Kennedy Skylights offers tubular skylights designed to bring natural light into interior spaces. Installation instructions are available for various roof types, including pitched, flat, and curb mount configurations. This article details the installation process, required tools and parts, and available resources based on official Kennedy Skylights documentation.
Understanding Kennedy Skylights Tubular Skylights
Kennedy Skylights provides a range of skylight products, including glass, polycarbonate, and tubular skylights. The focus of this document is the tubular skylight, specifically the installation procedures. These skylights are designed to capture sunlight and redirect it indoors, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The company also manufactures solar attic fans and railing systems, but this article will concentrate solely on the tubular skylight installation process as detailed in the provided documentation. Customer service assistance is available at 1-800-280-2545 or online at www.kennedyskylightsatmenards.com.
Tools and Parts Required
Successful installation of a Kennedy Skylights tubular skylight requires specific tools and parts. The documentation lists the following:
- Carpenter Pencil
- Claw Hammer
- Coat Hanger Wire
- Flat Pry Bar
- Ladder
- Metal Shears
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Adjustable Rigid Tubes or 14" Flexible Light Pipe (8ft)
- Plumb Line
- Power Drill
- Power Saw
- Roll of Foil Tape
- Safety Equipment
- Measuring Tape
- Non-Curing/Non-Hardening Putty
- Dome Washers (4)
- 3/4” Dome Screws (4)
- Roof Flashing (Composite flashing shown)
- 2” Flashing Screws (9)
- Flashing Washers (9)
- Solar Lens® Dome (10” Dome shown)
It is important to ensure all necessary tools and parts are available before commencing installation. The documentation emphasizes the importance of safety procedures and wearing appropriate safety equipment during the installation process.
Determining Skylight Position
The first step in the installation process involves determining the desired position of the tubular skylight in the ceiling. This requires careful consideration of the room layout and the desired light distribution. The documentation advises using a carpenter pencil and measuring tape for accurate marking. Special notes indicate the importance of always using safe procedures and wearing safety glasses when working with tools.
Installation Procedures for Different Roof Types
Kennedy Skylights provides specific installation instructions for different roof types. These include:
- Pitched Roof: Installation sheets are available for 10", 13", and 18" pitched roof installations. Both English and Spanish versions of the instructions are provided.
- Flat Roof: Installation sheets are available for 10", 13", and 18" flat roof installations, also in both English and Spanish. A separate installation sheet is available for a 21" flat roof installation.
- Curb Mount: Installation sheets are available for 10", 13", and 18" curb mount installations, as well as for 21" curb mount installations.
- Tile Roof: A dedicated installation sheet is available for tile roof installations.
These installation sheets provide detailed, step-by-step instructions specific to each roof type, ensuring a secure and effective installation.
Flex Light Pipe Installation
For installations utilizing a flexible light pipe, specific procedures must be followed. Before ascending to the roof, the flex light pipe should be cut to the required length, measured from the top of the flashing to the diffuser assembly. One end of the flex light pipe is then installed onto the top section of the rigid light pipe up to the flange. Two 2-1/2” Pan Head Sheet Metal Screws (not included) and a 3/32” Bit are required for this step. The documentation refers users to previous pages for more specific installation data.
Additional Installation Considerations
Several additional installation considerations are outlined in the documentation:
- Exhaust Vent Kit: Instructions are available for installing an exhaust vent kit (SVFAN).
- Dimmer Kit: Supplemental installation instructions are provided for a dimmer kit.
- Solar LED Light Kit: Supplemental installation instructions are provided for a solar LED light kit.
- Electric Light Kit: Supplemental installation instructions are provided for an electric light kit.
- Fire Safety Switch: Instructions are available for installing a fire safety switch.
- Thermal Switch: Instructions are available for installing a thermal switch, including a specific guide for gable fan thermal switch installation.
- Motor Replacement: Instructions are provided for SAF motor replacement, including a separate guide for gable fan motor replacement.
These supplemental instructions address specific features and configurations that may be added to the skylight system.
Available Resources and Documentation
Kennedy Skylights provides a comprehensive range of resources to support installation and maintenance:
- Installation & Maintenance Sheets: Available in English and Spanish for various skylight models and roof types.
- Product Brochures: Downloadable brochures covering glass skylights, polycarbonate skylights, solar attic fans, and tubular skylights.
- Spec Sheets: Detailed specification sheets for various products, including residential tubular skylights and solar attic fans.
- Warranty Information: Downloadable warranty registration forms and product warranties for glass, polycarbonate, and tubular skylights.
- Residential Certifications: Downloadable residential certifications for SAF and tubular skylights for 2024 and 2025.
- Tax Forms: IRS Tax Form 5695 is available for download.
- Online Resources: The Kennedy Skylights website (www.kennedyskylightsatmenards.com) provides access to installation videos, FAQs, and Florida Building Code information.
- Distributor Login: Distributors can log in for pricing catalogs and order forms.
Safety Precautions
The documentation emphasizes the importance of safety throughout the installation process. Users are advised to:
- Always use safe procedures.
- Wear safety glasses when working with tools.
- Review all instructions thoroughly before beginning installation.
- Call customer service at 1-800-280-2545 for assistance.
Adhering to these safety precautions will help ensure a safe and successful installation.
Conclusion
Kennedy Skylights tubular skylights offer a viable solution for bringing natural light into homes. Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. The provided documentation offers detailed instructions for various roof types and configurations, along with a wealth of supporting resources. By carefully following these guidelines and prioritizing safety, users can successfully install and enjoy the benefits of a Kennedy Skylights tubular skylight.