Skylight installation is a roofing job, not a window job. It requires cutting through your roof deck sheathing, framing a structural curb between the trusses or rafters, and building a weatherproof barrier with flashing, underlayment, and sealant. Horseheads Roofing & Maintenance has been installing skylights in Horseheads for 21 years — every one leak-free.
We install deck-mounted skylights and curb-mounted skylights. Deck-mounted units sit flush against the roof deck and work best for shingle roofs on standard pitch. Curb-mounted units sit on a raised frame and work on flat or low-slope roofs. Both types get the same flashing treatment: ice-and-water shield, step flashing, counter-flashing, and sealant at every transition.
Our Skylight Installation Process
Site Assessment
Our estimator visits your Horseheads home, inspects the attic framing, and recommends skylight size, type, and placement. We show you product options — fixed, vented, tubular — and provide a detailed written estimate.
Roof Opening & Framing
Roof deck opening cut to exact dimensions. Structural curb built between rafters with doubled headers for load transfer. This is the foundation that holds the skylight and carries snow load — it's built to structural standards.
Weather Barrier
Ice-and-water shield wrapped around the entire curb perimeter. Step flashing installed on all four sides, woven into the shingle courses. Counter-flashing at the top integrates with the shingles above. Sealant at every transition point. This flashing system is what prevents leaks — it's the most critical step.
Completion
Skylight seated, sealed, and integrated into the roofline. Interior light shaft insulated with rigid foam. Trim and drywall finished inside. Final inspection from the attic confirms zero gaps, zero daylight showing at flashing joints.
What Horseheads Customers Say
"After getting several quotes, these guys stood out with their honesty and knowledge. No pressure, just straightforward advice and excellent workmanship."
"Best experience we've ever had with a home service company. On time, on budget, and the results exceeded what we expected. Truly top-notch."
"From the first phone call to the final walkthrough, everything was seamless. The team was courteous and efficient. Already recommended them to two friends."
Why Choose Horseheads Roofing & Maintenance for Skylight Installation?
Brand Options
VELUX, Fakro, Sun-Tek — fixed, vented, and tubular models. Tempered and laminated glass. Built-in blinds and shades. We help you choose the right unit for your roof, room, and budget.
Structural Curb Framing
We frame a proper structural curb between your rafters with doubled headers. No flimsy brackets or foam shims. The curb carries the skylight load and provides a solid base for the flashing system.
Roofer-Installed, Not Handyman
Horseheads Roofing & Maintenance is a roofing contractor, not a general handyman. Skylights are roof penetrations — they require roofing expertise, proper flashing materials, and waterproofing knowledge. That's what we do every day.
Insulated Light Shafts
Every skylight installation includes rigid foam insulation around the light shaft. Uninsulated shafts cause condensation and energy loss. We insulate, vapor-seal, and trim the interior for a finished look.