How to Attach a Solar Dome Lamp to a Porch
- 1). Purchase a dome light according to your needs. A dome light will cover an area of 150 to 450 square feet. Choose one that will not overlight your space yet provide you with enough light to illuminate your porch adequately.
- 2). Check your porch's construction. Since dome lights function much like a homemade cardboard box and mirror periscope, you will need two surfaces in which to affix the light---a roof for access to the sun and a ceiling in which to fit the dome's ceiling fixture. If it has a single roof and no ceiling, then you will need to consider building a frame in which to house the dome light's body. If it has a ceiling and a roof, then your dome light will fit nicely in between the two.
- 3). Start by measuring out the four corners of your dome light's cutout space in the roof from underneath. Drive four wood screws into each corner of the roof sheath and the shingles at each corner of the opening. Build the frame for your skylight. Measure the width of your dome skylight and cut your 2-by-4s to fit on the outside of a frame for the tubing. Attach the flashing (sheet metal that is placed around a fixture to make it leak proof) that comes with the kit to the frame according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 4). Check on the roof for the four screws you drilled in earlier. Using a chalk line, mark off the outside edges of the skylight. Use a reciprocating saw to cut out the opening. Take the 2-by-4 frame off the skylight and work the flashing underneath the shingles. Attach the additional flashing to the shingles on top. Anchor this into the roof with roofing nails and caulk well around the edges. Place a line of caulk sealant on the upper edges of your frame and fit the sun light down over it. Fasten with roofing nails.
- 5). Apply more sealant over the top of the dome light's edges and place the cover on the top. Screw the dome into place with roofing screws.
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