Roof Framing and Skylights

The mock-up roof extended from a hand rail (located approximately one third of the way in from the edge of the upper platform) to the "exterior" wall. The pitched roof is framed with 2x4s for simplicity.

Two types of skylights are built into the roof of the En-House. The first is a conventional skylight, donated by VELUX-AMERICA. The skylight is framed into the roof by creating a box with the framing lumber. Sheathing is then nailed in place around the opening.

The skylight is then dropped carefully into place and nailed in with metal plates. A flashing system is then installed around the skylight and beneath the roof finish. The flashing keeps water from entering around the edges of the skylight.

The second type of skylight is a tubular skylight. This Sun Tunnel skylight was donated by Michigan Sunlight Systems.

A tubular skylight has several components. A plexiglass collector emerges from the roof like a porthole on a ship. A highly reflective metal tube runs from the collector, through the attic, down to a diffuser that is installed in the ceiling of the room below. The skylight looks like a light fixture that does not turn off during the day.

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