Professional Skylight and Solar Tube Installation
in the Pacific Northwest
Skylight and solar tube installation by Squatch Roofing, with watertight flashing, proper sealing, and lasting results for homeowners across Greater Seattle and the Eastside.
Skylights and solar tubes do more than let light into a room. They change how a space feels, reduce the need for artificial lighting, and add real value to a home. When installed correctly by a roofing crew that understands waterproofing and flashing, they perform without issue for decades. When they are not, they become one of the most common sources of recurring roof leaks.
Squatch Roofing installs and repairs both skylights and solar tubes for residential homeowners across Greater Seattle and the Eastside. Every installation starts with a roof evaluation to confirm placement, structure, and drainage before any cutting begins.
Benefits of Skylights and Solar Tubes
Natural light does things that artificial lighting simply cannot. Here is what homeowners consistently report after a skylight or solar tube installation:
- Brighter Interiors Without Remodeling: A single well-placed skylight can transform a dim hallway, bathroom, or kitchen into a space that feels completely different. You get the light without touching the walls.
- Lower Energy Costs: Natural daylight reduces your reliance on artificial lighting throughout the day. Solar tubes in particular are highly efficient at channeling light into interior rooms where electric fixtures would otherwise run for hours.
- Better Mood and Focus: Research consistently links natural light exposure to improved sleep, reduced stress, and better concentration. Bringing more daylight into your living space has real, measurable effects on daily life.
- Increased Home Value: Buyers respond well to homes with strong natural light. Quality skylights and solar tubes are a visible, functional upgrade that stands out during showings and supports higher resale value.
- A Cleaner, More Open Feel: Skylights give interior rooms a sense of height and openness that artificial lighting cannot replicate. Even smaller solar tubes have a noticeable effect on how a room feels during daylight hours.
Every installation is sealed with proper waterproof flashing and insulated to prevent heat loss, so the benefits come without tradeoffs on your energy bill or roof integrity.
Our Skylight and Solar Tube Installation Process
Precision matters when cutting into a roof. Squatch follows a proven process at every stage, combining solid craft with advanced skylighting techniques:
- 1Initial Roof Evaluation: We inspect the roof structure, decking, rafters, and attic to confirm the proposed location is structurally sound and clear of obstructions. The right spot depends on more than just where you want the light to land.
- 2Placement Planning: We recommend the optimal position based on roof pitch, sun angle, interior layout, and your goals. Proper placement maximizes daylight while avoiding glare and heat gain in summer months.
- 3Clean Roof Cut: Our crew makes a precise, controlled opening and prepares the surrounding area with tarping and moisture barriers to protect against any weather exposure during the install.
- 4Skylight or Tube Installation: The fixture is installed to manufacturer specifications with careful attention to flashing, sealing, and waterproofing. This is the most critical step. Every seam and transition is sealed before we move on.
- 5Interior Finishing: We trim out the interior opening cleanly so the finished product looks intentional and professional. The surrounding shingles are inspected and reset, and the work area is cleaned up completely.
Our process is built to preserve roof integrity while delivering lasting light.
Built for Light, Backed by Roofing Expertise
Skylight installation is a roofing job as much as it is a carpentry job. Getting the light in is straightforward. Keeping the water out for the next 20 years is where skill and experience matter. Squatch Roofing brings both. Our team understands flashing systems, roof penetrations, and waterproofing at a level that general contractors and handyman services rarely reach.
As a CertainTeed ShingleMaster Premier certified contractor, one of fewer than 15 in the Greater Seattle area holding that designation, our crews are trained to meet the highest standards for roofing system installation. Every skylight and solar tube we install is treated as a full roofing penetration, with the same attention to detail we bring to a complete replacement.
We also handle skylight repairs and resealing on existing units. If your current skylight is leaking or fogging between the panes, we will assess whether a reseal or a full replacement is the right call and give you an honest recommendation.
More Light, Done Right
A well-installed skylight or solar tube is one of the highest-impact improvements a homeowner can make without a full renovation. The difference in how a room feels is immediate, and the long-term value is real. Squatch Roofing makes sure the installation holds up as well as it looks, so you get the light without the worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Squatch Roofing has a knowledgeable and experienced team that can help answer a variety of questions you may have.
What’s the difference between a skylight and a solar tube?
Skylights are larger, glass-paned openings that provide a wide view of the sky and direct daylight. They work well in rooms with open ceiling space directly below the roof. Solar tubes are smaller, reflective tunnels that funnel concentrated sunlight into areas where a full skylight is not practical, such as hallways, closets, or bathrooms with limited ceiling access. We can help you determine which option fits your space and goals.
Can skylights and solar tubes cause roof leaks?
A properly installed skylight will not leak. The risk comes from poor flashing, inadequate sealing, or installation by someone without roofing experience. Squatch Roofing treats every skylight as a full roof penetration, using manufacturer-spec flashing and waterproofing at every seam. If you have an existing skylight that is leaking, we can assess whether the issue is a flashing failure or a unit replacement.
How long does installation take?
Most skylight installations are completed in a single day. Solar tubes are typically faster, often finishing in a few hours. The timeline depends on the number of units, roof complexity, and interior finishing requirements. We will give you a firm estimate before work begins so you can plan accordingly.
Is a skylight energy efficient?
Modern skylights with low-E glass coatings and proper insulation are quite energy efficient. They reduce daytime lighting costs while minimizing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Solar tubes are even more efficient by design, channeling light without the larger glass panel. Both options are a net positive on energy performance when installed correctly.
