moisture collecting in the skylight means:
- Poor Insulation: Poor insulation makes the interior windows condensation-prone.
- Faulty Seals: When seals break, inert gas escapes, reducing insulation.
- Drafts: You might have a leaky skylight frame or compromised seals.
Troubleshooting & Repair Solutions
Leak Fixtures:
- Look for cracks, gaps, or missing sections in the sealant around the frame and flashing.
- Apply a fresh coat of high-quality, exterior-grade sealant after cleaning the surface thoroughly.
- Flashing: If the flashing is damaged, you might have to replace it all.
- Replacing the dome of a skylight is a good idea if it’s cracked a lot.
Condensation Fixtures:
You will add insulation to the skylight frame inside the house. Install a small vent near the skylight to get rid of trapped moisture.
It may be necessary to replace the seals if they’re permanently broken.
Elimination draft
You can use glue or weatherstripping to fill in the gaps around the skylight frames.
Read Also: Self Flashing Skylight Vs Unflashed? Which Is Better And Why?
What’s the cost of installing a skylight?
Sun-Tek mobile home skylights cost of installing a skylight can vary depending on factors such as the size and type of skylight. In addition, the complexity of the installation, and the location of your home.
The skylight itself costs between $500 and $3000, and professional installation costs $1,000 to $2500. Before you install a skylight, think about these costs and weigh them against the benefits.
What are skylight downsides?
Skylight downsides include potential leaks or water damage, increased energy costs due to heat loss or gain, and the need for regular maintenance to prevent issues such as condensation or fogging. It is important to consider these downsides before deciding to install a skylight.
Read Also: DIY Replacement Polycarbonate Skylight Domes: How Do You Fix A Cracked Skylight Dome?
In conclusion, skylights bring natural light into mobile homes and enhance aesthetics. But there are also some downsides. That including potential leaks and increased energy costs. However, skylights can still be a useful addition if you install them properly and take care of them.
