-
Step 1
Turn off the electricity in the room where you are installing the sunroof or skylight.
-
Step 2
Use a stud finder while standing on a ladder to find and mark the ceiling joists.
-
Step 3
Outline the rough opening of the skylight using a tape measure, level and a pencil. You may have to add some inches to the measurements if the light shaft of the sunroof is flared.
-
Step 4
Set a ladder beneath the rough outline on the ceiling. Have someone brace or hold it steady for you while you stand on it.
-
Step 5
Use a drywall saw to cut along the marks you made on the ceiling. Remove the drywall.
-
Step 6
Mark the location dimensions of the skylight. Hold a four foot level against the drywall edge and make certain it is plumb with the roof. Make a mark, then measure 6½ inches and make another mark, then measure 27½ inches and made a third mark. Drive sixteen-penny nails through the roof so that you can see where to cut through the roof from the outside.
-
Step 7
Nail some plastic sheeting over the opening to keep the debris from the roof from falling into the house.
-
Step 8
Pry away the roof shingles with a prybar within the sixteen-penny nails, exposing the roof's plywood. If you are careful when removing the shingles, you can use them again.
-
Step 9
Make a straight line with a 4-foot level, marking the dimensions of the skylight from protruding sixteen-penny nail to sixteen-penny nail. Cut through the plywood using a reciprocating saw, and remove the resulting debris.
-
Step 10
Bend mounting brackets on the side of the sunroof according to the manufacturer's instructions.
-
Step 11
Anchor the brackets to the sunroof's frame. Nail drywall scraps to the truss. This can help you line up the sunroof in the opening.
-
Step 12
Position the sunroof in the opening you cut into the roof. Position it so you can add one row of shingles beneath the sunroof.
-
Step 13
Make certain the sunroof is aligned and level. Attach the side brackets to the roof with screws. Screw into the rafters, and make certain each screw is secure.
-
Step 14
Cut strips of 30 pound roofing felt. This will act as a moisture barrier. Wrap the frame. Wrap the side of the sunroof. Start at the bottom and work your way up, this helps to create a water-tight seal. Use roofing nails.
-
Step 15
Place sill flashing at the bottom of the sunroof's frame, and nail it into place. Install a piece of flashing, at each corner of the skylight. Weave the flashing into the roofing material, and nail that into the frame. Do this on each side.
-
Step 16
Install cladding pieces (these come with the sunroof) with screws. The cladding pieces channel the water away from the sunroof. Overlap flashing to the top of the sunroof. Replace the remaining shingles along the top of the skylight.
-
Step 17
Fasten drywall sheets to the trusses using drywall screws on the inside of the room. This forms light shafts for the sunroof. Trim the inside of the skylights. Add trim using a pneumatic finish nailer.
-
Step 18
Create studs out of 2-by-4's. Pre-drill holes to cut down on the risk for splits in the wood. Screw the studs in place at the roof opening, attaching them to the frame of the sunroof. Place the studs so that when you attach the drywall it is flush.
-
Step 19
Attach drywall to the shaft framing. Spread a thin layer of joint compound with a taping knife along the length of the joint, and cover the seams and holes. Smooth drywall tape over the joint compound with the taping knife. Wetting the tape may make it easier. Apply another layer of drywall compound over the tape, and feather the edges with your taping knife. Wipe away any excess.
-
Step 20
Let the compound dry, the smooth the joints with wet drywall sponges. Repeat until the drywall joints are smooth. Prime and paint the drywall.
