King Roof Care installs deck mount skylights for homeowners in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond, WA. A deck mount skylight fastens directly to the roof sheathing with no raised wooden curb, and its flashing kit ties into the surrounding roofing. King Roof Care starts with a free roof assessment and a written estimate listing the exact scope and materials before any work begins.
Deck Mount Skylight vs. Curb-Mounted and Self-Flashed Skylights
A deck mount skylight is fastened straight to the roof deck, which is the sheathing under the shingles or panels. Because no raised box is built first, the frame sits low and close to the roof plane.
| Skylight style | How it mounts | How water is kept out | Where it usually fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck mount | Fastened directly to the roof sheathing | Manufacturer flashing kit matched to the roofing material, layered with underlayment | Pitched roofs where a low profile is wanted, within the manufacturer's slope limits |
| Curb-mounted | Sits on a raised curb built on the roof deck | Flashing wraps the curb and the skylight caps it | Low-slope roofs, or replacing an existing unit that already has a curb |
| Self-flashed | Integral flange set into the roofing | Depends on the flange and how it is sealed into the roofing | Simpler openings; ask how the flange will be detailed into your roof |
Deck Mount Skylight Venting Options: Fixed, Manual, Electric and Solar
Deck mount skylights come in versions that stay closed and versions that open, and the right one depends on the room. A fixed unit brings in light only. A venting unit also lets warm, moist air escape, which some homeowners want in a bathroom or kitchen.
| Type | How it opens | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed (non-venting) | Does not open | Light only, no ventilation and no wiring |
| Manual venting | Crank handle or pole | The unit must be reachable; plan for a pole on high ceilings |
| Electric venting | Motor on household power | Electrical work is needed; confirm who handles the wiring and controls |
| Solar venting | Motor powered by a small solar panel and battery | No house wiring; the panel needs sun exposure, and battery care follows the manufacturer's directions |
Flashing a Deck Mount Skylight on Different Roof Types
Deck mount skylight flashing has to match the roofing material, because the kit for shingles is not the kit for metal panels. King Roof Care works with composition, asphalt shingle, wood shake, presidential shingle, PVC and metal roofing systems, so the flashing plan is set by what is already on your roof.
- Composition and asphalt shingle: step-style flashing layered into the shingle courses
- Wood shake and presidential shingle: same layering, with fitting suited to thicker material
- Metal: a kit matched to the panel profile
- PVC and other low-slope roofs: check the manufacturer's minimum slope first
Deck Mount Skylight Decision Checklist
A deck mount skylight project goes more smoothly when a few questions are settled before anyone measures the roof. Use the checklist below to sort out what you want, what the roof allows and what has to happen inside the house.
- Is this a replacement of an existing skylight or a brand-new opening?
- Does the current unit sit on a curb, and do you want to keep the curb or switch to deck mount?
- Is the roof pitch within the manufacturer's range for a deck mount unit?
- What roofing material is on the roof, and how much life does it have left?
- Do you want light only, or ventilation as well?
- How will the skylight open: by hand, by pole, by wired motor or by solar motor?
- Will the room need a shade or blind for heat or sleep?
- What is between the roof and the ceiling: an attic with a light shaft, or a vaulted ceiling?
- Who will handle interior drywall, paint and any electrical work?
- Have you confirmed permit needs with your city, such as the City of Kirkland or the City of Redmond, before work starts?
Deck Mount Skylight Installation Steps (General Guidance)
Deck mount skylight installation follows a general sequence on most pitched roofs. The steps below are general guidance for planning and asking good questions, not a description of any one contractor's crew or schedule, and the manufacturer's instructions for the model always govern the details.
- Assess the roof, attic and framing and pick the skylight size and model
- Mark the opening from inside and outside, working between rafters or trusses
- Remove roofing around the opening and cut the roof deck
- Frame the opening as the structure requires
- Fasten the skylight to the deck according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Install underlayment and the flashing kit matched to the roofing material
- Reinstall or replace roofing around the unit so water sheds over the flashing
- Build and finish the interior light shaft or ceiling opening
- Test any venting, wiring or controls and clean up the work area
Comparing Deck Mount Skylight Estimates and Cost
Deck mount skylight cost depends on the skylight model, the venting type, the roofing material, whether a new opening is framed and how much interior finishing is involved. King Roof Care prices each project after a free roof assessment rather than from a published price list.
- Which skylight make, model, size and glazing is included?
- Which flashing kit is specified for your roofing material?
- Is underlayment around the opening included, and what type?
- Is a new opening framed, or is an existing opening reused?
- Does the price include the interior light shaft, drywall and paint, or stop at the ceiling?
- Who handles wiring for an electric unit, and are controls included?
- Are shades or blinds part of the quote or a separate item?
- How will roofing around the skylight be matched or replaced?
- What cleanup and haul-away are included?
Mistakes That Cause Deck Mount Skylight Leaks and Rework
Deck mount skylight leaks can trace back to how the unit was flashed, not only to the glass itself. Water that reaches the attic or ceiling can travel along framing before it shows up, so the stain is not always directly below the cause. The guide on how to find a roof leak explains why tracing a leak takes care.
- Using a flashing kit that does not match the roofing material
- Relying on sealant alone instead of layered flashing and underlayment
- Installing a deck mount unit below the manufacturer's minimum slope
- Adding a skylight to a worn roof that will soon need replacement
- Leaving the interior light shaft and ceiling finish out of the scope
- Choosing a manual unit for a ceiling nobody can reach
King Roof Care Skylight Work Across Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond
King Roof Care offers skylight installation alongside roof repair, replacement, inspection and storm damage repair in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond, WA. The office is at 11400 NE 132nd St, Kirkland, WA 98034, and the company is locally owned and operated in Seattle.
Frequently asked questions
What is a curb mounted skylight?
A curb mounted skylight is a skylight that sits on a curb, a short raised box frame built on top of the roof deck. The flashing wraps the curb and the skylight caps it. A deck mount skylight, by contrast, fastens directly to the roof sheathing and sits lower to the roof.
What is the most typical skylight problem?
The most typical skylight problem is not ranked by any source used on this page, but a leak where the flashing meets the roofing is the issue worth checking first. Such a leak can come from a mismatched kit, sealant used in place of layered flashing, or aging roofing around the unit. Condensation on the glass can also look like a leak. King Roof Care's repair work includes leak detection and flashing repairs around skylights.
How much does it cost to put a skylight in your house?
The cost to put a skylight in your house depends on the model, venting type, roofing material, whether a new opening is framed and the interior finishing involved. King Roof Care prices each project after a free roof assessment and provides a written estimate with the exact scope and materials before work starts.