Thinking about adding a skylight? The biggest concern is always leaks. Here's why ours don't leak: we build a structural curb between the rafters, wrap it in ice-and-water shield, install step flashing on all four sides, and re-shingle around the unit with proper overlap. Then we verify the seal from inside the attic. Great Lakes Roofing & Maintenance — leak-free skylight installation in Great Lakes.
We install deck-mounted skylights and curb-mounted skylights. Deck-mounted units sit flush against the roof deck and work best for shingle roofs on standard pitch. Curb-mounted units sit on a raised frame and work on flat or low-slope roofs. Both types get the same flashing treatment: ice-and-water shield, step flashing, counter-flashing, and sealant at every transition.
Our Skylight Installation Process
Site Assessment
We assess your roof from above and inside the attic. We locate the trusses and rafters, check the roof deck sheathing condition, and identify the best skylight placement for natural light based on sun angle, room layout, and roof pitch.
Structural Prep
Roof deck opening cut to exact dimensions. Structural curb built between rafters with doubled headers for load transfer. This is the foundation that holds the skylight and carries snow load — it's built to structural standards.
Flashing & Waterproofing
Self-adhering ice-and-water shield on all curb faces. Step flashing along both sides lapped under each shingle course. Head flashing at the top, apron flashing at the bottom. Waterproof sealant at every overlap and transition. The flashing makes or breaks the installation.
Completion
Skylight unit set into the curb and flange sealed to the roof deck. Shingles re-laid around the unit with proper overlap. Inside, rigid insulation installed around the light shaft to prevent condensation. Interior trim finished. Watertight verified from the attic.
What Great Lakes Customers Say
"After getting several quotes, these guys stood out with their honesty and knowledge. No pressure, just straightforward advice and excellent workmanship."
"From the first phone call to the final walkthrough, everything was seamless. The team was courteous and efficient. Already recommended them to two friends."
"Responded fast and got the job done right the first time. Crew was polite, professional, and cleaned up everything. Would absolutely hire again."
Why Choose Great Lakes Roofing & Maintenance for Skylight Installation?
Code Compliant
Every skylight installation meets IL building code for structural framing, energy performance, and egress requirements. Permits pulled when required.
Leak-Free Guarantee
Every skylight gets ice-and-water shield, step flashing on all four sides, counter-flashing, and sealant at every transition. Verified from inside the attic before we leave. If it leaks, we fix it free.
Brand Options
VELUX, Fakro, Sun-Tek — fixed, vented, and tubular models. Tempered and laminated glass. Built-in blinds and shades. We help you choose the right unit for your roof, room, and budget.
Roofer-Installed, Not Handyman
Great Lakes Roofing & Maintenance is a roofing contractor, not a general handyman. Skylights are roof penetrations — they require roofing expertise, proper flashing materials, and waterproofing knowledge. That's what we do every day.