How Long Does It Take to Install A Skylight in My Seattle Roof?

Unsure whether a skylight will make your home brighter or just create another opportunity for leaks? Wondering how much of a mess you should expect inside your house during the install?

You're right to be cautious. If your contractor cuts corners, even a small skylight can lead to big leaks, poor insulation, and expensive repairs later.

At RoofSmart, we install and replace around 1,000 skylights a year. Our crews are well-versed in the proper procedure to ensure that your skylight is leak-proof and professionally installed. 

In this article, you'll get a day-by-day breakdown of what a professional skylight installation should actually look like, including how long it takes, and what kind of prep and cleanup are involved for different skylight types, so you can confidently decide if it's worth it for your home.

What is the proper way to install a new skylight in Seattle?

If you don’t have a skylight and you want to install a new one, then it will take about 3 days to install. This can happen while you’re getting your roof replaced, but it will require some extra labor.

When you hire a roofing contractor to install a new skylight in your roof, here are the steps they should follow: 

Day 1

• Set up plastic tarps in your house: Since your roofer is cutting a hole through your ceiling and roof, debris will rain down into your home. To protect the room they’re working in and the stuff in it, your roofer will tape up plastic. This also protects your home while paint and other layers are being applied. 
• Pick a location for the skylight and cut the hole: You pick your spot, and usually, the attic framing is two feet apart, so your roofer will find a space in between those framing members. Those are usually going in a certain direction, usually front to back (like front of the house to the back of the house). Most of the time, you want your skylight to line up with the gap. It's functionally possible to put your skylight anywhere in any orientation, but it's going to require a lot more framing, which will increase the total cost of the job. 
  Then your roofer will drill a pilot hole up from the living space so that the hole can be found in the attic. If there is a bunch of framing and wiring in your way, then you need to decide if you want to move it or choose a new spot. Once you’re happy with the location, your roofer will remove insulation from that spot and cut a hole in the roof. Then, they’ll cover it with a tarp so that rain doesn’t get in while the rest of the work is completed.

• Frame the interior of the skylight well: The next step is framing the skylight well to actually create its shape. Once that’s complete, your roofer will put up drywall in there. 
• Apply the first coat of joint compound: After the drywall is on, it’s time for the first layer of mud (or joint compound). This will need time to dry, so that’s the last step for the day. Sometimes it takes longer to dry in the winter than in the summer.

Day 2

• Sand the first coat of joint compound and apply the second coat: Once the first coat is dry, it needs to be sanded. Then, it's time for the second coat to be applied. This will need to dry for a while.
• Sand the second coat and apply texture: Your roofer will then sand the second coat and apply texture. 
• Insulate skylight well: While the texture is drying, it’s time to insulate the skylight well. New insulation will need to be applied. 

Day 3

• Prime and paint the skylight well: Now that the texture is dry, your roofer can prime the skylight well and paint it. They’ll need to wait long enough for the 
• Install skylight: The last step is to go up to the roof and install the skylight. This process will look different depending on what style of skylight you want (more on that later).

A fair amount of the skylight installation process consists of waiting for paint or other materials to dry. For that reason, we recommend getting 2 skylights done (instead of just one) to make the process more efficient. 

Installing a skylight is expensive, but it’s a great way to bring more light and warmth into your home. It can also make the space feel more open because you're expanding the ceiling in that spot.

How are curb-mounted and deck-mounted skylights installed differently?

Deck-mounted skylights are installed directly into the roof, while curb-mounted skylights are installed on top of a curb. 

Deck-mounted skylights come with a flashing kit that your roofer will use to seal them into the roof. If you’re buying a curb-mounted roof, then your roofer will need to build and install a curb. This should happen on the first day of installation. 

At RoofSmart, we really only install curb-mounted skylights because they are more secure and leak-proof. We’ve found that deck-mounted skylights usually end up leaking, whereas curb-mounted skylights have a much more durable seal.  

How is a solar tube skylight installed?

Solar tube skylights are much easier to install. The whole process usually takes about an hour.

Your roofer will choose the location in the same way as a regular skylight and cut out the hole. From that point, it’s just a matter of installing the tunnel and other pieces that come in the skylight kit. 

If you don't have a skylight yet, the solar tube is the better value by far than a regular skylight because it’s much cheaper and easier to install. It’s a great way to bring some light into your home. 

How much should you expect to pay for a skylight installation in Seattle?

Now that you know what goes into a skylight installation (from prepping your home to final paint touch-ups), you’re probably wondering what it’s actually going to cost.

Will adding one skylight break the bank? What if you want two? And how much more is it if you need custom framing or curb-mounted flashing?

The truth is, skylight pricing in Seattle can vary quite a bit depending on the size, style, and complexity of the job. But you deserve a clear breakdown of what you’re paying for and what kind of results you can expect at each price point.

Read our article “How Much Does It Cost to Install a Skylight in Seattle?” to see real pricing examples and get a better idea of how to plan your budget with confidence.