Like most Pinnacle roofing projects, the work was completed in a single day — minimizing disruption for the homeowner.
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The historic Joseph Whipple House at Burrs Lane in Providence required a careful approach — an old skylight had failed, water had damaged the wood deck beneath the cedar shake roof, and the chimney flashing needed full replacement. Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights handled all three issues in a single visit, preserving the home’s historic character while upgrading to modern, energy-efficient components.
The crew replaced the old skylight with a VELUX Solar-Powered Venting Skylight with solar-powered shades, repaired the water-damaged deck, installed VELUX’s patented No Leak flashing system, and replaced the surrounding Western Red Cedar tapersawn shingles for authenticity. The chimney received new lead counter flashing — carefully ground out and replaced with properly mortared new material.
Scope of Work
Pinnacle carefully removed the cedar shake shingles surrounding the old skylight to expose and repair the water-damaged wood decking underneath. After replacing the compromised deck sections, the crew installed the new VELUX Solar-Powered Venting Skylight with the full No Leak flashing system. Replacement Western Red Cedar 5/8″ tapersawn shingles were installed around the skylight to match the existing roof’s historic appearance. At the chimney, the crew ground out the deteriorated lead counter flashing, cleaned the mortar joints, and installed new lead flashing with fresh mortar — a detail-intensive process that ensures a permanent, watertight seal against the masonry.
What We Installed (And Why)
The VELUX Solar-Powered Venting Skylight uses a built-in solar panel to charge a concealed battery system that operates the skylight and blinds — no electrical wiring required. The skylight opens and closes at the touch of a button, includes a built-in rain sensor that automatically closes in wet weather, and the solar-powered shades provide light control and improved energy efficiency. VELUX rates these skylights at 40% to 60% improved energy efficiency over previous generations thanks to advanced Low-E3 glass coatings.
The VELUX No Leak skylight system includes an industry-first comprehensive warranty covering the skylight and its installation against leaks for 10 years. This warranty is only available when a VELUX-credentialed installer uses the complete No Leak flashing kit — which is exactly what Pinnacle does on every installation.
For the surrounding roof, Pinnacle installed replacement Western Red Cedar 5/8″ tapersawn shingles. On a historic home like the Joseph Whipple House, material authenticity matters — standard asphalt shingles would compromise the home’s architectural character and potentially conflict with historic preservation standards.
Project Photo Gallery
Good To Know
Solar-powered skylights eliminate the need for electrical wiring, which makes them ideal for retrofit installations where running new circuits would be disruptive and expensive. The VELUX solar panel captures ambient daylight — not just direct sun — to recharge the battery system, so the skylight operates reliably even in New England’s variable weather. The venting function allows warm air to escape in summer (reducing cooling loads) and the rain sensor automatically closes the unit if weather moves in while the skylight is open. For homeowners who want fresh air and light control without the complexity of a hardwired installation, solar-powered is the practical choice.
Why This Approach Works
Historic homes require a different mindset than standard residential work. Pinnacle didn’t just swap the skylight — the crew repaired the hidden water damage, installed a modern No Leak system, and replaced the surrounding cedar shake with period-appropriate material. The chimney flashing was done the traditional way: lead counter flashing ground into mortar joints, not surface-mounted with sealant. Every detail was handled to maintain the home’s historic integrity while delivering modern performance and warranty protection.
Why Pinnacle
Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights is a VELUX Signature Skylight Specialist with specific experience on historic properties in Providence. Working on older homes means understanding original materials, period-appropriate replacement techniques, and the structural considerations that come with buildings over a century old. Pinnacle’s crew handled the skylight installation, cedar shake work, and chimney flashing as one coordinated project — no subcontractors, no callbacks, no gaps between trades. With over 100 five-star Google reviews and an A+ BBB rating, our track record speaks for itself.
Providence, RI
Providence has one of the highest concentrations of historic homes in the country, particularly on the East Side and in the College Hill neighborhood. Homes here range from colonial-era to early 20th century, and many carry historic designations that influence material choices for exterior work. Pinnacle has completed numerous roofing and skylight projects throughout Providence and understands the balance between modern performance and historic preservation. See our Providence roofing page for more on how we serve this community.
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