Skylight Installation in Lynchburg, VA

Professional Skylight Installation in Central Virginia

Natural light transforms living spaces in ways artificial lighting simply cannot replicate. It makes rooms feel larger, more inviting, and more connected to the outdoors. It enhances mood, reduces electricity costs, and adds significant value to your home. At Mapleton Roofing, we specialize in professional skylight installation that brings the beauty of natural light into your Lynchburg home while maintaining the integrity and weather resistance of your roof.

As experienced roofing professionals, we understand that skylights represent both an opportunity and a vulnerability in your roof system. A properly installed skylight with quality flashing provides years of leak-free performance. A poorly installed one becomes a recurring source of water damage and frustration. We use industry-leading products and installation techniques to ensure your skylights deliver the benefits you want without the problems you don't.

Benefits of Skylights

Skylights offer remarkable benefits that make them one of the most impactful home improvements you can make:

Abundant Natural Light: A skylight admits significantly more light than a vertical window of similar size because it captures light from the entire sky dome rather than a limited angle. Rooms that were dark and uninviting become bright and welcoming. Interior spaces without exterior walls can finally have natural light.

Energy Savings: Natural light from skylights reduces the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. Strategic placement can also provide passive solar heating in winter, reducing heating costs. Modern energy-efficient skylights with Low-E coatings manage heat gain and loss effectively.

Ventilation: Venting skylights open to allow hot air to escape and fresh air to enter. Since hot air rises, skylights are exceptionally effective at ventilating upper floors and creating natural air circulation throughout your home.

Aesthetic Appeal: Skylights add architectural interest and a sense of openness that enhances any room. They're particularly effective in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and stairwells where windows may be impractical or insufficient.

Health Benefits: Exposure to natural light supports circadian rhythms, improves mood, and has documented health benefits. Rooms with skylights feel more comfortable and pleasant to occupy.

Property Value: Quality skylights are desirable features that add value to your home, making it more attractive to future buyers.

Types of Skylights We Install

We install a full range of skylight types to suit different needs, roof configurations, and budgets:

Fixed Skylights: Fixed skylights don't open—they simply admit light. They're the most affordable option and appropriate where ventilation isn't needed. Fixed skylights are available in various sizes and shapes including rectangular, square, and tubular.

Venting Skylights: Venting skylights open to provide both light and ventilation. They're operated manually with a pole or crank, or electrically with a switch or remote control. Solar-powered models require no wiring. Venting skylights are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and upper floors where hot air accumulates.

Tubular Skylights: Also called sun tunnels, tubular skylights capture light on the roof and channel it through a reflective tube to a ceiling-mounted diffuser. They're excellent for bringing light into small spaces—closets, hallways, bathrooms—where traditional skylights aren't practical. Installation is less invasive than conventional skylights.

Custom Skylights: For unique applications, custom skylights can be fabricated in special sizes, shapes, or configurations. These might include ganged units for dramatic effect or specially shaped units for unique architectural designs.

Skylight Features and Options

Glazing Options: Modern skylights feature dual-pane or triple-pane glazing with Low-E coatings that control heat transfer and UV transmission. Tinted or reflective options reduce heat gain in south-facing applications. Laminated glass provides additional safety and security.

Blinds and Shades: Many skylights are available with integrated blinds or shades that provide light control and additional insulation. Options include manual, electric, and solar-powered operation. Room-darkening shades are available for bedrooms.

Rain Sensors: Venting skylights can include rain sensors that automatically close the skylight when moisture is detected—peace of mind if you leave skylights open and weather changes unexpectedly.

Smart Home Integration: Electric skylights can integrate with smart home systems for voice control, scheduling, and automated operation based on temperature, sunlight, or time of day.

Our Installation Process

Professional installation is critical for skylight performance. Here's how we ensure quality results:

Consultation and Planning: We visit your home to assess roof conditions, discuss your goals, and recommend skylight types, sizes, and placement. We consider ceiling construction, framing, and any obstacles that might affect installation. You receive a detailed proposal covering all aspects of the project.

Preparation: On installation day, we protect your interior with drop cloths and prepare for controlled access to your roof and ceiling space.

Roof Opening: We cut the roof opening precisely to size, carefully removing shingles, sheathing, and any obstructing framing. If necessary, we reframe the opening with proper headers to maintain structural integrity.

Skylight Installation: The skylight unit is set into the opening and secured according to manufacturer specifications. Proper positioning ensures optimal light capture and water shedding.

Flashing Installation: This is the critical step that determines whether your skylight leaks or not. We install manufacturer-approved flashing systems that integrate properly with your roofing material. Flashing creates a continuous water barrier that directs rain around and away from the skylight.

Roofing Integration: We carefully integrate the flashing with surrounding shingles, ensuring proper overlap and water shedding. For tile or slate roofs, we take extra care to maintain the integrity of these materials.

Light Shaft Construction: The light shaft connects the roof-mounted skylight to the ceiling opening below. We frame and finish the shaft, typically with drywall, to create an attractive transition. Shaft design affects how light spreads into the room—we can angle shafts to optimize light distribution.

Finishing: We complete all interior finishing, clean up thoroughly, and walk you through operation and maintenance of your new skylight.

Skylight Repair and Replacement

If you have existing skylights that are leaking, fogged, or outdated, we provide repair and replacement services. Common issues we address include failed flashing requiring releaking or replacement, condensation between glass panes indicating seal failure, cracked or damaged glazing, worn gaskets and seals, and outdated skylights that lack modern energy efficiency features.

When replacing your roof, it's the ideal time to evaluate existing skylights. We can repair flashing around skylights that remain in good condition, or replace aging skylights while the roof is open—more efficient than addressing them separately.

Skylights and Energy Efficiency

Modern skylights can actually improve your home's energy efficiency when properly selected and installed. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified skylights with appropriate solar heat gain coefficients for your climate and exposure. Combined with proper attic insulation around the light shaft and roof ventilation, skylights become part of an integrated energy-efficient envelope.

Why Choose Mapleton Roofing for Skylights?

• Roofing Expertise: As roofing specialists, we understand how skylights integrate with roof systems for leak-free performance.
• Quality Products: We install premium skylights from trusted manufacturers like VELUX.
• Proper Flashing: We use manufacturer-approved flashing systems installed correctly for lasting waterproofing.
• Complete Service: We handle everything from roof work to interior finishing—no need for multiple contractors.
• Warranty Protection: Our installation workmanship is backed by our guarantee, combined with manufacturer product warranties.
• Experience: Years of skylight installation experience mean we anticipate and avoid common problems.