As one of the leading metal roof manufacturers in the Weatherford area, we are often presented with questions about the functionality and composition of metal roofing systems. Skylights are popular roofing additions that can add natural light and beauty to any room or building. Many people wonder if they can have a skylight with their metal roof. The answer is yes! Virtually any kind of roof can have skylights installed, but for metal roofs in particular, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Proper Installation
This is the most vital consideration when hiring a contractor to install skylights. An improperly mounted sunlight and/or improper flashing installation can allow water in the seams of your metal roof. This can result in unsightly and expensive interior water damage. A few months back, we had an article about the importance of roof flashing. Equally important is the sunlight installation method. Many contractors and sunlight manufacturers recommend curb-mounting a skylight so that flashing can be properly installed.
Additionally, you will want to think about the best time to install skylights. Generally speaking, it is much easier to properly install skylights and flashing as the metal roof is being installed as opposed to after the roof is already in place. To learn more about this and how skylights can work with your metal roof, give us a call.
Noise
One common concern with a metal roof is the amount of noise that things like rain and hail will cause inside. Likewise, the noise produced by rain hitting a skylight can be deafening. While insulating a metal roof can help lessen the noise interference from weather, there is no real insulation solution for a skylight. This is something to think about if you are considering installing skylights with your metal roof. To help you determine how detrimental the noise from rain and hail will be in your metal building, consider what you use your metal building for.
Weather Patterns
Speaking of rain and hail, it is important to consider the weather pattern in your area when trying to decide whether or not to have skylights installed in your metal roof. If you live in an area where rain, hail, snow, and ice are common throughout much of the year, there is a higher propensity for moisture issues involving your skylight. On the other hand, if the climate in your area is dry most of the time, this is not likely to be as big of a concern.
Energy Efficiency
Something else to consider is how a skylight may impact the energy efficiency of your metal building. Given their transparency, skylights allow the heat of the sun to enter buildings. This can be good or bad depending on the season and your location. If energy loss is a concern, there are several brands of high-quality, thermal glass skylights on the market to help mitigate this loss.
We know you want to protect your investment when it comes to your metal roof and skylights, if you choose to install them. If you’re thinking about adding the beauty of skylights to your metal roof, we hope these considerations help you out in your research. As an industry leader in the metal roofing manufacturing business, we are happy to answer any questions you have with regard to skylights and metal roofs — contact us today!
