Skylight Installation & Replacement

Why Skylights Transform Pacific Northwest Homes

Seattle ranks among the cloudiest cities in America, with an average of only 152 sunny days per year. From October through March, the sun sets before 5 PM and many homes feel cave-like, dark, and oppressive. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects up to 10% of the Pacific Northwest population, and natural light is one of the most effective remedies. A professionally installed skylight can transform a dim, depressing room into a bright, uplifting space, even on overcast days.

At Mass & Mass LLC, we have installed skylights on homes throughout Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and all of King County. We understand the unique challenge of installing skylights in one of the rainiest regions in the country, and we use flashing systems selected for the skylight and roof type. Call us at (425) 435-5800 for a free in-home consultation.

Types of Skylights We Install

Fixed Skylights

Fixed skylights are sealed units that do not open. They provide the maximum amount of natural light with the simplest, most reliable waterproofing. Fixed skylights are ideal for living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and any space where you want abundant daylight without ventilation. Because they have no moving parts, fixed skylights require virtually zero maintenance and offer the longest lifespan. They are our most popular choice for Seattle-area homes where rain resistance is the top priority.

Vented Skylights

Vented skylights open to allow warm, humid air to escape. Available in manual (hand crank) and electric (remote or smart home controlled) models, vented skylights are the ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and upper-floor rooms where heat and moisture build up. VELUX electric vented skylights include a built-in rain sensor that automatically closes the skylight when moisture is detected, so you never have to worry about forgetting to close it before a PNW rain shower.

Tubular Skylights (Sun Tunnels)

Not every space can accommodate a traditional skylight. Tubular skylights, also called Sun Tunnels, use a small roof-mounted dome and a highly reflective tube to channel natural light into interior spaces that are far from the roof line. They are perfect for hallways, closets, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Tubular skylights are the most affordable skylight option and can be installed in as little as two hours with minimal disruption to your home. They work surprisingly well even on cloudy days, delivering soft, diffused light that feels natural rather than artificial.

VELUX Skylights: The Industry Standard

We install VELUX skylights because they are engineered specifically for demanding climates like the Pacific Northwest. VELUX skylights feature triple-pane glass with low-E coatings that block heat transfer while maximizing visible light transmission. Their pre-engineered flashing kits integrate seamlessly with asphalt, metal, and tile roofing systems, creating a waterproof barrier that we trust in Seattle's relentless rain. Review the actual warranty documents for the selected skylight, glass and flashing components; coverage and registration requirements vary by product and installation.

Our Skylight Flashing Approach

The number one concern homeowners have about skylights is leaking. And with good reason: poorly installed skylights are one of the most common sources of roof leaks in the Pacific Northwest. The difference between a skylight that leaks and one that does not comes down entirely to the quality of the flashing installation.

At Mass & Mass, we use a multi-layer flashing system that creates redundant waterproof barriers:

• Step flashing interwoven with each course of shingles to channel water away from the skylight frame
• Counter flashing overlapping the step flashing to create a secondary seal
• VELUX engineered flashing kit designed to integrate perfectly with the specific skylight model
• Ice and water shield membrane applied to the deck surrounding the skylight opening for backup protection
• Sealant at all critical junctions using high-grade roofing sealant that remains flexible for 20+ years

This approach gives your skylight multiple lines of defense against water intrusion. Review the agreed installation scope and applicable material and workmanship coverage in the written proposal.

Best Placement for Skylights

Where you place a skylight matters as much as which skylight you choose. North-facing skylights provide consistent, even light throughout the day without heat gain, making them ideal for offices and studios. South-facing skylights maximize winter sunlight when you need it most. East-facing skylights brighten your morning routine, while west-facing skylights capture afternoon and evening light. Our in-home consultation includes a detailed analysis of your roof orientation, room layout, and daily light patterns to recommend the optimal placement for your skylights.

Building Code Requirements

Skylight installation in King County requires a building permit because it involves cutting into the roof structure. The International Residential Code and local amendments specify requirements for skylight glazing, fall protection, emergency egress (for bedroom installations), and structural framing around the opening. Mass & Mass handles the entire permit process for you, including plan preparation, submittal, and scheduling the final inspection. We ensure your skylight installation meets or exceeds all applicable codes.

Replacing Old, Leaky Skylights

If you have an older skylight that fogs, leaks, or has yellowed with age, replacement is straightforward and transformative. Modern skylights are dramatically more energy efficient, with triple-pane glass and thermal break frames that eliminate the condensation and drafts common in older units. We remove the old skylight, inspect and repair the surrounding roof deck, install new flashing, and set the new unit in a single day. Many homeowners are amazed at the difference: a clear, bright, energy-efficient skylight where a cloudy, leaking one used to be.

Whether you are adding new skylights to a dark home or replacing old ones that have failed, Mass & Mass delivers installation with project-specific scope and written terms. Call (425) 435-5800 today to schedule your free assessment.