Lighten Up Your Shed with Skylights

Is your shed a little dark inside? Lighten up your space by adding skylights. Learn how in this Lowe’s video:

For a complete tools and materials list and detailed project instructions, click here.

1. Determine the placement on the ceiling and outline the area. Try to place one edge against a rafter. Drive screw through the corners of your outline so you can mark the roof where the skylights will be located.

2. Cut the shingles just outside the lines and remove them, then cut the opening with a reciprocating saw. Finish cutting the rafters and corners from underneath if necessary. You’ll need to attach horizontal braces to the existing rafter and secure another rafter on the other side of the opening. For extra support, secure additional rafters to the existing framing.

3. Back on top, peel back the shingles and cut the roofing underlayment around the opening according to the directions. Use a straight edge to mark guidelines at the corners of the opening. These lines wil help position the skylight. Line up the notches of the skylight with the marks and secure it with 1″ roofing nails.

4. To make a watertight seal, you’ll need to apply self-adhesive underlayment. Begin by removing the cladding from the window. Apply the bottom piece of underlayment that extends about six inches on each end and six inches from the bottom. Cut the corners and press down. Next, apply underlayment along the sides, extending about six inches above the top of the skylight. Again, cut the corners and press down. then finish with a piece at the top. To allow for drainage, make a small slit into the roofing underlayment and slide a piece of adhesive underlayment underneath. Add a shingle along the bottom.

5. The flashing goes on next. Position the sill flashing tight against the bottom of the window and secure it with roofing nails. Next, install the step flashing along the sides. Overlap each piece and interweave with shingles. Make sure to fasten the nails so they’ll be hidden by shingles. When both sides are done, re-attach the cladding. At the top, install the saddle flashing. Attach to the sides of the skylight. Flatten the upstand if needed and fasten to the roof with nails. Next, slide a piece of underlayment under the roofing underlayment, then add the last shingles. Don’t nail through the flashing.

Now the inside of your shed will have a new lighter look.