Sometimes a standard skylight simply isn’t enough. A double-height living space, a dramatic vaulted ceiling, or an architect-designed room calls for something with real presence, a large custom skylight that acts as the centrepiece of the home rather than a modest source of light. This Toronto custom skylight project shows how we design, engineer, and install a large architectural skylight from concept to finished feature.

Custom work at this scale combines three disciplines that all have to be right: structural engineering for the larger opening, custom-fabricated flashing for a unit that doesn’t come with an off-the-shelf kit, and precise installation. There’s no margin for error at this size, which is exactly why it’s not a job for a general roofer.

The Challenge

The homeowners had a striking double-height living space that, surprisingly, stayed dark, its height and interior position meant standard windows and off-the-shelf skylights were far too small to do it justice. The room had beautiful architecture but lacked the light to show it off.

They wanted a dramatic architectural skylight, but were understandably concerned about the structure, the waterproofing on such a large opening, and getting the proportions exactly right so it enhanced the space rather than overwhelming it.

The Homeowner’s Goals

They wanted a large, custom skylight that would flood the double-height space with daylight and stand as an architectural feature in its own right, a genuine focal point.

Equally, they wanted it properly engineered, completely watertight, and beautifully finished, so the drama came with none of the structural or leak risk that a big roof opening can carry.

Our Solution

We worked with the homeowners to design a custom skylight sized and proportioned specifically for the space, then coordinated the structural engineering needed to carry a larger opening and installed it with custom-fabricated flashing and a fully finished architectural shaft.

Every element, the dimensions, the placement, the flashing details, the interior finish, was tailored to this one room rather than pulled from a catalogue, because a statement skylight only works when it’s designed for its space.

Our Step-by-Step Approach

1. Design & Consultation

We worked directly with the homeowners to size and position the custom skylight for maximum impact and daylight, balancing the aesthetics they wanted against what the roof and structure could realistically support.

This design-and-consultation stage is where a custom skylight succeeds or fails, get the proportions and placement right here, and everything downstream follows.

2. Structural Engineering & Prep

We coordinated the structural engineering for the larger opening and prepared the roof and framing with proper load-carrying headers, built to the Ontario Building Code.

A larger opening redistributes significant roof load, so this engineered framing is essential, it’s what lets a big skylight sit safely in the roof without compromising its strength.

3. Custom Flashing & Weatherproofing

Because a custom-sized unit doesn’t come with an off-the-shelf flashing kit, we fabricated and installed custom flashing along with ice-and-water membrane around the full opening. This bespoke waterproofing is critical on an oversized skylight, where there’s far more perimeter to keep watertight.

Every detail of the custom flashing was worked out to direct water over and away from the unit, exactly as a factory kit would on a standard size.

4. Custom Skylight Installation

We set and sealed the large custom skylight, integrating it into the roof for a watertight, seamless result. Handling a unit this size takes care and the right equipment, and we verified the seal thoroughly before moving inside.

The installation was executed to make a dramatic skylight look effortless, as though the roof had always been built around it.

5. Architectural Finishing

We finished the interior shaft as a clean architectural feature, detailing it to spread light beautifully into the double-height space below and to read as an intentional part of the home’s design.

The finished shaft is as much a feature as the skylight itself, the two work together to make the space feel purpose-built around natural light.

The Result

The double-height space is now flooded with natural daylight through a dramatic custom skylight that anchors the room architecturally and finally lets its design be seen. The transformation turned a beautiful-but-dark space into the brightest, most striking room in the home.

Properly engineered and custom-flashed, the skylight is as watertight as it is impressive, delivering all the drama the homeowners wanted with none of the risk they’d worried about.

Products & Materials

Custom-sized skylight glazing, engineered structural framing, and custom-fabricated flashing with ice-and-water membrane for a large-opening watertight seal. Nothing here is off-the-shelf, the glazing, the framing, and the flashing were all specified and fabricated for this specific opening, which is what a true custom skylight requires and what makes it perform flawlessly.

Why Toronto Homeowners Trust TSI

Large custom skylights combine structural engineering, custom flashing fabrication, and precise installation, and at that scale there’s simply no room for error. We handle the design, coordinate the engineering, fabricate the flashing, and execute the installation end to end.

That single point of accountability across every discipline is why homeowners trust us with statement skylights: you get the dramatic feature you want without the risk of a big opening done badly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Start Your Skylight Project?

Dreaming of a dramatic skylight feature for your Toronto home? We design, engineer, and install custom skylights end to end, one team accountable for the whole project. Book a consultation and let’s explore what’s possible for your space.

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