Many mid-century ranch homes in Sunrise have deep overhangs that block natural light. That is usually when homeowners start thinking about Window Installation or adding a skylight. Bringing South Florida sunshine into a living room sounds good until water starts dripping down the drywall during a heavy afternoon tropical downpour. Charis Window Installation sees plenty of remodeling choices gone wrong, and skylights are right at the top of that list when they are rushed or handed to the wrong crew.
Skipping the permit office is a major red flag. Broward County building codes do not mess around, especially when it comes to cutting holes in a roof deck. If a contractor tells you that adding a simple skylight or performing Window Installation does not need a permit, show them the door. Unpermitted roof penetrations will come back to bite you the second you try to sell your home or file an insurance claim after a major windstorm.
Choosing the Wrong Glass for Our Climate
Another mistake is picking cheap units off the shelf that are not rated for local weather conditions. We get intense UV rays and brutal heat loads here in Broward County. If you install standard double-pane glass without proper Low-E coatings or impact ratings, your cooling bills are going to skyrocket. Your air conditioner will work overtime trying to fight the greenhouse effect happening right above your couch during a Window Installation project.
- Ignoring proper flashing kits designed for tile or shingle roofs common in Sunrise neighborhoods.
- Hiring a general handyman who treats a roof penetration like a simple Window Installation swap.
- Placing the unit directly under a massive oak tree where falling branches and constant debris will scratch or shatter the glass.
Flashings cause more headaches than the actual glass units ever do. A cheap or poorly integrated flashing kit will leak, plain and simple. When you are planning your Window Installation project, make sure whoever is doing the work spends as much time talking about the waterproofing details as they do about the view of the clouds. Take your time, vet your contractors, and make sure your investment actually brightens your home instead of soaking it.