Q&A: Skylights in Flat Roofs

A.Jim Carlson responds: A skylight opening on a low-slope or flat roof must have a raised curb to allow for proper flashing and counterflashing.

The raised curb should be at least 8 inches above the finished roof surface (see illustration, next page).

Depending on the roofing material, you may need to install a cant strip at the base of the curb. A cant strip provides a more gradual transition for the roofing membrane to turn up from horizontal to vertical.

The field plies of the roof membrane should be turned up the vertical face of the curb, above the head of the cant strip. However, the turned-up field plies are not adequate curb flashing by themselves. To properly flash the skylight curb, membrane base flashing should be installed before the skylight is set in place. The base flashing reinforces the membrane at the curb-to-roof intersection.

Base flashing is simply made from strips cut from rolls of the roofing material, or from membrane flashing stock, depending on the roof system you are using. Feather the base flashing plies onto the field of the roof, with the uppermost ply extending approximately 4 inches beyond the toe of the cant strip.

Once the curb has been flashed, the skylight and counterflashing can be installed. Counterflashing is usually made of sheet metal, and should be wide enough to extend over the base flashing a sufficient distance to keep out wind-driven rain and snow. Most manufactured skylight assemblies have a metal flange that serves as counterflashing. Depending on the specific climate, you may need to insert an additional metal "counterflashing skirt" to extend the pre-made flange.

Jim Carlson is deputy director of Technology and Research for the National Roofing Contractors Association.