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Q: I am getting my roof installed this month and I’m not sure–should you replace skylights when replacing roof? It seems like my skylights were not properly flashed when my roof was installed 15 years ago because there’s water leaking in around the skylights. What should I do?
A: We get asked this question a lot. Most homeowners are not aware of the ways roofers cut costs when installing a new roof.
If a home has skylights, that’s usually the first thing that gets cut in order to cut down on price.
Sometimes customers even try to salvage old worn-out skylights so that they can save money, too. If you come across a roofing company that does not install new skylights when they install a new roof and flash them properly — scheduling skylight replacement at the same time is always in your best interest. Want to know why? Read on!
How do I know if my skylight is leaking because of the roof or the skylight itself?
You can often narrow down the source yourself by checking where water stains appear, when leaks happen, and how old the skylight is. Location and timing are your two clearest clues if it’s time for roof skylight replacement or new roof installation.
What are the signs a skylight needs to be replaced?
Signs that skylight needs replacement are visible moisture, fogged glass, cracked or warped framing, cold drafts, and age over 15 years. Most skylights last between 15 and 25 years.
Should You Replace Skylights When Replacing Roof? Save Money When You Replace Skylights During Roof Replacement
Replacing your skylights when you replace your roofing system is the most convenient and affordable time to do so. Understanding skylight replacement cost in the context of your full roof project helps homeowners make smart investment decisions.
- Is replacing skylights cheaper with a new roof? Absolutely. The process is smoother and easier when the roof deck is fully exposed. Compare it to painting your bathroom when there’s no toilet, vanity, or shower in the way.
- There are some roofers contractors near me who will charge up to double to come back and replace your skylights separate from replacing your roof.
- Older skylights don’t have a long lifespan. If your roof is due, your skylights are likely ready for replacement too.
- Installing new skylights during a roof replacement saves time and reduces labor costs significantly.
- Velux manufacturer rebates may still be available, and new skylights can improve thermal performance up to 40%. See a tax professional about any current tax credits for roofing and skylight replacement.
- A failing skylight can leak and increase humidity in your home which can allow mold to form—think about what that means to your brand new roof and the risk of serious damage to your new investment.
- While we offer a transferable lifetime warranty and 25 years labor, this covers your roof, not your old skylights—repairs aren’t cheap, and it’s not something you want to be pursuing 3-6 months after you just had it replaced.
So, should you replace skylights when replacing roof? Coordinating skylight and roofing work protects your investment while maximizing savings through reduced labor costs and available incentives.
Benefits of Replacing Skylights With Roof: Skylights Are Sustainable Products
Just like new vinyl replacement windows, skylights offer sustainability benefits. When combined with quality roofing materials, these advantages multiply.
- The skylight is installed on the roof to take advantage of the sun’s energy, making it ideal to help make your home warmer during the winter months.
- Skylights by VELUX adhere to Energy Star’s guidelines, improving the thermal envelope of your home.
- Professional roofing installation near me of skylights ensures that no drafts occur, resulting in energy loss—90% of VELUX skylight products are certified by Energy Star.
- With an airtight seal and proper installation, replacing a skylight while you replace your roof will help achieve balanced indoor temperature control.
- When combined with energy efficient roofing materials and energy efficient roofing shingles, the thermal performance of your home can improve dramatically.
- In New England, skylights are especially vulnerable to ice dams — another reason to replace aging units during your roof work. Modern Energy Star skylights with proper flashing minimize the heat loss that contributes to ice dam formation on Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine roofs.
An integrated approach to roofing and skylight upgrades delivers substantial benefits for energy efficiency and home comfort.
Risk vs. Reward: Understanding the Cost to Replace Skylights With New Roof
When you weigh the costs between reflashing and replacing, the decision becomes clearer. A slightly larger investment now prevents much larger expenses down the road.
- The cost of reflashing a skylight ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on size and roof complexity.
- How much does it cost to replace skylights during a roof job? The average cost ranges from $800 to $2,200, depending on type and options. You can choose fixed, vented, solar, or add blinds.
- If we look at a roof with skylights, the per-unit price difference is even smaller. Bulk discounts usually apply when replacing multiple units.
- A slightly larger investment in a new roof and skylights now will save money later. It will cost less than tearing up a new roof to replace old skylights in the future.
- In the end it makes your home more energy-efficient so it’s a win-win.
- The main purpose of skylight reflashing is to shed water and moisture without long-term sealants. Sealants eventually break down and may cause roof damage.
- Older roofing skylights often do not fit modern skylight flashing kits. This mismatch creates sealing issues and leaks. Many homeowners replace skylights shortly after getting a new roof.
- Your original skylights were designed for a 10–25-year-old roof system. New roofs often differ in pitch, rakes, eaves, and materials.
- Many older roofs used tar paper instead of underlayment. Today’s roofing systems require different flashing and sealing methods. Old skylights and new roofs usually do not work well together.
- During tear-off, the original skylight flashing can weaken. Skylights are semi-permanent and not designed for frequent removal. New installations can also weaken the skylight’s structure and performance.
- Reflashing a skylight can shorten its lifespan by years. Most manufacturers also void the warranty if you reflash a skylight.
When you factor in warranty protection, energy savings, and the risk of premature failure, replacement becomes the clear value choice.
Using Old Skylights With A New Roof Can Cause Leaks
Even skylights that perform perfectly can develop problems during roof work. The risks of keeping old units often outweigh any perceived savings.
- Say your skylight has performed perfectly in the years leading up to your roof replacement, but no matter how skilled your roofing contractor may be, ruffling with that old skylight can cause problems.
- Keeping skylights in place only to have them leak afterward isn’t worth the trouble, especially if disturbing the skylight itself can lead to leaks.
- Building materials expand and contract over time, and what many homeowners don’t understand is that you must partially disassemble the skylight to re-flash the skylight.
- This process can create many problems in the structure of the skylights if they have started to corrode.
- Re-flashing an existing skylight can void its warranty.
- Skylights can leak because of old or improper flashing, cracks on the skylight frame, failure to open and close the skylight properly, or condensation beneath the glass especially in humid rooms or cold climates (seal failure).
The incompatibility between old skylights and new roofing creates leak risks that even careful installation cannot eliminate.
Understanding Seal Failure in Skylights
What happens if you replace your entire roof and don’t replace the skylights is a scenario many homeowners face. Seal failure is one of the most frustrating consequences.
- If seal failure happens six months later, you must replace the entire section of shingles around the skylight. Fogged or inefficient glass often causes this issue.
- All the banging, tear-off, dumpster in the driveway, permitting, and scrapping will happen again. Nailing, attic mess, and living in a construction zone will also repeat.
- Don’t pay for new roof materials twice!
Proper planning during your initial roof replacement prevents this expensive and disruptive scenario entirely.
The Skylight Will Have To Be Replaced Eventually Anyway
Understanding how long do skylights last helps homeowners make practical decisions. Most skylights last 15–25 years, and technology has advanced significantly, making replacement even more worthwhile.
- Skylights have a short warranty for a reason—inexpensive plexiglass bubble skylights can crack easily, and even high-quality skylights will warp over time.
- Choosing to re-flash rather than replace can result not only in leaks and moisture buildup but also in expensive energy loss.
- Technology has advanced in the past 10 years and Velux, a brand we trust, has an advanced Low E-3 coating that provides more daylight and better heat control than older plastic models.
- American-made VELUX skylights are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and tempered glass, offering a quality option for beauty along with energy savings.
- The most convenient and affordable time to replace a skylight is when you are installing a new roof with roofing installation near me.
- By replacing your skylights when you replace your roof, you’ll save money in the long run and ensure you won’t be paying for a new roof twice!
- You can also take advantage of new skylights with energy-efficient models — including solar-powered options — and increase the thermal comfort of your home with natural ventilation.
Replacement is inevitable for aging skylights, and coordinating this work with your roof installation is the smartest approach.
Choose From An Array of Blind and Shutter Colors, Patterns, and Styles
In addition to helping to conserve energy, modern skylights offer extensive customization options. These features enhance both function and aesthetics.
- There are over 100 colors and pattern choices available, and VELUX designed rolling shutters and blinds to complement your new skylight.
- Room Darkening blinds are a double-pleated or flat skylight blind that can transform your space from day to night.
- Light Filtering blinds are the perfect option for diffusing light, ideal for areas such as kitchens and living rooms.
- Venetian Skylight Blinds provide a smooth and simple operation, conveniently allowing you to position your blinds at any point on the skylight.
- Not only are blinds and shutters aesthetically appealing, they can also earn you tax rebates with the federal government.
- Modern skylights have new low-emissivity coatings, pane layering, and glazes which increase the energy efficiency and extend lifespan—so many opportunities!
Today’s skylight accessories deliver practical benefits while contributing to your home’s energy efficiency and qualifying for federal tax incentives.
Working With the Best Roof Replacement Companies Near Me
When planning your roof replacement, partnering with experienced professionals makes all the difference. Whether you’re searching for a roofing company in Gloucester, a roofing contractor in Beverly MA, trusted roofers in Lynnfield, the best roofing contractor in Newbury, or an Andover MA roofing company, choosing qualified contractors ensures your skylights and roof work together seamlessly. Unlike some national contractors that don’t even offer skylight services, Coastal Windows & Exteriors handles your entire roof and skylight replacement in one project — no subcontractors, no scheduling headaches, and full warranty coverage on both the roofing and skylight installation. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is locally owned and operated — not a franchise.
The Time to Replace Your Roof and Skylight is Now With Coastal Windows & Exteriors
The reasons to replace your skylights when you replace your roof range from aesthetic to performance purposes. The most convenient and affordable time to replace a skylight is when you are installing a new roof!
By replacing your skylights when you replace your roof, you’ll save money in the long run and ensure you won’t be paying for a new roof twice! Understanding should I replace skylights when replacing my roof is crucial for protecting your investment and maximizing your home’s comfort and efficiency.
You can also enjoy the benefits of the new energy-efficient models (including solar-powered options!) and naturally ventilate your home to increase thermal comfort.
Contact Coastal Windows & Exteriors today for a free estimate on new roof replacement and skylight installation. Our experienced team will help you make the best decision for your home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skylight Replacement
Is replacing skylights cheaper when done with a new roof?
Skylight replacement during a roof installation is almost always the most cost-effective approach. The average skylight replacement cost is between $800 and $2,200 per unit, according to Velux.
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How much more does it cost to replace skylights separately vs. during a roof replacement?
The cost of skylight replacement can be less when you are bundling it with a roof replacement. The average skylight replacement runs $800 to $2,200 per unit, per Velux — and a standalone job adds fees the roof project would have covered.
What causes skylight seal failure after a new roof is installed?
Skylight seal failure after a new roof is one of the most preventable problems in exterior remodeling. Old gaskets, mismatched flashing, and reflashing stress are the leading causes of needing skylight replacement.
Are new skylights more energy efficient than older models?
New skylights are significantly more energy efficient than older models. ENERGY STAR certified skylights, windows, and doors can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 13% on average nationwide, compared to non-certified products.
Is it worth replacing skylights at the same time as my roof?
Getting a skylight installed during a roof replacement is almost always worth it. The roof deck is already exposed, skylights average $800 to $2,200 per unit to replace, and doing both together keeps labor shared and warranties intact.
Can I keep my old skylights when I get a new roof?
You can keep your old skylights when getting a new roof, but doing so carries real risks. Flashing mismatches, failed seals, and voided warranties are common outcomes — especially when skylights are 10 or more years old. Roof skylight replacements are ideal during new roof installation.
What happens if I don't replace my skylights when I replace my roof?
Skipping skylight replacement during a roof job typically leads to seal failure, leaks, interior water damage, and a costly repair that disturbs your brand-new roof. Emergency roof leak repair can cost nearly $1,800 — and up to twice that when it becomes urgent.
How long do skylights last on a roof?
Most skylights last between 15 and 25 years, depending on quality, installation, and climate. Quality units with proper flashing can last 20 or more years before seals begin to fail.
