Can You Install A Skylight On A Flat Roof?
If you are considering adding a rooflight to your home and wondering whether you can install a skylight on a flat roof, the simple answer is yes!
Flat roofs are the easiest type of roof for this type of home improvement. The work involved in the installation process is simpler than working with pitched roofs as you don’t need to cut into the roof at an angle. Flat rooflights also receive optimal sunlight compared to pitched roof windows too, so flat roofs are the perfect place to fit a skylight.
Take a look at our range of skylights for flat roofs for some inspiration.
Is it possible to install a skylight on a flat roof?
Yes, you can install a skylight on a flat roof and it will generally be cheaper and easier to fit into this type of roof. If you are wondering how to avoid water pooling with a skylight on a flat roof, our skylights are designed to incorporate a pitch when fitting the window into the upstand. This ensures that any waterfall will run straight off the skylight and into your roof’s drainage system.
A pitch of at least 5-degrees is recommended and this is achieved by having one side of the upstand slighter higher than the other side. If you don’t ensure there is a pitched angle on the rooflight, this can cause water to pool and potentially damage your roof membrane or the skylight itself.
When you install a skylight into a flat roof, you should do a water test to check it runs off correctly before you apply the sealant.
The best types of skylights for flat roofs
All our skylights at Rooflights and Skylights UK are suitable for installing into flat roofs. Both our frameless and framed rooflights create a stunning aesthetic on your flat roof, while providing other benefits such as increasing the natural daylight in the room and creating a more spacious and welcoming space.
Fixed rooflights are great options for flat roofs due to the ease of installation and our range includes a waterproofing and flash kit to provide a leak-free seal.
You can also choose aluminium frames for your roof window, featuring a thermal break to maximise energy efficiency to keep energy costs down. Find out more about how easy the installation process is in our guide - How to Install a Skylight.
Installation considerations and costs
Fixed flat rooflights are easy to install and provide complete water tightness and security. Small, fixed flat rooflights start from just £165 plus VAT, making them a very affordable way to improve your home. For a full overview of the costs, including typical labour costs for installation, see our How Much Does It Cost to Install a Skylight? guide.
Hiring a professional installer will usually be quite reasonable, as it will typically take less than half a day to install a straightforward skylight, with labour rates based at around £150 to £200 per day.
When you are considering where to install your flat rooflight, assess where it will receive the most sunlight. Also, try to avoid installing underneath trees where debris is likely to build up on your roof window.
Start you flat roof skylight project today
Now you’ve discovered you can install a skylight on a flat roof, and some of the key considerations and benefits, are you ready to get your project started? We have a huge range of high-quality skylights with 10-year guarantees. We were also awarded the Top Product Award 2024, so you can trust that you will be buying from an industry-leading supplier.
View our range of skylights, rooflights and roof lanterns to find the perfect installation to enhance your home.