Will a skylight leak on my Houston roof?
Not if the flashing is done right. Skylight leaks are rarely a defective unit — they’re almost always an installation or flashing failure. Achilles integrates flashing beneath at least two shingle courses above the curb so wind-driven storm rain can’t work underneath. Call (832) 888-1666.
Can I put a skylight on a low-slope roof section?
Yes, but it needs a curb-mounted unit with taller flashing. Houston homes with low-slope sections collect standing water during heavy rain, and a deck-mounted skylight sitting flush in that condition will eventually let water past. Pitch determines the unit type.
Which direction should my skylight face?
North-facing placement reduces peak-afternoon glare and cooling load through a Houston summer. South and west-facing openings bring the most direct sun — and the most heat gain — into the room below. Roof pitch and framing layout usually decide placement more than preference.
Will a skylight make my house hotter in summer?
It can, depending on glazing. Uncoated or non-low-E glass raises attic and room temperature noticeably under Houston sun exposure. Solar-control and Low-E glazing cut that gain and reduce UV transmission that fades flooring.
Can you cut into my roof without weakening it?
Cutting a new penetration requires confirming structural spacing first, with rafter reinforcement added where needed. That check matters most on homes built before modern truss spacing standards — Achilles verifies framing before the opening is cut, not after.
What actually happens during the installation?
The roof opening is cut to match the skylight curb dimensions, with rafter reinforcement where required. Step flashing and underlayment get woven into your existing shingle courses rather than caulked over. Interior drywall and light shaft framing finish to match your ceiling pitch.
Is caulking around the skylight enough to seal it?
No. Caulk is a supplement, never the waterproofing system. Sealant degrades under Houston heat cycling within a few summers, and once it fails, a caulk-dependent install starts leaking. Properly integrated step flashing is what keeps water out for decades.
What should I ask another skylight installer before hiring them?
Ask specifically how they integrate step flashing with your existing shingle pattern before they cut into your roof. Brand of skylight matters far less than flashing method. Vague answers on that one question are the clearest warning sign you’ll get.
My existing skylight already leaks. Do I need a new one?
Not always. Many leaks trace to flashing rather than the unit itself, which makes skylight leak repair the cheaper fix. Achilles determines which you’re dealing with before quoting a replacement.
Should I install a skylight during a roof replacement?
If a replacement is coming, that’s the ideal window — the shingle courses are already open, so flashing integration is cleaner and labor overlaps. Homeowners planning roof replacement usually save by combining both into one project.
What warranty covers the skylight installation?
Achilles backs the installation and flashing work with a 5-year workmanship warranty. Manufacturer coverage on the skylight unit and glazing runs separately. Achilles is RCAT Member #208834, fully licensed, bonded, and insured, operating locally in Houston since 2017.
Do you install skylights in The Woodlands and Cypress?
Yes. Achilles works from West Sam Houston Parkway North in Houston, a supply yard on Cypress Bend Drive in Cypress, and an office at Timberloch Place in The Woodlands — with crews familiar with local shingle profiles. See all locations we serve.