I’m currently bidding a job installing several Insula-Dome skylites. House is a “cape” w/ 4/12 pitch,and 3 layers of asphalt shingles. Flashing is the 1 pc copper type w turned up sides.I have always maintained that new work gets done as per manufactors specs ,however this fellow has an engineering back round and is suggesting building up roof ie acouple pcs of 3/4″ ply to keep it from having that sunken look. I tell him that esthetics aren’t as important as funtion.Skylite sits on sheathing roofing applied around . Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks much
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First off, on a 4/12 pitch, I'd use a skylight that was meant for a flat roof that has a higher curb. That should take care of any "sunken look" problems and you can install the flashing flush to the roof deck following normal procedures.
I've never heard of making up shingle thickness using plywood. What do you do when the roof needs to be re-shigled and you have to do a tear-off?
Also, I'd beware of clients that claim they are "engineers". Will they take the responsibility if there are problems with their "suggestions"? While they MAY be engineers, consider how does that expertise translate to residential building trades?