While performing roof maintenance last week, I noticed that our two skylights are starting to yellow due to UV light and age. So I determined that it was time to tackle replacement. Over the years, I've tried to deal with the amount of light and heat that enters through the skylights. The clear skylights are quite problematic in the Arizona sunshine. I tried putting a tinted film on the inner dome in the past, and it caused unintended consequences due to the heat that was trapped between the inner and outer dome. I also tried using foam cushions and shades to control the heat and light with minimal success.
So I was able to find a dark tinted skylight on-line that fit the existing opening very well. Here's a link to the ones I purchased.
https://www.amazon.com/Class-Customs...993624&sr=8-21
Removal and replacement was not too tough and took about two hours to do one.
Step 1 - I used a dull chisel to remove the old lap sealant from the flange of the existing skylight. Then, I was able to very carefully use my fingers and a putty knife to remove the sealant from the roofing membrane. If using tools on the membrane, you want to be very careful to keep from damaging the membrane. I was surprised how pliable the sealant was after 4-1/2 years. No matter how careful I was, the roofing material was stretched and bubbled where the old lap sealant was attached.
Step 2 - Remove the existing skylight. There were 19 screws that were used to hold the skylight in place (kind of). Some of the screws were punched all the way through the skylight flange. One screw completely missed the plastic flange and went right in the roof, and one screw cracked the corner of the flange (Photo below). Once the screws were removed, I gently pulled on the skylight and it came off the butyl tape that was between the flange and the roofing membrane.
Step 3 - Clean, inspect and prepare the roofing membrane. Inspection of the roofing membrane revealed some staples that weren't fully seated or missed the wood and were just hanging in a void. I seated the staples with a hammer and removed those that weren't attached to anything. Then, I cleaned the roofing material with a mild detergent/water mix and a rag. Next, I used a wall paper roller to try and get the membrane to stick to the plywood roof. This was not very successful. But the new skylight and lap sealant will hold everything in place.
Step 4 - Position the new skylight. Lay the skylight over the hole and position it exactly where you want it. Mark the location with a permanent marker. Remove the skylight and place a seam of new butyl tape on the underside of the flange over the screw holes. Next, line up the skylight with the marks you made on the roof and press it into place. Be careful on this step. It will adhere pretty tightly, and you want to make sure you have it in the right position on the first try.
Step 5 - Screw down the skylight. You'll want to be careful to make sure you properly screw it down. Not too tight, and not too loose. I used my cordless driver and watched for the flange to just start to deform and for the butyl tape to start spreading. If you tighten it up too much, you can punch the screw head through the flange or squeeze out all the butyl tape.
Step Six - Apply new lap sealant. I used Alpha Systems Super Flex beige self leveling lap sealant. I used enough to cover the screws, a portion of the flange and the wrinkles that remained on the roofing material. Note: It will take about 1-1/2 tubes of sealant for one skylight.
Results - There was a significant reduction of light coming in the skylight. Once we heat back up, I'll see if there is also a reduction in heat. I ran out of lap sealant, so the skylight in the bathroom will have to wait until I get more.
Jim
So I was able to find a dark tinted skylight on-line that fit the existing opening very well. Here's a link to the ones I purchased.
https://www.amazon.com/Class-Customs...993624&sr=8-21
Removal and replacement was not too tough and took about two hours to do one.
Step 1 - I used a dull chisel to remove the old lap sealant from the flange of the existing skylight. Then, I was able to very carefully use my fingers and a putty knife to remove the sealant from the roofing membrane. If using tools on the membrane, you want to be very careful to keep from damaging the membrane. I was surprised how pliable the sealant was after 4-1/2 years. No matter how careful I was, the roofing material was stretched and bubbled where the old lap sealant was attached.
Step 2 - Remove the existing skylight. There were 19 screws that were used to hold the skylight in place (kind of). Some of the screws were punched all the way through the skylight flange. One screw completely missed the plastic flange and went right in the roof, and one screw cracked the corner of the flange (Photo below). Once the screws were removed, I gently pulled on the skylight and it came off the butyl tape that was between the flange and the roofing membrane.
Step 3 - Clean, inspect and prepare the roofing membrane. Inspection of the roofing membrane revealed some staples that weren't fully seated or missed the wood and were just hanging in a void. I seated the staples with a hammer and removed those that weren't attached to anything. Then, I cleaned the roofing material with a mild detergent/water mix and a rag. Next, I used a wall paper roller to try and get the membrane to stick to the plywood roof. This was not very successful. But the new skylight and lap sealant will hold everything in place.
Step 4 - Position the new skylight. Lay the skylight over the hole and position it exactly where you want it. Mark the location with a permanent marker. Remove the skylight and place a seam of new butyl tape on the underside of the flange over the screw holes. Next, line up the skylight with the marks you made on the roof and press it into place. Be careful on this step. It will adhere pretty tightly, and you want to make sure you have it in the right position on the first try.
Step 5 - Screw down the skylight. You'll want to be careful to make sure you properly screw it down. Not too tight, and not too loose. I used my cordless driver and watched for the flange to just start to deform and for the butyl tape to start spreading. If you tighten it up too much, you can punch the screw head through the flange or squeeze out all the butyl tape.
Step Six - Apply new lap sealant. I used Alpha Systems Super Flex beige self leveling lap sealant. I used enough to cover the screws, a portion of the flange and the wrinkles that remained on the roofing material. Note: It will take about 1-1/2 tubes of sealant for one skylight.
Results - There was a significant reduction of light coming in the skylight. Once we heat back up, I'll see if there is also a reduction in heat. I ran out of lap sealant, so the skylight in the bathroom will have to wait until I get more.
Jim
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