How to Make Mobile Home Skylights

Mark the area where you want the skylight to go with a small x.

Find the stud in the ceiling. You can do this by using a stud finder or tapping a hammer slightly on the drywall until you hear a slight echo.

Break a small hole in the drywall between two studs. Make it large enough so that you can look inside and see the rafters.

Mark on the ceiling where the rafters are located above.

Measure out the area where the skylight will go. It needs to be in between two rafters. Most skylights are made to fit between 16-inch or 24-inch rafters and joints. If the skylight will not fit between two rafters then you need to center it as best as possible over one. Use a corner tool to ensure that the lines and corners are straight.

Drill a hole in all four corners of where you want the skylight to be.

Cut the drywall on the lines using a jig saw.

Mark a spot on the roof where the corner of the skylight will be. This step may be easier if you use a level. Press the level against the corner of the cut drywall and hold it up against the plywood on the roof. Find the level spot. Put a mark on the plywood where the level is touching. Mark the same side of the level that is touching the corner of the cut drywall below.

Drive four nails into the marks on the plywood. Go through the roof.

Remove any shingles around the nails, a few inches should suffice.

Cut away the roofing felt with a utility knife.

Snap a chalk line to mark the lines where you will need to cut.

Cut the opening with a circular saw.

For a manufactured home with an aluminum roof, drill a hole in the corner and use the chalk line to mark the area where you need to cut. Use tin snips to cut the hole. Measure twice and cut once. Replacing the aluminum will consist of replacing a large area. So, stay within the lines when you cut.

Measure and cut 2-by-6 boards to fit between the rafters. Nail them to the rafters using three 16d nails. You should have a framed opening. This is where the skylight will rest on the roof. The bottom framed opening on the ceiling will be framed with molding for a finished look.

Apply a line of caulk along the opening that you created.

Place the skylight over the opening and press into the caulk.

Screw the skylight into the frame using the supplied screws.

Replace any shingles that you removed earlier.

Install the flashing kit that is specified for your new skylight.

Repair the drywall using tape and mud. If the skylight leaves the wood exposed above, cover it with the tape and mud that as well to give it a finished look. Allow this to dry.

Measure and cut molding to fit around the opening. Install it with finish nails.