Can You Install Skylights in a Metal Roof

Installing skylights in a metal roof is possible and common, but success depends on roof type, skylight choice, flashing details, and professional installation to prevent leaks and thermal issues.

Metal Roof Type	Skylight Compatibility	Typical Flashing
Standing Seam	High	Clamping Flashing Or Custom Curbs
Corrugated/Exposed Fastener	Moderate	Curbs With Sealant & Flashing Kits
Metal Shingles	Moderate-High	Standard Skylight Flashing + Underlayment

Why Consider Skylights For A Metal Roof

Skylights Add Natural Light, Reduce Electric Lighting, And Improve Ventilation. Metal roofs offer durability and a long service life, making them a stable platform for skylights, which can enhance interior comfort and energy efficiency when installed correctly.

Types Of Metal Roofs And Their Impact On Skylight Installation

Different Metal Roof Profiles Affect How Skylights Are Mounted And Sealed. Standing seam roofs allow attachments without penetrating the seam if using seam clamps or curb-mounted systems, while exposed-fastener or corrugated panels require careful cutting and watertight flashing where penetrations occur.

Standing Seam

Standing Seam Roofs Have Raised Interlocking Seams. Skylights Can Often Be Mounted Using Seam Clamps Or Special Flashing That Attaches To Seams Without Drilling Them, reducing the risk of leaks and preserving roof integrity.

Corrugated And Ribbed Panels

Corrugated Panels Require Cutting Through High And Low Ribs For A Skylight Opening. Properly Designed Curbs And Layered Flashing With Sealants Are Essential To Prevent Water Intrusion on uneven surfaces.

Metal Shingles And Tiles

Metal Shingles Are Installed Like Conventional Shingles; Skylight Installation Is Similar To Asphalt Shingle Roofs. Standard Flashing Kits Work Well, But Attention To Underlayment And Fastener Placement Is Crucial.

Skylight Types Suitable For Metal Roofs

Selecting The Right Skylight Type Determines Long-Term Performance. Common Options Include Fixed, Venting, Tubular, And Curb-Mounted Skylights, each with advantages depending on the roof profile and interior needs.

Fixed Skylights

Fixed Skylights Provide Daylighting Without Ventilation. They Are Simpler To Flash And Seal, Making Them A Reliable Choice For Metal Roof Applications, especially where weatherproofing is a priority.

Venting Skylights

Venting Skylights Offer Fresh Air And Are Often Used In Bathrooms And Kitchens. These Require More Consideration For Flashing And Support To Ensure Proper Operation And Weather Resistance.

Tubular Skylights

Tubular Skylights Use A Small Roof Penetration And Reflective Tubing To Deliver Light. They Are An Excellent Option For Metal Roofs When Minimal Structural Work And Reduced Leak Risk Are Desired.

Curb-Mounted Skylights

Curb-Mounted Skylights Sit On A Raised Frame Or Curb Built Above The Roof Plane. They Are Highly Recommended For Many Metal Roofs Because Curbs Simplify Flashing And Provide A More Secure Seal.

Flashing And Waterproofing Best Practices

Flashing Is The Most Critical Factor For Preventing Leaks. Proper Layering With Underlayment, A Custom Curb, And Metal-Compatible Flashing Materials Ensures A Long-Lasting Seal That Accommodates Thermal Movement.

• Start With A Solid Curb Or Use A Curbed Skylight: Curbs Provide A Flat Surface For Sealing On Irregular Panels.
• Use Metal-Compatible Flashing: Stainless Steel Or Aluminum Flashing Matched To The Roof Prevents Galvanic Corrosion.
• Install Underlayment And Ice Barrier: Extend Underlayment Up The Sides Of The Curb For Secondary Protection.
• Seal Penetrations With High-Quality Sealants: Use Polyurethane Or Butyl Sealants Rated For Metal Roofs And UV Exposure.
• Follow Manufacturer Flashing Kits: Many Skylight Makers Provide Kits Designed For Specific Roof Types; Follow Their Instructions.

Cutting The Opening And Structural Considerations

Cutting A Skylight Opening Requires Planning For Roof Strength And Water Drainage. Reinforcement Around The Opening May Be Needed To Support The Skylight And Preserve Roof Load Paths, Especially On Larger Units.

Ensure Proper Roof Slope And Overhang To Avoid Water Pooling Around The Skylight. On Low-Slope Metal Roofs, Use Skylights Rated For Low Pitch And Ensure Flashing Designed For Shallow Angles.

Thermal Performance And Condensation Control

Metal Roofs Can Transfer Heat And Cold Rapidly, Which Affects Skylight Performance. Choose Skylights With High-Performance Glazing And Thermal Breaks To Reduce Heat Loss And Condensation Risks.

• Double Or Triple Glazed Units: Provide Better Insulation And Reduced U-Values.
• Low-E Coatings: Improve Solar Heat Control Without Obstructing Light.
• Thermal Breaks In Frames: Prevent Heat Conduction Between Metal Roof And Interior.
• Proper Venting And Insulation: Attic Ventilation And Insulation Around The Curb Reduce Condensation Risks.

Permits, Codes, And Energy Considerations

Local Building Codes May Require Permits And Specific Egress Or Energy Efficiency Standards. Skylights Often Count Toward Daylighting And Ventilation Requirements, So Confirm Local Code Requirements Before Installation.

Energy Codes May Limit Skylight U-Factor And Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Selecting Energy-Star Rated Skylights Or Those Meeting Local Codes Helps Ensure Compliance.

DIY Versus Professional Installation

While Small Tubular Skylights Can Be A DIY Project, Larger Skylights And Complex Metal Roofs Often Require A Professional. Experienced Roofers Or Skylight Installers Understand Metal Roof Nuances, Flashing Techniques, And Local Code Requirements.

• DIY Is Feasible For Tubular Or Small Fixed Units: With Proper Tools And Attention To Flashing.
• Hire Professionals For Standing Seam Or Complex Profiles: To Avoid Costly Leaks And Warranty Issues.
• Get A Written Warranty: Ensure Both Skylight And Roof Warranties Are Clear On Who Is Responsible For Leaks.

Cost Factors And Longevity

Costs Vary Based On Skylight Type, Roof Complexity, And Labor. Expect Higher Costs For Standing Seam Solutions, Custom Curbs, And High-Performance Glazing, But These Investments Improve Longevity and Reduce Maintenance.

Item	Typical Cost Range
Small Tubular Skylight	$200 – $800 Installed
Basic Fixed Skylight	$500 – $1,200 Installed
Large Curb-Mounted Skylight	$1,000 – $3,500 Installed
Seam Clamp Or Standing Seam Attachment	$200 – $800 Extra

Maintenance And Troubleshooting

Regular Inspection And Maintenance Prolong Skylight Life. Check Flashing, Sealants, And Interior Ceilings Annually, And Clear Debris That Could Trap Water Around The Skylight.

• Leak Signs: Stains, Drips, Or Soft Spots Around The Skylight Need Immediate Attention.
• Condensation: Improve Ventilation Or Insulation If Interior Condensation Forms Regularly.
• Sealant Replacement: Reseal Exposed Caulking Every 5–10 Years Depending On Exposure.

Common Installation Mistakes To Avoid

Avoid Cutting Corners On Flashing And Undercurb Preparation. Improper Flashing, Using Incompatible Metals, Or Neglecting Thermal Movement Are Frequent Causes Of Skylight Failures On Metal Roofs.

1. Not Using A Curb When Needed: Leads To Poor Seals On Corrugated Panels.
2. Mixing Incompatible Metals: Can Cause Galvanic Corrosion And Early Failure.
3. Ignoring Roof Slope Requirements: Results In Water Pooling And Leaks.

How To Choose The Right Installer

Select An Installer With Metal Roof Experience And Positive Local References. Ask For Examples Of Past Metal Roof Skylight Installations, Written Warranties, And Clear Flashing Methods Before Hiring.

• Verify Licenses And Insurance: Confirm Liability Insurance And Any Required Local Licensing.
• Request A Detailed Proposal: Include Materials, Flashing Plan, Timeline, And Warranty.
• Check Manufacturer Certification: Some Skylight Brands Certify Installers For Warranty Compliance.

Practical Tips For Homeowners Considering Skylights On Metal Roofs

Plan For Orientation, Glazing, And Shading To Maximize Benefits. South-Facing Skylights Provide More Light But May Increase Solar Heat Gain; Consider Operable Shades Or Low-E Glass To Balance Light And Comfort.

• Measure Twice, Cut Once: Accurate Layout Prevents Mistakes During Roof Penetration.
• Coordinate With Roofing Replacement: Install Skylights During A Roof Replacement To Match Underlayment And Avoid Multiple Penetrations.
• Think About Future Access: Ensure Interior Access For Cleaning And Maintenance.