How to Build a Ventilation Skylight on a Metal Roof

Metal roofs provide a rugged, light and cost-effective method to span large buildings. However, if not properly designed, metal structures can get dark, hot and stuffy. Ventilation skylights allow natural sunlight to enter the building and warm air to escape it. This may help save money on electricity and manage condensation and moisture issues. There are a wide variety of ventilation skylights available, each with their own installation method. Tube skylight ventilation units provide a useful example of the work involved in building a ventilation skylight into an existing metal roof.

Drill
Metal drill bit
Template
Tube ventilation skylight
Mounting flange
Tape sealant
Self-tapping fasteners

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the type and size of ventilation skylight best suited for your building. For example, the diameter size of ventilation skylight tubes generally ranges from 10 to 36 inches, and mounting flanges may be square or circular.
- 2
  Choose a location centered between the ribs of the roof panels. Cut an opening in the metal roof where you want to place the skylight. Start with a pilot hole and use a template.
- 3
  Assemble the skylight ventilation tube. Connect the flexible duct to the skylight diffuser with the connector ring supplied by the manufacturer.
- 4
  Insert the duct through the opening you cut previously. Fix the mounting flange with self-tapping fasteners and sealing washers. Attach the skylight diffuser to the ventilation tube.

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