The 30-second version
- Deck-mounted (VSS / VSE / VS / FS): the skylight is nailed directly to the roof deck for a low-profile look. Roof pitch 14°–85° (3:12 to 137:12). Cleanest new construction install.
- Curb-mounted (VCS / VCE / VCM / FCM): the skylight sits on a site-built wood curb attached to the roof. Roof pitch 0°–60° (0:12 to 20:12). Standard install method for flat/low-slope roofs and skylight replacements.
- Self-flashed (QPF, plus discontinued E-Class): flashing built into the skylight, no separate kit needed. Ready to install straight from the box on asphalt shingle roofs at 10°–60° pitch.
- Los Angeles skew: curb-mounted dominates on the Westside's mid-century flat roofs; deck-mounted is more common in Hollywood Hills / Palos Verdes pitched-roof rebuilds.
What deck-mounted actually means
A deck-mounted skylight (Velux's VSS / VSE / VS / FS product families) attaches directly to your roof's wood deck — the plywood or OSB layer underneath your roofing material. The frame is nailed down flush with the deck surface, then the roofing material integrates around it using a Velux flashing kit (EDL for shingles, EDW for tile, EDL Copper for premium, etc.).
The result: a skylight that sits low against the roof plane with minimal visible frame from outside. From below, the skylight opening feels seamless — no thick wood curb protruding above the roof line.
Requirements:
- Roof pitch between 14° and 85° (3:12 to 137:12) — most residential pitched roofs qualify
- Roof deck in good condition (deteriorated deck must be replaced during install)
- Room in the roof framing for the skylight rough opening (Velux publishes sizes A06 through S06 — the "A/C/D/M/S" is the width category)
- Compatible with new construction, new skylight cut-ins, or full re-roof projects
What curb-mounted actually means
A curb-mounted skylight (VCS / VCE / VCM / FCM) sits on top of a wooden curb — essentially a rectangular wood frame built on the roof around the rough opening, raised roughly 4"–6" above the roof plane. The skylight bolts onto that curb, and a curb-mount flashing kit (ECL for shingles, ECW for tile) wraps the curb edges to seal it.
The result: a skylight that's slightly proud of the roof surface (that raised curb is visible from outside), but which handles pooling water on low-slope roofs far better than deck-mounted.
Why LA loves curb-mounted:
- Works on roof pitches from 0° to 60° — including truly flat roofs where deck-mounted physically can't seal properly
- The default install method for mid-century modern homes across Cal Heights, Culver City, Silver Lake, and the Palisades pre-fire stock — nearly all have flat or 1:12 pitch roofs
- Simpler for skylight replacements — an existing curb from an old dome skylight can often be reused with a new FCM (though we always inspect for rot and racking first)
- The FCM is available in custom sizes up to 10' — impossible with the deck-mounted product line
What self-flashed skylights are (QPF)
The QPF is Velux's currently-in-production self-flashed fixed skylight, with metal flashing pre-installed at the factory. It's designed for asphalt shingle roofs at 10°–60° pitch (2:12 to 20:12), and ships fully assembled — the installer places it into the rough opening, seals it, and finishes the shingle work around it. No separate flashing kit.
The previous self-flashed family (E-Class PVC — EVMS, EV, EF) has been discontinued as of the 2026 catalog. Custom-size E-Class units are still available while supplies last, but for new specifications we recommend switching to deck-mounted or curb-mounted with a Velux flashing kit for the full 10-year installation warranty.
How to decide: a practical LA checklist
Choose deck-mounted (VSS / VSE / VS / FS) if:
- Your roof is pitched (typical single-family home with shingle or tile, 3:12 or steeper)
- This is new construction or a full re-roof — the roofer is already handling the underlayment
- You want the cleanest, lowest-profile look from outside
- You need one of the standard sizes (A06 through S06) — no custom sizing needed
Choose curb-mounted (VCS / VCE / VCM / FCM) if:
- Your roof is flat or low-slope (0°–15°) — mid-century modern, contemporary flat-roof, torch-down membrane, or TPO
- You're replacing an existing curb-mounted skylight (reuse the curb if intact)
- You need a size not offered in deck-mounted (custom FCM up to 10')
- You want the ability to spec triple-pane glass (only available on FCM)
- Your roofing material is tile or metal and the roofer prefers curb-mounted flashing detailing
Choose self-flashed (QPF) if:
- Straightforward asphalt shingle roof at 2:12 to 20:12 pitch
- You want the fastest install (30-45 minutes on the roof once the rough opening is cut)
- The size you need is one of six QPF standard sizes (2222 / 2230 / 2246 / 3030 / 3046 / 4646)
LA-installed cost ranges (2026)
These are typical installed prices in the Greater Los Angeles market — includes skylight, flashing kit, roof cutout, sealing, interior light-shaft drywall (if needed), and permit coordination. Actual cost depends on roof access, shaft complexity, ceiling type, and whether an existing skylight is being removed.
- Deck-mounted fixed FS (medium, e.g. M06): $1,800–$3,400 installed
- Deck-mounted solar VSS (M06 with shade): $3,200–$5,800 installed
- Curb-mounted fixed FCM (2246): $2,000–$3,800 installed
- Curb-mounted solar VCS (2246 with shade): $3,600–$6,400 installed
- Custom FCM up to 4'x8': $5,000–$12,000+ depending on size and glazing
- Self-flashed QPF (2246 with pre-installed solar shade): $3,000–$5,200 installed
Add roughly $1,500–$4,000 per skylight if a full drywall light shaft is required (for homes with flat ceilings and attic space above). Cathedral and vaulted ceilings don't need a shaft.
The Velux 10-year installation warranty
Velux backs deck- and curb-mounted skylights installed with genuine Velux flashing kits with a 10-year installation warranty (weathertight seal), plus 20 years on glass seal failure, 10 years on the product, and 5 years on shades and controls. Skylights installed with third-party flashing or without proper flashing do not qualify — always use the matched Velux flashing kit.
Get a free Velux quote for your LA home
Halo Build Co is a Velux-authorized dealer serving the Greater Los Angeles area. Every quote includes site inspection, skylight sizing recommendations, cutout and flashing details, and total installed cost — no hidden fees. Text, call, or fill out the form.