People are often hesitant to put a metal roof on their businesses for a few reasons. One of the main reasons is the fact that they want to install skylights and there is often a question of their compatibility with a metal roof. As far as benefits go, skylights help bring in natural light, aid with ventilation, and add value aesthetically to a building. The good news is that if you are considering a metal roof for your business, adding skylights is never out of the question.
Can You Put Skylights in a Metal Roof?
Yes, you can put skylights in a metal roof. However, there are a few considerations that should be noted. Before we get into some of these factors, it’s important to mention that it is always best to have skylights installed at the same time as the metal roof. In doing so, it is more likely that the skylights can be properly placed to prevent leaks and other problems from happening.
Factors to Consider About Skylights and Metal Roofing
Before installing skylights in a metal roof, take the following factors into consideration:
1. You Need Professional Installation
We mentioned the importance of installing skylights at the same time as the roof. But even more important is ensuring that the skylights are professionally installed by certified roof experts. If you end up with a skylight that is flush-mounted instead of curb-mounted, there’s a good chance that water will eventually leak into the seams. Improper mounting can cause some serious water damage that can be very expensive to fix.
Here are some other benefits to hiring experienced and certified roofing professionals:
- The job is done right the first time around. You can have peace of mind that your roof was correctly installed.
- The roofers are safety trained and certified to ensure that everyone in and around the building is safe at all times.
- The job is completed in a timely matter. These are experts who know how to complete the installation efficiently. If you hire someone who is not certified and experienced, a roofing project can unnecessarily drag on for weeks or months.
Related: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Skylight?
2. It Can Get Noisy
The noise produced by rain hitting a metal roof is often a top concern. You can heavily insulate the roof to muffle these noises; however, a skylight is also very loud during certain weather. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about the noises associated with a skylight. There are interior covers that can be opened and closed to help with noise, but in most cases, rain will create some unwanted racket.
3. Potential Energy Loss
Since the skylight is positioned on the roof, it can cause some energy-related issues in comparison to a regular window. There is the potential that the skylight can lose some heat in the winter and bring in more heat in the summer. However, if you use high-quality thermal glass for your skylight, you will likely not run into these issues. Thermal glass is designed to reduce energy loss.
4. A Weak Spot on Your Roof
If you live in a heavily wooded area, you may have some concerns about a tree falling on your roof someday. A skylight creates a weak spot on your roof where a large tree or heavy debris could penetrate your building. If you don’t have the threat of major debris falling onto your building, this is a factor that you can easily dismiss.
5. Flashing is Essential
Sealant is certainly a good line of defense against water. However, the way your roof is flashed against the skylights will be one of the most crucial aspects of the installation process. For those who are unfamiliar with the term flashing, it is a thin material (usually galvanized steel) that is used to direct water away from certain areas of the roof. A certified roofer can ensure that the installation process is handled correctly.
If you are looking to install skylights in a metal roof, there is no question that this can be accomplished. Even though there are some factors to consider beforehand, skylights can be beautifully integrated into a metal roof. It all comes down to the fact that you need professional installation with the use of high-quality energy efficient materials. With these things in place, you will end up with stunning skylights that can bring a little bit of nature into your building.
