Professional skylight installation for homes and commercial buildings across Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
New skylight installations, replacements, and upgrades engineered for DMV weather conditions. Curb-mount, deck-mount, tubular, and venting options with Energy Star certified glass. We handle structural framing, flashing, waterproofing, permits, and interior finishing.
0.29
U-Factor
20+
Years Exp
4.9
Star Rating
Fully
Insured
Skylight Types
Each skylight type serves different architectural requirements and room conditions. We help you choose the right system for your roof type, room layout, and ventilation needs.
Our Services
From small tubular sun tubes to large architectural skylights, every installation includes proper structural framing, manufacturer-specific flashing, and waterproofing engineered for DMV weather.
Standard skylight installation for pitched residential roofs. The skylight sits directly on the roof deck with an integrated flashing kit that weaves into.
Skylight installation on a raised wooden curb, standard for flat roofs and commercial applications.
Compact sun tube skylights that channel natural light through a reflective tube from a small roof opening to a ceiling diffuser.
Operable skylights that open to release hot air, humidity, and stale air. Available in manual crank, electric, and solar-powered configurations.
Removal of existing skylights and installation of new, energy-efficient units with updated flashing.
Custom light shaft framing and finishing to connect roof-mounted skylights to rooms with attic space above.
Waterproofing
Proper flashing is the single most important factor in skylight leak prevention. Here is the multi-layer waterproofing system we install around every skylight opening.
Self-adhering waterproof membrane extends 24 inches beyond the skylight opening in every direction. This rubberized membrane seals around nail penetrations and prevents water intrusion even if the step flashing is compromised by ice dams or wind-driven rain.
We use the skylight manufacturer's engineered flashing kit designed for your specific roof type. Step flashing pieces interweave with shingle courses to create a drainage path that channels water around the skylight frame and down the roof surface.
Built-in condensation gutters inside the skylight frame collect any interior condensation and direct it to weep holes that drain to the exterior. This prevents moisture damage to drywall, trim, and light shaft walls below the skylight.
Commercial-grade polyurethane sealant at all frame-to-glass and frame-to-flashing joints provides a flexible, UV-resistant weatherseal. Flexible sealants accommodate thermal expansion and contraction through DMV temperature extremes without cracking.
We will inspect your roof, recommend the right skylight type and placement for maximum natural light, and provide a detailed proposal including permits, flashing, and interior finishing. No obligation.
Light Shaft Design
When there is attic space between the roof and your ceiling, a light shaft connects the skylight to the room below. We frame, insulate, vapor-barrier, and finish every shaft for maximum light and zero moisture issues.
Vertical shaft from the roof opening directly down to the ceiling opening below. Best when the skylight is positioned directly over the desired room location. Provides the most direct light path with minimal light loss.
The shaft angles from the roof opening to a ceiling opening offset from the roof position. Necessary when the optimal roof location does not align with the desired ceiling location. We angle the shaft walls to redirect light efficiently.
The shaft widens from the smaller roof opening to a larger ceiling opening below. This spreads natural light over a wider area, making the room feel brighter and more evenly illuminated. Flared shafts are ideal for kitchens, living rooms, and large bathrooms.
Every shaft wall is insulated to R-30 or higher and wrapped with a continuous vapor barrier. This prevents condensation inside the shaft walls when the temperature difference between the conditioned room and unconditioned attic causes moisture migration. We finish with painted drywall.
Our Process
From roof assessment through final inspection, our four-step process ensures a leak-free, energy-efficient skylight that brings natural light into your home for decades.
We inspect your roof structure, framing, and roofing material. We assess the interior ceiling, attic conditions,
We specify the skylight type, size, glass performance ratings, and venting options. You receive a proposal with energy performance data, placement drawings,
We cut the roof opening, frame the skylight rough opening with proper headers and trimmers, and install ice-and-water shield membrane.
We mount the skylight, install the manufacturer flashing kit, and verify watertight sealing. Interior trim, drywall,
Why Choose Us
Every skylight installation uses manufacturer-specified flashing and ice-and-water shield membrane.
Virginia licensed contractor (), fully insured, and bonded. We pull permits, coordinate inspections, and ensure every skylight installation meets Virginia,
Over two decades installing skylights across the DMV. We know the local weather patterns, roof types,
We install Energy Star certified skylights that meet or exceed Zone 4 energy requirements. Low-E glass, argon gas fill,
Advantages
Skylights transform homes by adding natural light, ventilation, and visual appeal. Here are the key benefits DMV homeowners experience after skylight installation.
Skylights flood interior spaces with natural sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Rooms with skylights feel dramatically larger, brighter, and more inviting. A single skylight provides as much light as several wall-mounted windows.
Venting skylights create a natural stack effect that draws warm, stale air out through the roof. This passive ventilation reduces the need for air conditioning, removes cooking odors and humidity, and improves indoor air quality without any energy cost.
Natural daylight from skylights reduces daytime lighting costs. Energy Star certified skylights with Low-E coatings and argon gas fill provide excellent insulation. The net energy impact is typically positive, with lighting savings outweighing any marginal heat gain or loss.
Venting skylights in kitchens and bathrooms release steam and humidity directly through the roof. This reduces moisture buildup that causes mold, mildew, and window condensation. In the humid DMV climate, this ventilation benefit is especially valuable.
Skylights are a desirable feature in the competitive DMV real estate market. They add both functional value through natural light and aesthetic appeal that attracts buyers. Kitchens and bathrooms with skylights consistently receive positive feedback during home showings.
Skylights bring natural light into rooms where wall windows would compromise privacy. Interior bathrooms, basement bedrooms, and hallways can be illuminated with daylight from above without exposing the space to neighbors or street-level visibility.
Energy Performance
The glass in your skylight determines its energy performance, light transmission, and comfort. Here are the key glass technologies and ratings we offer for DMV climate conditions.
U-Factor 0.29-0.37
Low-emissivity coatings reflect infrared heat while allowing visible light through. In winter, Low-E keeps heat inside your home. In summer, it blocks solar heat gain. All our skylight glass includes Low-E coatings that meet or exceed Energy Star Zone 4 requirements for the DMV climate.
Insulating Gas Between Panes
The space between double-pane skylight glass is filled with argon gas, which is denser than air and reduces heat transfer by conduction and convection. Argon fill improves the insulating value of the skylight by approximately 30 percent compared to air-filled units.
CPSC 16 CFR 1201
All skylight glass must meet safety glazing standards. Our skylights use tempered glass on the exterior pane for impact resistance against hail and falling debris, and tempered or laminated glass on the interior pane for overhead safety in occupied spaces.
SHGC 0.25-0.40 Range
SHGC measures how much solar heat passes through the glass. Lower numbers mean less heat gain. For south-facing and west-facing skylights in the DMV, we recommend SHGC 0.30 or lower. North-facing skylights can use higher SHGC values to maximize natural warmth in winter.
VLT 40-70% Range
VLT measures how much visible light passes through the glass. Higher numbers mean more daylight. We balance VLT against SHGC to give you the most natural light with the least heat gain. Typical skylight glass transmits 50-65 percent of visible light.
For Hail and Storm Zones
Impact-rated skylight glass withstands hail, windborne debris, and severe weather. While not required by code in the DMV, impact-rated glass provides peace of mind for homeowners concerned about storm damage. Available as an upgrade on all skylight models we install.
Local Expertise
The Washington DC metropolitan area has unique weather challenges that directly affect skylight performance. Here is how we engineer our installations for local conditions.
The DMV experiences dozens of freeze-thaw cycles each winter. Water that enters cracks in flashing or seals expands when it freezes, widening the crack for more water intrusion. We use flexible sealants rated for continuous freeze-thaw cycling and install ice-and-water shield membrane around the entire skylight opening to prevent moisture penetration.
Intense summer storms with heavy rain and occasional hail are common in the DMV. Our flashing details include positive drainage channels that handle high-volume water flow. We use tempered glass rated for impact resistance and verify that all seals can withstand wind-driven rain from any direction.
Ice dams form when heat escaping through the roof melts snow that refreezes at the eaves, creating a dam that forces water back up under shingles and around skylights. We detail our flashing with self-adhering ice-and-water shield membrane extending at least 24 inches beyond the skylight opening in all directions.
DMV summers are humid, and the temperature differential between air-conditioned interiors and hot roofs can cause condensation. We install skylights with condensation channels that collect and evaporate minor condensation, and we recommend venting skylights for bathrooms and kitchens where moisture levels are highest.
Client Reviews
“We added a large venting skylight to our kitchen during a renovation. The natural light completely transformed the room. Expert Glass handled the roof cut, framing, flashing, and interior finishing. No leaks after two years of DMV storms. Worth every penny.”
Karen B.
McLean, VA
“Our interior bathrooms were dark and depressing. Expert Glass installed tubular skylights in both bathrooms in a single day. The amount of natural light from such a small opening is remarkable. The installers were clean, fast, and respectful of our home.”
Thomas R.
Chevy Chase, MD
“Our 25-year-old skylights were leaking and foggy. Expert Glass replaced both units with Energy Star certified skylights, new flashing, and proper waterproofing. The difference in light quality and energy efficiency is dramatic. Should have done this years ago.”
Linda M.
Capitol Hill, DC
If your existing skylight is leaking, foggy between the panes, or simply outdated, we replace it with a modern Energy Star certified unit, new flashing, and proper waterproofing. Your home deserves better light.
Service Areas
When you search for “skylight installation near me,” we are the local team with 20+ years of skylight installations engineered for DMV weather conditions.
Arlington, McLean, Great Falls, Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Leesburg, Ashburn, Vienna, Oakton, Falls Church, Tysons, Alexandria, Centreville, Chantilly, Springfield, Lorton, Woodbridge, Manassas, Sterling
Our home base. We install skylights in McLean colonial homes, Arlington townhouses, Great Falls custom builds, Reston contemporary homes, and Ashburn new construction. Every installation is flashed for Northern Virginia weather patterns and local roof types.
Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Columbia, Bowie, College Park, Gaithersburg, Olney, Laurel, Germantown, Kensington, Takoma Park, North Bethesda, Wheaton, Hyattsville, Greenbelt
Maryland skylight installations from Bethesda Tudor homes to Potomac estates, Columbia split-levels, and Silver Spring bungalows. We handle Montgomery County and Prince George's County permit requirements and inspection scheduling.
Georgetown, Foxhall, Spring Valley, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Kalorama, Capitol Hill, Palisades, Forest Hills, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Adams Morgan, Brookland, Petworth, Takoma, all DC quadrants
DC skylight installations for row houses, townhomes, and flat-roof commercial buildings. We navigate DCRA permits, historic preservation requirements for skylight additions, and coordinate with building management for multi-unit properties.
Common Questions
Ready to Start?
Call us today or request a free estimate online. We will inspect your roof, recommend the right skylight type and placement, verify building code requirements, and provide a detailed proposal including permits, flashing, and interior finishing.
Skylight leak repair, glass replacement, seal repair, flashing repair, and emergency board-up for damaged skylights.
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