How to Install Rigid Tube Skylights

Choose the location in the ceiling where you want to install the skylight, and locate the ceiling joists in the area immediately around the location. Drive a screw through the ceiling, centering it between the two ceiling joists.

Remove the insulation from the area around the screw inside the attic. Wear gloves when handling the insulation. Cut a hole in the ceiling that matches the diameter of the tubing with a reciprocating saw.

Choose a spot between two rafters on the roof where you want to install the outer side of the skylight. Keep the line between the ceiling and the roof as straight as possible, to allow more light to flow into the room.

Drive a nail through the roof where you're installing the skylight. Measure the distance between the ceiling and the roof so you know how much tubing you need.

Climb onto the roof and locate the nail. Look for the area where the shingles are raised.

Draw a circle onto the roof centered over the nail that matches the diameter of the tubing.

Cut a hole in the roof along the circle with a reciprocating saw.

Remove the roofing nails holding the shingles in place along the sides of the hole.

Slide the top edge of the flashing underneath the shingles on the sides of the roof. Apply a thick bead of caulk between the shingles and the flashing around the perimeter of the flashing, and nail the flashing to the roof with galvanized nails. Place a bead of caulk on top of the nails.

Slide the top section of the tubing into the flashing, and secure the dome to the top of the skylight, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Return to the attic and connect the tubing between the roof and the hole in the ceiling.

Attach the diffuser to the end of the tube inside the room, following the manufacturer's instructions.