Skylight replacement
Skylight Replacement in Greater Seattle
Replacing old or leaking skylights and the flashing that ties them into your roof, with an inspection first to find out whether replacement or a flashing repair is the right fix.
How Skylight Replacement works
A skylight is a hole in the roof that has to be sealed well. When a skylight leaks, fogs between panes, or has cracked glass or a failing frame, replacing it together with new flashing is often the lasting fix.
Many leaks around skylights come from the flashing or the roof around it rather than the unit itself. We check both before recommending a replacement, and we explain if a flashing repair is enough.
Skylight replacement, explained
Replacement versus flashing repair
If the skylight unit is sound and the leak comes from failed flashing, a flashing repair may be enough. If the glass, seals or frame have failed, or the skylight is old, replacement is usually more practical.
How a skylight ties into the roof
The skylight is set on the roof opening and sealed with flashing and underlayment that work with the surrounding roofing to shed water around it. The specific flashing depends on the skylight and the roofing material.
What affects skylight replacement cost
The skylight size and type, whether it is fixed or opening, the roofing material, roof pitch and access, any framing changes, and interior finish work.
Replacing skylights during a reroof
During a roof replacement the roofing around the skylight is removed anyway, so it is often a good time to replace an aging skylight.
The honest take
Advantages & things to consider
Advantages
- Inspection of the skylight, flashing and surrounding roof
- New flashing tied into the roof with the replacement
- Can be combined with a roof replacement
Things to consider
- Interior trim or drywall work may be needed and may be outside our scope
- Changing the skylight size affects framing and cost
Is this right for your home?
Suitable problems
Leaking, fogged, cracked or aging skylights.
What an inspection can determine
Whether the leak is the unit, the flashing or the surrounding roof.
What may change the scope
Damaged framing or decking around the opening, or a size change.
Limitations
Interior drywall and paint may be outside our scope; we tell you before work starts.
What we inspect
Estimates start with an on-site look at your roof. Attic checks depend on safe access.
Skylight glass, seals and frame
Flashing around the skylight
Shingles and underlayment around the opening
Interior signs of leaking where accessible
Common questions
Questions about Skylight Replacement
Does a leak mean I need a new skylight?+
Not always. Leaks around skylights often come from the flashing. We check both and tell you if a flashing repair is enough.
Can you replace a skylight without replacing the roof?+
Yes, on many roofs. We replace the surrounding roofing and flashing as needed and try to match the existing shingles.
What affects the price?+
Size and type of skylight, roofing material, pitch and access, framing changes and interior finish work. You get a written estimate.
Related services
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Full tear-off and a new roof system for homes across King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, with a clear written estimate first.
Learn moreReady when you are
Tell us what's going on with your roof and we'll set up an inspection and a written estimate.