Skylight Installation in Nashville, TN

What Skylight Installation Involves

Skylight installation is the process of cutting a hole in your roof, building a curb to support the unit, and flashing it so water cannot seep into the decking. A typical Nashville home gets a 22-inch by 46-inch fixed skylight in a hallway or stairwell. That project runs $1,200 to $2,800 including materials and labor.

We install three types of skylights. Fixed units are the most common and the most affordable. Vented skylights open to release heat and humidity, which matters in Nashville's hot, humid summers. Tubular skylights use a reflective tube to bring light into tight spaces like closets and bathrooms.

Every skylight we set uses a self-adhered ice-and-water shield around the curb. That membrane bonds to the decking and seals around the ring-shank nails we drive into the curb. The flashing is one continuous piece, not overlapped in a way that lets water wick between layers.

Materials and Methods That Matter

The curb is pressure-treated lumber, cut to match the skylight's exact footprint. We fasten it with ring-shank nails, which resist the pull of Nashville's freeze-thaw cycles. The starter course of shingles goes down first, then the field course overlaps the flashing, and we stagger the courses so water runs off without finding a seam.

For the glass, we use low-E tempered units with argon gas between the panes. That cuts heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. The frame is aluminum with a baked-on finish that resists the flaking and peeling you see on older units after a few Tennessee summers.

We do not recover or overlay a skylight. That means we never install a new unit over an old hole. The old flashing, the old curb, and any rotted decking come out first. If we find rot or decay in the wood, we replace that section of decking before the new curb goes in.

Signs You Need a New Skylight

Water stains on the ceiling below the skylight are the obvious sign. But you may also notice a draft in winter, or condensation on the glass every morning. The seal between the glass and the frame can fail, letting moisture seep into the unit itself. That fogging is a clear indicator the argon gas has leaked out and the seal is gone.

Granule loss on the shingles around the skylight, or a sag in the curb, means the whole assembly is at end-of-life wear. If the flashing has lifted at the corners, water will wick into the decking and rot it from the inside out. That rot spreads quietly, so a small leak today can become a $2,000 decking repair next year.

Nashville's spring hail is brutal on skylights. A direct hit from hail larger than an inch can crack the glass or dent the frame enough to break the seal. After a severe thunderstorm, walk your roof and check the skylight for cracks or dents. If you see any, call us for an inspection.

Our Step-by-Step Process

1. Inspection and measurement: We inspect the roof deck from inside the attic, checking for rot, decay, or sag. We measure the rafter spacing to determine if we need to cut and frame a new opening.
2. Removal: We tear off the shingles around the opening, remove the old skylight, and cut the decking back to the nearest rafters. We replace any rotted wood we find.
3. Curb installation: We build and level the curb, fasten it with ring-shank nails, and cover it with self-adhered ice-and-water shield.
4. Skylight set: We set the unit, level it, and secure it with the manufacturer's clips. We check the operation if it's vented.
5. Flashing and shingles: We install the flashing, then relay the starter course and field course of shingles, staggering the courses to match the existing roof.
6. Interior finish and cleanup: We insulate around the shaft, install the drywall returns, and vacuum all debris. We haul away the old unit and materials.

The whole job takes one to two days for a typical Nashville home. We use magnetic nail sweepers to catch every stray nail, and we protect your landscaping with tarps.

Cost and Warranty in Nashville

Fixed skylights run $1,200 to $2,800 installed. Vented units run $2,000 to $4,500. Tubular skylights are $600 to $1,200. The price depends on the size, the type, and the pitch of your roof. Steep roofs in Sylvan Park or Germantown cost more because of the safety rigging required.

We carry a $1 million liability policy and workers' comp. Our workmanship warranty covers the installation for 10 years. The skylight itself carries a manufacturer's warranty, typically 10 years on the glass and 20 years on the frame. We register the warranty for you and send you the paperwork.

If your skylight was damaged by hail or a fallen limb, your homeowner's insurance may cover the replacement. We help you document the damage and work with your adjuster. We do not charge for the inspection or the estimate.

Why Nashville Roof Master

We have been installing skylights in Nashville since 2013. We have done over 400 of them, from the bungalows in East Nashville to the new builds in The Gulch. We know how the heat and humidity make seals fail, and we know how spring hail tests every flashing detail.

We are a GAF Master Elite contractor, which means we meet the manufacturer's highest standards for training and installation. We also offer financing on projects over $3,000, so you can get the light you want without draining your savings.

Call us at 615-616-0840 for a free estimate. We will come out, measure, and give you a fixed price. No pressure, no vague timelines, just a straight answer.