☀ Shelby Roofing Services

Skylight Installation & Replacement in Blue Bell, PA

Serving Blue Bell, PA and all surrounding areas across PA, NJ & Delaware — Free inspections available.

Velux Roof-Integrated Daylighting Systems & Waterproof Skylight Solutions

Velux ✓
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Permits
Every Job
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Inspection
20–30+
Year Lifespan
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Velux Certified Installer
GAF Certified Contractor
What You Need to Know

Skylights: What Property Owners Need to Know

Skylights are a roof-integrated system designed to bring natural light into interior spaces while maintaining the structural and waterproof integrity of the roof. Throughout Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Philadelphia, skylights are installed not only to improve lighting, but to transform how a space feels — making rooms appear brighter, more open, and more connected to the exterior environment.

Unlike vertical windows, skylights are installed directly into the roofing system — the most exposed surface of a home. This means they must withstand constant exposure to direct water flow, heavy rain, snow, ice accumulation, UV exposure, and temperature-driven expansion and contraction.

Because of this, skylights are not simply an add-on feature — they are a critical penetration in the roofing system that must perform under the same conditions as the roof itself.

One of the most important distinctions property owners should understand: skylight performance is determined not primarily by the unit itself, but by how it is integrated into the roof system. A high-quality skylight installed incorrectly will fail. A properly integrated system will perform reliably for decades.

When properly installed, skylights provide consistent natural daylight, reduced reliance on artificial lighting, improved ventilation (for venting systems), and enhanced interior comfort and aesthetics.

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Velux venting skylight installed on architectural shingle roof — Shelby Roofing Services, Greater Philadelphia Area
Velux Venting Skylight — Shingle Roof Integration

Types of Skylights We Install

We install a full range of skylight systems from Velux, designed for performance, durability, and convenience.

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Fixed Skylights

Designed strictly to provide natural light. Best for living rooms, hallways, and open interior spaces. Minimal mechanical components make them a long-term reliable solution.

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Manual Venting Skylights

Operated using a handle or extension pole. Best for kitchens, bathrooms, and spaces with moderate ceiling height. Allow airflow without electrical components.

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Electric & Solar-Powered Skylights

Motorized skylights with remote control or solar power. Integrated rain sensors automatically close the unit during weather changes. No wiring required for solar models.

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Skylights with Shade Systems

Available with remote-controlled, solar-powered, or manual shades. Control light intensity, reduce heat gain, and improve interior comfort year-round.

Matching Skylights to Your Roofing System

Each roofing material manages water differently, so skylights must be installed differently depending on the roof type. Getting this wrong is one of the most common causes of skylight failure.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Use manufacturer-specific flashing kits integrated with layered roofing systems. Water is directed down through layered materials — flashing must follow that same pattern precisely.

Cedar Shake Roofs

Require custom flashing adjustments to accommodate uneven, natural material thickness. Cedar expands and contracts — proper integration is critical to prevent water intrusion over time.

Slate Roofs

Require full custom copper flashing systems. Slate roofs last 75–100+ years. Copper is used because it matches the lifespan of the roof, resists long-term deterioration, and maintains waterproof integrity over decades. Using standard materials on a slate roof can cause premature failure long before the roof needs replacement.

Flat Roofs (TPO / EPDM)

Use curb-mounted skylights with fully integrated membrane systems. Flat roofs do not shed water quickly — skylights must be elevated and sealed properly to prevent pooling around the unit.

How Skylights Are Installed — And Why Each Step Matters

1

Roof Inspection and Layout Planning

We evaluate roof pitch, water flow direction, and structural placement before any opening is cut. Proper placement prevents long-term issues that are costly to repair after the fact.

2

Opening Preparation and Framing

The roof opening is created and reinforced with proper structural framing. This ensures structural support and long-term stability around the penetration.

3

Waterproof Underlayment Installation

A waterproof membrane is installed around the opening before the skylight is placed. This is the first layer of defense against water intrusion — it must be installed correctly for the entire system to work.

4

Skylight Placement and Securing

The skylight unit is installed, leveled, and secured. Proper alignment ensures a tight seal and long-term performance with no gaps or misalignment that could allow water in.

5

Flashing System Installation — The Most Critical Step

Flashing is installed around the skylight to direct water around the unit and back onto the roof. Without proper flashing, water will enter around the unit and leaks will develop over time. A properly installed flashing system ensures the skylight functions as part of the roof — not as a weak point in it.

6

Integration with Roofing System

Roofing materials are installed around the skylight to create a continuous waterproof surface. The skylight must blend seamlessly into the roofing system — not sit on top of it.

7

Interior Finishing (If Required)

Interior adjustments such as trim or drywall are completed. Provides a clean, finished look inside the home that matches the surrounding interior.

8

Final Inspection and Cleanup

The system is fully inspected, all seals are checked, and the site is cleaned. We do not consider the job complete until the installation has been verified and the property is left clean.

Open Velux venting skylight on shingle roof — Shelby Roofing Services

Velux Venting Skylight — Properly Integrated Into the Roofing System

Why Skylight Failures Happen — And How We Prevent Them

Most skylight failures are caused by improper installation, not the skylight itself. Common causes include incorrect flashing, poor material integration, lack of proper underlayment, and improper placement. These issues develop gradually over time — often not appearing until months or years after installation.

How we prevent them: System-specific flashing installation matched to the roof type, full waterproofing integration, proper material compatibility, and correct placement based on roof design and water flow direction.

Why Proper Installation Matters More Than the Skylight

Even the best Velux skylights can fail if installed incorrectly. Improper installation leads to leaks, drafts, and premature failure — problems that can cause interior damage far more costly than the skylight itself. We focus on full system integration and long-term performance, treating every skylight as a permanent part of the roofing system.

How Long Do Skylights Last?

Properly installed skylights last 20–30+ years, depending on the quality of the unit and the quality of the installation. Velux skylights are among the most durable systems available in the residential market and are backed by manufacturer warranties. Our installations are also backed by the Shelby Roofing Services workmanship warranty.

Permits and Why They Matter

Permits are required for skylight installations on most properties and ensure code compliance, structural integrity, and proper installation standards. We handle the permitting process on every qualifying project.

What Sets Shelby Roofing Services Apart

We install skylights as part of a complete roofing system, not as a standalone product. Most contractors treat a skylight as an add-on. We treat it as a permanent roof penetration that must be waterproofed and integrated with the same precision as any other part of the roof.

We focus on proper flashing for the specific roof type, material compatibility, copper flashing when the roof demands it, and long-term durability. Before, during, and after documentation is provided on every project.

Areas We Serve

Pennsylvania

  • Blue Bell
  • Lower Merion
  • Ardmore
  • Fort Washington
  • Ambler
  • Plymouth Meeting
  • Doylestown
  • Newtown
  • Lansdale
  • Horsham

New Jersey

  • Cherry Hill
  • Moorestown
  • Marlton
  • Haddonfield
  • Voorhees
  • Medford

Delaware

  • Wilmington
  • Newark
  • Hockessin
  • Greenville
  • Brandywine

Frequently Asked Questions

Do skylights leak?

Only when improperly installed. A correctly integrated skylight with proper flashing will not leak. Skylight leaks are almost always an installation problem, not a product problem.

Are solar-powered skylights worth it?

Yes, for most homeowners. They require no electrical wiring, are powered entirely by solar energy, and include integrated rain sensors that automatically close the unit during storms — providing convenience and automatic protection with no ongoing cost.

Can skylights be installed on any roof type?

Yes, when properly designed for that roofing system. Each roof type requires a different flashing approach. We assess the roof before recommending a system to ensure it is properly matched.

What is the difference between a fixed and venting skylight?

Fixed skylights provide only natural light. Venting skylights (manual, electric, or solar) also allow airflow, which is especially useful in kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms that need ventilation.

Why is copper flashing used on slate and cedar roofs?

Copper lasts as long as the premium roofing materials it protects — often 50–100+ years. Standard metals break down much sooner, which can cause the flashing to fail long before the roof itself needs replacement.

Our Standard

System Integration Defines the Result

☀

Velux Systems

We install the full range of Velux skylights — fixed, manual venting, solar, and electric — matched to your roof type and space.

🔨

Proper Flashing

Every skylight is installed with system-specific flashing. Copper flashing on slate and cedar. Manufacturer kits on shingle roofs. Curb-mounted on flat roofs.

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Transferable Warranty

Manufacturer material warranty plus our workmanship warranty — both fully transferable when you sell the property.

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Direct Access

Direct access to our team throughout your project. Call, text, or email. We are available when you need us.

(215) 847-3522
Call anytime  •  Mon–Fri 7am–5pm  •  Sat 7am–12pm

Schedule Your Free Skylight Consultation

We provide detailed inspections and recommendations tailored to your property, roof type, and interior goals.

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