How to Replace a Skylight | Ask This Old House

General contractor Tom Silva installs a new skylight into an existing roof opening. (See below for a shopping list, and tools)
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Shopping List for How to Replace a Skylight:
Skylight with flashing [amzn.to/2YcEmMy]
Extension jambs [amzn.to/33QBh6o] and wood trim [amzn.to/33QBqXu], for widening the skylight frame
Carpenter's glue [amzn.to/2RjoqH1]
2-inch nails [amzn.to/2qfxzVV]
2-inch screws [amzn.to/2RfiU8k]
Self-sealing membrane [amzn.to/37YonXf], for sealing out water
1 1/2-inch roofing nails [amzn.to/2RfsXKB], for securing shingles and flashing
Acrylic-latex caulk [amzn.to/2RhnBPc], for sealing the interior of the skylight
Tools List for How to Replace a Skylight:
Staging planks [amzn.to/2rbHJr1] and roof brackets [amzn.to/2qcRQeK], for standing comfortably on roof
Fall-protection safety harness [amzn.to/2qfP48C]
Flat bar [amzn.to/2rbIhgz], for prying off shingles
Miter saw [amzn.to/2LhubRV], for cutting wood trim
Cordless drill [amzn.to/2Ljqg7b]
Pneumatic nailer [amzn.to/33Nx2bs] and air compressor [amzn.to/2OMFH9K]
Utility knife [amzn.to/2RdZNLN]
Caulking gun [amzn.to/2DFuYrk]
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Replace a Skylight | Ask This Old House
kzbin.info

[@jaceybraveheart3647]

I work in construction (flooring and finish carpenter) and I always watch tommy before work. Its like watching a rocky movie before working out.

[@deplorableb.r.4211]

Leave the dames alone before you work on your house. WOMEN WEAKER LEGS!!!

[@ForvoQuizlet]

At five minutes (maybe earlier) I was more than convinced I need a roofing contractor.

[@Gutterball]

It is very enjoyable to watch Tom illustrate how to perform a professional job. This old house is so much fun watching someone who knows it all and Kevin who knows nothing.

[@juliodavid49]

Tom Silva is the best. He knows everything and always does s quality job. Love this show.

[@somerandomguy3]

How many times did he say "Self sealing membrane"

[@randomo3110]

or flashing

[@deplorableb.r.4211]

I like it when he said the wood was wopped.

[@liandraprinsloo6670]

20

[@jadenr.11]

5 times

[@elevate32767]

about as many times as he said 'sment'

[@morbo3000]

"We go under the shingle to loosen the nail so we don't damage the shingle." Next shot shows the other guy ripping a giant tear into the shingle from being careless.

[@jasoncassidy2517]

Screwing the brackets holding the safety rope through the shingles won’t cause a leak?

[@oscarramirez2399]

Jason Cassidy lol he probably replaced the caps that were screwed in

[@frenat]

@@jasoncassidy2517 you repair those with a roofing caulking later. They talk about it on this other video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJDNk5R9eLdppdE

[@markuslappalainen6847]

Kevin is amateur and the host of show. But i think that he is quite handy for non- professional.

[@giampieronencini5101]

I was looking for this comment, glad to have found it.

[@TheFinalOutpost]

It's been said, that to this day, Tom is still up on that roof laying down strips of self-sealing membrane.

[@paulmcguire3789]

I learn so much from you guys and this is fun to watch too!

[@LayerByLayer622]

Paul Mcguire i

[@Jimddddd1981]

Insane in the self sealing membrane.

[@randallridgley7679]

Insane, in the self-sealing membrane!

[@tomhardware2254]

Best way to replace a skylight is to roof over the hole.

[@justintomerlin]

Lol true😁😁😁

[@PJJ196]

You should get ur own show

[@jonathanjeromebeaverbones6684]

I feel like I need to go out and buy some self sealing membrane.

[@scottvan1898]

Place it around your car door or trunk ? 😂

[@travisedwards9983]

1 missed step, should of sealed up every old nail hole in the shingles and put more tar under all the shingles that were lifted and had seal broken to prevent wind lift/leaks etc

[@robertoacevedo3805]

"You can't be too safe when working on a roof." Remember that kids.

[@MSI2k]

With so many flashings, not even a hurricane can get through.

[@definitelynotacop621]

MSI2k it'll sneak in your backdoor if you're not careful.

[@coreygrua3271]

Silver Symbol...may I thank you for this sterling contribution to my life. I’m retired so I have a big block of time to seek perfection in my yard that I didn’t have once upon a time. I’ve wanted a yard that blossomed as a rose, but I also live on the edge of the Great Basin in Grantsville, Utah. Our irrigation water has been halved due to a dry spring. Soil compaction has become a significant problem in clay soil. Normal, or even water hydration doesn’t work, so you just brought me closer to that perfection I desire.

[@jlacson74]

Insane in the membrane.

[@usergvhhyu1223]

Wish all contractors were as organized, neat and professional as this gentleman is.

[@NielsCG]

sadly that's imposible

[@brendymalone1]

Love watching quality work . Big fan from ireland

[@bg147]

I am never able to lift the nails out as easily as Tommie. At 1:47, you can see the young whipper snapper Kevin had the same problem and tore the shingle in two places.

[@spartakmayakovski4797]

Kevin is mongoloid

[@samcummings7035]

Advice from the Pacific Northwest: The strip of Ice and Water seal (flexible flashing) that was put on top of the underlayment and that other strip of flexible flashing in order to "close the gap", that top piece should have been routed under the the underlayment and over the lower strip of flexible flashing for water shed purposes. Same concept as laying shingles. Granted the adhesive is a very viable seal, it still creates the potential for a failure point. Just advice from an NW Oregon carpenter that's dealt with a lot of rain, and rot repair. No pro roofer here.

[@melaniedemmert2342]

So, go from top of window, down to bottom, vs the way he did it?

[@SteneArtStudios]

Great!! Always interesting to learn how different regions have to build due to weather.

[@avieshed8646]

​@@melaniedemmert2342 I think he means the part at 09:30 at the top of the window where there was a gap in the underlayment. You could see the plywood underneath. Tommy put the membrane OVER that and OVER the membrane below. he should have put the membrane UNDER the underlayment and OVER the membrane below.

[@luciobortolotto598]

You right

[@melaniedemmert2342]

@@avieshed8646 thank you!

[@nickblaze4872]

As a 31 year roofing veteran, I give this video a C+... Here's why... The surrounding damaged underlayment "Ice & Water Shield" (I&WS going forward) should have completely covered in the exposed area before install continued. Cutting the center out with a utility knife flush. This renews the surface from any existing holes or gouges. The first layer of I&WS strips (in video) should have been flush in the same manner as it was installed (underneath) but over the top, while the 2nd layer should have been wrapped with relief cuts as shown. Keep in mind the first recommendation above would have already been the I&WS "UNDER". Any errors in the double wrap (shown) could cause openings for water intrusion and then trapping water once in. Gradually opening more as ice forms and causing a leak. It's okay to re-use existing shingles for a better color match, so long as you use a tube of roofing cement to seal the shingles back down and and fill in the old nail holes. Once you break those seals, they will never glue back down. The way it was done here, if a Thunderstorm hit with 30 mph winds, these shingles would be flapping around, rain will then find those old nail holes, and ultimately find the damaged undelayment which was never repaired... It's okay Tom... I still think you're an awesome carpenter..

[@kai-pn2pk]

Beginning - "Whats the problem?" (2 mins later) "Oh no problem I just happen to have a roof window in my van don't worry"

[@DrugsAreBadUmmmKay]

Roof windows are called skylights but wall yard windows are just called windows?🤔🤯

[@who8033]

What a great show, saves us lots of money

[@elevate32767]

Every base is covered with these guys!

[@cloudstrifeification]

This is a good video and they did a wonderful job at fixing the sky light but this also serves as a warning not to install skylights to start with as they are guaranteed to leak at some point because you are cutting a hole in your roof. They are nice though.

[@oliviagreen8853]

It would have been so funny and realistic if the window was slightly too small and it just fell into the house when they tried to put it in lol

[@brettvukovich6220]

These guys must save ten of thousands on their own homes by having working knowledge of home repair.

[@xgum]

expecting me to cut a rabbit and dado to fit the new skylight is a TALL order

[@prakashgudimetlagudimetlap2533]

Wow super bro excellent job great job

[@conqwiztadore2213]

What a god tom 🍅 is. So much knowledge

[@matte8433]

that was a masterpiece!

[@justinbey3426]

Awesome stuff on the roof and getting the next skylight installed right, but I’m wondering about any of the water damaged wood around it

[@shahidnasim1]

The wood was still exposed even though the water/ice shield (self-healing membrane) was applied. Looks like the membrane wasn't applied all the way to the top of the sides. Wouldn't the wood eventually rot? I have a "curb" and wonder if I should tell my contractor to apply the membrane to the top of the curb and not only the sides?

[@degenwow]

Beautiful day at the work-side.

[@DannySteel18]

I like how the owner is a pro in roofing

[@davidgarfinkel7033]

Cc Boyyy that’s not the owner,it’s the host of the show and the general contractor

[@DrugsAreBadUmmmKay]

The only proper way to replace a skylight is to carefully remove it with a sledgehammer while being diligent enough to also take out at least two extra feet all the way around it. After that highly enjoyable task you can then cut the area out with straight edges so you can finally deck and roof that old "leak magnet" like you should've done to begin with.

[@franciscopenaarts3845]

Nice job

[@stevehillier7018]

Flaaaaashing 😀

[@toddhigdon5928]

Why every time I work ,shit never goes that easy???Lots of screaming and fighting...lol

[@tubetop123]

Drinking game with "flashing"

[@springbahor]

Do you insulate from inside ? Thank you

[@heroknaderi]

I appreciate it

[@randomizer3775]

What kind of paint do they used to paint inside, with outdoor or indoor? Any anyone know any kind of indoor uv resistant paint, thanks

[@RobotJustice]

What happens with the holes made by anchoring the safety equipment?

[@DasSnakeBoy]

chrisbinnie caulk it up good

[@jesseg9163]

chrisbinnie I would probably paint them black and leave them for future use.

[@selfishlyintrigued]

Most new homes actually require by code these be installed permanently on roofs in new construction. They can be added after the fact as well.

[@Mrcrisis2012]

Roof caulk

[@kalijasin]

Leave the anchor in place.

[@belliott6042]

This Tom knows who was buried in the tomb of the unknown soldier!

[@rsgerman4061]

I like watching this when im stoned. The craftsmanship and passion for your job.

[@richardphan3644]

He screwed the harness into the roof? Wouldn’t that damage the water seal?

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

They also screwed the brackets for their little deck.

[@AlMai222]

It’s fine if you use sheet metal washer screws and screw them back in. Never had a problem like that. Being safe he’ll probably also use a tar roof caulking to double seal it

[@tomsenft7434]

@@Guillotines_For_Globalists : in the future, they can repair that leak.

[@AnonYmous-qg4ph]

They didn't even do it correctly. The anchor is meant to be mounted directly to the roof deck, not over top shingles. And you have to hit a truss with the screws

[@victoreous626]

@@AnonYmous-qg4ph Very good

[@denniscollyer8161]

I need to replace skylights. Got three prices and they all insist they won’t reuse old shingles. They insist on using new shingles. I am worried roof will look like patch quilt.

[@Musabe009]

You guys must be mind readers. Was just thinking about doing this project.

[@evilla410]

Hi Tom, this the 1st time I see Kevin work 😮😮😮 you don’t need a host guy, you need a helper.

[@mtobrien1]

Tommy is a badass.

[@8888EIGHTYEIGHT]

Yeah! W.R. GRACE!

[@Draugluin999]

tommy makes me wanna be a carpenter

[@PilchPlays]

This segment was posted a few weeks ago.

[@edgarhernandez3044]

might unsubscribe too

[@skylightsnw539]

Probably adequate however it isn't installed in a way that Velux would warranty.

[@abl-detodounpoco5033]

Tommy you are -the gocu of the construction ..lol

[@tombomombodombo]

I didn't use the self sealing membrane for my Velux skylights. Lol

[@kris8263]

Then when you have to reshingle the roof after a few years you need to get all that flashing off and reflash the window again.

[@theTealStory]

not true. you can use the same flashing again.

[@Viggggggr]

Yes leave the water damaged wood that's falling apart so it can get some termites

[@atkgrl]

What kind of roof boards are those? No plywood or OSB? What that a build up prior to cutting the window hole or just old house? Just to make sure you did actually replace the old skylight and the new one you installed you did not test fit prior to setting your glue and nail for trim? Nice safety harness, not required but nice to see safety as a priority in all repair work.

[@theTealStory]

old house.

[@ferretbaby1992]

Haha ,"there you go tommy every once in a while you get lucky" i dont think tom the man even has to doubletake.

[@juliosantos9289]

When they're done Tommy says, "That's it the roof is done." Kevin drops his hammer and cracks the glass. Tommy says, "There's one last thing I want to do." Throws Kevin off the roof. :D

[@wyrmlingr]

No one: The worker: sElF SEaLiNg mEmBraNe

[@venividivici4253]

JanTheHam Your point?

[@frankthetank3037]

Is this Michael Douglas doing a voice over

[@midnightdarkchocolate]

0:27 “Right here in the middle this piece wood is all bent and Wap”

[@rucksacks]

Say self-sealing membrane again! I dare you!

[@goonies101]

What did they do with the water damaged wood on the inside?

[@reggiebuffat]

That's exactly what I was wondering. Why not change it?

[@kevinhornbuckle]

With that much water damage to the interior trim and drywall, there certainly would have been rot damage in the roof deck and probably even the framing.

[@finishfirstschedule1547]

this video is "how to replace a skylight". not water damaged trim

[@symbioticvenom6456]

but since they had it apart it would make sense for them to fix it, I mean they are supposed to be professionals.

[@Engineer9736]

symbiotic venom I think you can assume that it has been fixed.

[@blunder1591]

When you fix the harness to the ridge are you not damaging the ridge ?

[@HackThePlanetNow]

blunder15 nope just caulk up the holes with some black caulk and you’re good

[@SteneArtStudios]

@@HackThePlanetNow Does the caulk dry up and crack? I'm always worried about roof leaks. Does a reapplication need to happen? To put my fear in perspective all the nails he put through the plastic sheathing I wanted to caulk. Hahaha Thanks in advance for the info.

[@HackThePlanetNow]

Michael Stene I’m not a pro at all but all I can say is I’ve done something like this about 15 years ago and haven’t had any issues. Just make sure to use caulk rated for outdoor use

[@SteneArtStudios]

@@HackThePlanetNow Sounds good. Thanks for the response.

[@HackThePlanetNow]

Michael Stene No worries

[@jameshawkins809]

I have a sky light that needs to be replaced. I feel like I should just remove it though. I know this is expensive.

[@Kermeous]

Almost doesn't seem worth it with all the trouble they can cause, putting a hole in your roof, all it takes is one misplaced nail or flashing afterlapped on the wrong spot and you're dealing with it again

[@DasSnakeBoy]

Kermeous if they are installed professional/properly they would last 20-25 years. Free lighting

[@FreekHoekstra]

also great in hot days to vent the hot air at night.

[@user-jl9od7cs1o]

can add subtitles with translation into Russian language? read not quite correct Rollers you have a good

[@demarco767]

was that a Velux curb mount skylight?

[@danielrapkin2178]

The amount of time he said flashing i would be a rich man

[@willy8477]

geweldig, wat een kennis heeft U

[@AngelousSpike]

Take a shot every time he says flashing

[@nateverhage5579]

What is better skylight or solar tube?

[@tombomombodombo]

Skylight.

[@justinwoods240]

This is the first time I’m gonna question his work he only put one nail on the side pieces or the step flashes and on a windy day if there isn’t 2 nails won’t that lift up

[@huyquoctran2088]

Noob question here. Is there any reason why no contractor use hand drills with screws for roof tiles? Or is it too inconvenient and the hammer and nail is better?

[@venividivici4253]

john tran Hammer and nail is quicker. Then you have to think about the battery’s dying on the drill.

[@esam2017]

👍👍👍

[@taemonkie1917]

2:28 is why he should be wearing safety glasses.

[@1337tiny]

nobody says corner like Tommy :D

[@chaddles623]

Why didn't ya just get a VELUX Fixed Mount Skylight, it installs alot easier than this. And that's not water tight, all those shingles you re-used no longer have any sealant on the shingles a s need to be hand sealed or replaced with new shingles. That will still leak if you don't do these additional steps.

[@scottharriman9419]

I was wondering about those replaced shingles. It seems like the first windstorm will lift them right up since they didn't run any tar underneath to hold the flaps down.

[@SolarEmpire450]

Why do you re-upload old video

[@davidbogolin3411]

Thought he put the trim on so he didn’t have to get up on a ladder inside The house

[@theTealStory]

should have gone underneath the paper there 9:30

[@mindaugasnomnom3548]

9:10

[@davidgarfinkel7033]

Mindaugas nomnom what about it ?

[@GlitchedPepsi]

2:28 where did that nail go lol

[@jlacson74]

Someone's foot while walking around the yard.

[@timf5963]

Seems like a lot of moving parts. Sadly, I wouldn't trust a company in my area to do a correct install.

[@seanseanseanseansean]

What? No one dropped a hammah? And we didn't get to see them trow da old skylight down into a dumpstah? I want to see the directah's cut of this video.

[@knowledgeispower6192]

Most skylights leak

[@aaronbays4]

I would have roofed right over that skylight. Skylights are nothing but trouble IMO, never a good idea to have a huge hole in your roof that always leaks.

[@kimchee94112]

I have one over 40 years old, still good. I had my roofer replace 3 originals from a 1952 building, old one still good but high maintenance. Then 2 more about 6 years ago on another house, no leaks. And a tunnel tube about 12 year ago, no leaks either. I manage properties, so far all the skylights are ok.

[@dmaninthewall]

He puts his Nail gun on a glass skylight 3:37 🤫

[@stevensrspcplusmc]

I would’ve torn all of that crap out and put a velux sky light.

[@Micah__]

Why not get one that opens up? Let that upstairs heat out!!!

[@mjd3879]

Plot Twist, the Roof is 20 years old and needs replaced so they have to do this all over again!

[@patrickrangel2943]

Me

[@ru2388]

2:04 "and I thought roofing in the middle of summer as a redhead was tough"

[@jh1859]

You cut a big hole in your roof and wonder why it leaks.

[@marclaclear6628]

The wood is waaaahped.

[@kalijasin]

Flashing, water proof membrane, counter flashing, and shingles. That’s definitely Not leaking.