Ever wished you could view the night sky from the shelter of your home? Or wished you had more natural light in the room by having a nice skylight installed?

In this article, we’re going to explore whether you can install a skylight on a flat roof, and we’ll also try to answer some of your most frequently asked questions along the way.

So, without further ado, let’s get straight to it.

Can I install a skylight on a flat roof?

You don’t often see skylights on a flat roof, which is a shame. But we are happy to confirm that it can be done.

However, you should check before you begin whether or not you will need to apply for planning permission first. Contravening of planning regulations can lead to fines. If you’re not extending the footprint of your property, you may not necessarily need any special planning permission, but we stress that you should always check with your local authority in the first instance. Better safe than sorry.

We say this because there often are instances where a skylight may require planning permission. Qualified roofers may be able to advise you further on this from their own experience.

However, there are some strict rules regarding this, and they are as follows:

• New flat roof skylights must not project more than 150 mm outwards from the existing roof plane.
• The skylight must not be higher than the existing roof.
• Side-facing windows must feature an obscure glaze and have an opening made 1.7m above the floor.

To find out more about the building regulations that apply to glass skylights on flat roofs, please click here.

Can I install it myself, or do I need a professional?

Sure, you can get a lot of YouTube videos online showing you how “easy” it is to install a skylight yourself. However, it is certainly not recommended, and the best advice we can give to you on the matter is to approach a reputable roofing company, such as Sureseal to complete this big task on your behalf.

The reason we say this is because installing a skylight properly is not as easy as the YouTube videos would have you believe. Not only do you have to cut into the roof, but you also need to install new structural framing members. AND, you will also have to install drywall and finish the ceiling beneath the skylight.

Moreover, the roofing paper and the metal flashing are incorrectly installed, you will risk leaks around the skylight.

It is only if you are particularly skilled at such matters that we would suggest that you should go ahead and install a skylight yourself.

Does it have to be installed as the roof is being installed or after?

Although it is possible to install a skylight in a flat roof after a flat roof has been installed, it is much better to have the skylight put into place when the roof is being installed.

Whether it’s for an extension, separate building on your property or to replace an existing roof, flat roofing is the ideal roofing solution for your home.