Skylight Replacements: What You Need to Know

Signs Your Skylight Needs To Be Replaced

If you have skylights, you may be wondering how you know they need to be replaced. Like all of your other windows, skylights have a remarkably long lifespan (most last for at least ten years, if not longer). As materials and methods improve, we expect newer skylights to last even longer. But this does not mean that they never require replacement.

You should consider replacing your skylight if you notice any of the following issues:

  • Signs of leaks around the skylight
  • You are having roofing issues around the skylight
  • You see increased or excess condensation on the skylight
  • The skylight's materials are beginning to degrade
  • The skylight is significantly damaged
  • The glass is fogging

If your skylight is over ten years old, you should have it inspected to get a sense of when you can expect to replace it. It is not uncommon for a skylight to last 15 or more years if well taken care of. However, as the skylight approaches a decade, you should keep an eye on it and give it a little extra TLC to ensure you can get the most out of its lifespan.

Keep reading for more answers to frequently asked questions about skylight replacements.

How Often Should Skylights Be Replaced?

As mentioned above, a properly installed, well-maintained skylight should last you well over a decade. When determining when to replace your skylights, you should focus on their performance and whether you are experiencing frequent problems. Chronic repair issues may point to defective materials, and when this is the case, repairs will likely end up costing you more than replacing the skylight in the long run.

We know that new skylights are a significant investment and will always work to find a viable repair option before recommending a replacement. If you are having trouble with your skylights and are considering replacement, speak with our skylight experts before you purchase replacements. We can diagnose the problem you are experiencing and help you determine if repair or replacement is your best bet.

Do You Have to Replace Your Roof at the Same Time?

No, you don't have to replace your roof when replacing your skylights. That being said, you might want to plan your skylight replacements to coincide with your roof replacement. This is because skylight replacements necessitate disturbing your roofing. While this can be done without problem, it does make your roof more vulnerable to damage. Additionally, it is often easier and can be less expensive overall to install new skylights when you are also installing a new roof. Relatedly, if you are replacing your roof, you should consider replacing your skylights, even if you think you could get a couple more years out of them.

Regardless of whether you choose to replace your skylights and roof at the same time, skylight replacements should always be completed by professionals like Lyons Roofing.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Skylight?

The cost of replacing skylights can vary depending on the types of skylights you purchase and the labor involved in the project. On average, a skylight replacement will likely cost you around $1,500-$2,000. When planning your skylight replacement, we recommend you speak with our skylight installation and replacement team about your goals. We can help you get a better sense of how much your specific project will cost so that you can more accurately plan.

Who Do I Call to Replace My Skylight?

Generally speaking, when replacing a skylight, you always want to work with a professional skylight installation company or qualified roofer, like Lyons Roofing. Though you can find a lot of videos and blog posts with DIY instructions for replacing and installing skylights on the internet, this is not recommended. Improperly installed skylights can cause serious structural damage to your and can compromise the integrity of your roof. In particular, your roof is left vulnerable to moisture and environmental damage. Working with a licensed, experienced professional is always the safer bet.

If you live in the Phoenix or Tuscon areas and think your skylight needs to be replaced, reach out to Lyons Roofing for help. Our skylight experts are standing by to help you today.