In this article, we’ll share everything about skylight replacement, including the cost of installation, the types of skylights available, how to choose the right one for you, signs you need a new replacement, and more.

Contact any of the providers below to get a free quote on skylight replacement.

    Skylight Replacement Cost

    Homeowners can expect to pay $900–$2,500 per skylight window. This price includes a new skylight and skylight installation.

    Average Cost to Replace a Skylight

    This cost depends on the size of the new skylight, if you need the old skylight replaced, labor costs, and the price of materials.

    Types of Skylight Replacements

    Get in touch with a roofing contractor to discuss these three types of skylight replacements for your home.

    Fixed Skylights

    Fixed skylights are mounted to the roof and don’t open in a manner that has ventilation benefits. This type of skylight is usually the most long-lasting option, though it requires more maintenance.

    Tubular Skylights

    This type of skylight — also referred to as “solar tubes” — is becoming a popular way to invite natural light into any room. Tubular skylights are compact, easy to install, and less expensive than the other options. Best of all, they’re a smart and efficient way to home improvement and to make your home feel brighter indoors.

    These skylights work by using a rooftop dome to capture the sun’s UV rays. This light then transfers into your home via a reflective tube-shaped duct.

    Vented Skylights

    A vented skylight opens up fully and is typically used to allow hot air to escape from an attic. These windows provide ample ventilation, helping to keep a room feel cooler in hot months. If you open a vented skylight, you’ll feel a gentle breeze throughout the house.

    Having ample airflow throughout your home is great for all times of the year to prevent a buildup of moisture that can contribute to mold and mildew.

    How To Know if Your Skylight Needs To Be Replaced

    Damp or Discolored Ceiling

    You may notice stains on the ceiling, which occur when moisture leaks through the skylight and settles into the drywall and ceiling. A leak will worsen over time, potentially resulting in black mold.

    Additionally, as a skylight experiences wear and tear due to age, you may notice fragments of discoloration on the glass. This can create a smeared effect and doesn’t allow as much natural light to enter your home.

    Broken or Cracked Glass

    Even the smallest cracks can suggest you need a skylight replacement. These small cracks will turn into bigger ones eventually, placing stress on the window. There are many reasons why cracks can appear, but mainly they’re due to severe weather, such as hail stones.

    Condensation

    Condensation creates a foggy layer on the glass that’s wet to the touch. This happens when moisture builds up on the glass and can indicate that the sealants are no longer working and need repairing.

    Bubbling or Flaking Drywall

    This suggests that your skylight has a leak and is letting water in through the glass. A replacement is essential to prevent further damage to your wall.

    Read also: Fixing Roof Leaks: Step-by-Step Guide

    How To Choose a Skylight Replacement

    There are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the right roof skylight for your home and preferences. Consider the size and shape, as it’ll need to fit into the former space and blend in with your home’s aesthetics.

    Contemplate the skylight’s placement for sunlight and ventilation. Just because you’re purchasing a replacement, it doesn’t mean you can’t adjust the original positioning.

    Additionally, decide which type is best for you out of fixed, tubular, and vented skylights.

    Another characteristic to keep in mind is the UV rating. In particular, UV blockage is ideal for preventing ultraviolet rays from entering your home — just check the percentage for the rating score.

    VLT is another important measurement, as this expresses how much visible light a skylight can transmit. High VLT values allow plenty of natural light to enter, whereas tinted glazing blocks glare for less light transmission.

    Contact any of the providers below to get a free quote:

    Skylight Replacement vs. Repair

    Not sure if you should repair your skylight or purchase a completely new one? Repairs cost around $500, and a replacement is double that, making it much cheaper to opt for repairs instead.

    Repairs focus on small leaks and cracks, but for more significant damage or skylights older than 15 years, consider an entire replacement. You might also want to consider a replacement during roof repairs to handle everything at once.

    Skylight Repair vs. Replacement Costs

    Repair costs are significantly less. However, it’s more cost-effective to opt for an entire replacement if your skylight has any of the replacement signs mentioned earlier.

    Professional vs. DIY Skylight Replacement

    DIY installation can save you money and give you a sense of pride, but we recommend hiring a professional regarding new roof windows. This is because there are a lot of risks involved with being on a roof. Plus, properly installed skylights can contribute to huge problems down the line, including water leaks.

    Our Top Choice for Skylight Replacements

    Here are some of the best skylight replacements to consider if yours is up for renewal.

    1. Velux Electric Fresh Air

    This glass skylight features a curb-mounted frame, making it suitable for flat roofs. The glass reduces up to 25 percent less outside noise than standard double-pane glass and up to 50 percent less than a plastic skylight.

    You’ll also receive a 20-year No Leak warranty and a 10-year installation warranty. Choose between the deck-mounted and curb-mounted skylight. The former is ideal for a 15–18-degree roof pitch, and the latter is suitable for a 0–60-degree roof pitch.

    2. Sun-Tek Extreme Weather Skylights

    These skylights are suitable for winds up to 120 mph and can even withstand hurricane damage. There are currently six skylights to choose from by this brand.

    3. Glazing Vision Flushglaze

    Glazing Vision has a low e coating for thermal performance and high specification heat soak-tested safety glass. This range is also available in an array of shapes, sizes, and glass specifications.

    Why Should You Replace Your Skylight?

    Not sure why you should replace your existing skylight? Here are some reasons to make an investment in a new skylight.

    • Experience no water leak throughout the year
    • Choose a new design that complements your home’s decor
    • Minimize maintenance
    • Prevent seal failures from happening
    • Save money from home repairs (managing leaks, humidity issues, etc.)

    Final Thoughts

    There are many reasons to invest in a new skylight replacement. Older skylights have a shelf life, and ignoring the issues can result in water leaks in your home, humidity problems, and a lot of money and hassle in maintenance. It’s time to increase airflow indoors and allow more natural light into your home.

    If you want to explore alternative window options besides Skylight, check out our in-depth analysis of Loewen window. Our comprehensive review of Loewen Windows offers valuable insights into another excellent window choice.

    Skylight in a home
    Unsplash/ Layton Diament
    Editorial Contributors
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    Elisabeth Beauchamp

    Senior Staff Writer

    Elisabeth Beauchamp is a content producer for Today’s Homeowner’s Lawn and Windows categories. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Journalism and Linguistics. When Elisabeth isn’t writing about flowers, foliage, and fertilizer, she’s researching landscaping trends and current events in the agricultural space. Elisabeth aims to educate and equip readers with the tools they need to create a home they love.

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    Lora Novak

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    Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

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