Skylights can be a beautiful way to let in natural light, but over time they can develop leaks, become outdated, or no longer serve your needs. Whether you’re renovating a room or addressing structural issues, removing a skylight and filling in the roof is a project that requires careful planning and execution. In this blog post, the experts from Nickerson Roofing dive into a step-by-step guide to help you understand what the process involves and what to expect if you decide to tackle this home improvement task.

Assess the Skylight & Plan Your Work

Before you begin any physical labor, assess the current condition of your skylight and surrounding roof. Determine if there are any signs of water damage, mold, or structural concerns that need to be addressed. It’s also important to check your local building codes, as you may need a permit for roof modifications. Once you’ve evaluated the condition and legal considerations, plan your materials and timeline. You’ll need plywood, roofing felt, shingles that match your current roof, nails, and appropriate tools like a circular saw and roofing nailer.

Safely Remove the Skylight

Start by removing the interior trim around the skylight. This will give you access to the fasteners that hold the unit in place. Carefully detach the skylight from the roof by removing nails or screws. Once the skylight is free, lift it out with caution, as glass and old flashing can be sharp or fragile. Take this opportunity to inspect the opening for any water damage or rot in the surrounding roof decking. Damaged wood should be replaced before you move on.

Frame the Opening

Once the skylight has been removed, you’ll need to frame the opening to support the new roof decking. This usually involves cutting and installing additional rafters or joists to close the gap left by the skylight. The goal is to restore the area to match the existing roof framing so the repair is seamless and structurally sound. Make sure everything is securely fastened and properly aligned before moving on to the decking.

Install New Roof Decking & Underlayment

Next, cut a piece of plywood to fit the framed opening and attach it to the newly constructed framing. The plywood should be flush with the existing roof decking. Once installed, cover the area with roofing felt or underlayment to create a moisture barrier. Overlap the felt with the surrounding roof to ensure water can’t seep underneath the new patch.

Shingle & Seal the Roof

To finish the job, install shingles that match the existing roof. Start from the bottom and work your way up, overlapping each row to maintain proper water runoff. Pay close attention to blending the patch with your existing roof to make the repair as invisible as possible. Use roofing nails to secure the shingles and apply roofing sealant to prevent future leaks.

Finish the Interior

Inside the home, you’ll need to repair the ceiling where the skylight once was. This could include drywall work, insulation, and repainting. If the skylight was a key light source, consider how to maintain the brightness of the room with new lighting or a window installation elsewhere.

Roof Repair, Replacement & More in Truckee, Mystic, Tahoe City, Kings Beach & The North Lake Tahoe Basin of California

Removing a skylight and filling in the roof is a project that balances structural repair with aesthetic restoration. Whether done DIY or with professional help from Nickerson Roofing, taking the time to do it right ensures a weather-tight, attractive result. For more information and a free consultation, call the professionals from Nickerson Roofing today.