Self-Flashing vs Curb-Mount Skylights
Skylights make a great addition to your home. They allow more natural light in, reducing the need for artificial light and helping you save money on electricity. Natural light is also more aesthetically pleasing and even has positive effects on your mood and physical health. There are two main types of skylights you will choose: self-flashing vs curb-mount.
Here is more information to help determine which variety of skylight is best for your home:
Self-Flashing Skylights
Self-flashing skylights are installed directly into an opening in the roof. The curb (the portion a skylight sits on top of) is built into the skylight design, so it doesn't need to be built separately.
Benefits
Having the curb as part of the skylight itself reduces the risk of leaking. This also improves energy efficiency in many cases since there is less room for heat to travel into or out of the home.
Self-flashing skylights also have a lower profile relative to the roof compared to curb-mount varieties. In many cases, homeowners find this more appealing aesthetically.
Drawbacks
You will need to be exact with your measurements since a self-flashing skylight must fit precisely in the roof opening. This is because there is no curb to take up extra space. Because of this, self-flashing models are more common for new installations compared to replacement.
On flat roofs, water may not drain properly from a self-flashing skylight.
Finally, self-flashing skylights often cost more than curb-mount models. This is because the curb-mounted variety is less expensive to manufacture.
Curb-Mount Skylights
The person installing this type of skylight will need to build a curb for it, which is a box structure that the skylight sits on top of. A curb attaches to the roof deck and is usually made from construction lumber. The installer needs to install roofing material around the curb to protect it from leaking. This is known as "flashing in." Once the curb is constructed, the skylight fits on it like a shoe box lid.
Benefits
If you have an existing skylight you need to replace, you can use a curb-mount model with the existing curb as long as the curb isn't damaged. This makes replacement more cost-effective and simpler and is one of the major benefits of choosing a curb-mount skylight vs a self-flashing model.
Additionally, since the curb is not manufactured with the skylight, it's easier to order a custom size for a curb-mount skylight.
Drawbacks
Because a skylight curb is typically not insulated, curb-mounted skylights are often less energy-efficient. This has the potential to increase heat loss and gain and can increase your energy costs. However, it is possible to find more energy-efficient models of curb-mount skylights, and the efficiency of any type of skylight will vary depending on its construction.
Some individuals may not enjoy the appearance of curb-mount skylights as much as self-flashing models, because the curb causes these to rise out more from the roof.
Browse Self-Flashing and Curb-Mounted Skylights
Our locations offer both self-flashing and curb-mount skylights. No matter which you select, you can trust that we will deliver excellent quality and superior value.