Vents, Flashing & Skylights
Skylight repair and replacement
Most skylight leaks come from the flashing around the unit rather than the glass. A roofer re-flashes the skylight with a manufacturer kit, or replaces an old or cracked unit, ideally during a roof replacement when the flashing is open anyway.
- Same-day inspections when a roofer is available
- All 50 states + D.C.
- Quote before work
Older plastic dome skylights yellow and crack under UV and hail, and many curbs were sealed with mastic that has since dried out.
Water dripping from a skylight isn't always a leak. Warm, humid indoor air condenses on cold glass in winter in northern states, and humid outdoor air can condense on cool skylights in air-conditioned homes in the South, so the roofer checks both.
Skylights at a glance
- Usual leak point
- Flashing around the curb
- Also check
- Condensation, especially in winter
- Best time to replace
- During a roof replacement
- Old domes
- Yellow and crack under UV and hail
Signs you need skylights
- Drips or stains around the skylight well
- Cracked, cloudy or yellowed dome
- Dried mastic around the curb
- Condensation running down the frame
- Hail damage to the dome
How the roofer handles it
- 1
Diagnose
Leak vs. condensation is determined, and the curb and flashing are inspected.
- 2
Re-flash or replace
The unit is re-flashed with a proper kit, or replaced with a new skylight.
- 3
Integrate
Underlayment, ice barrier where required, and shingles are woven back around the new flashing.
- 4
Finish
Interior drywall repair is noted if the well was damaged.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the roofer finds, so the contractor quotes after inspecting. These are the main factors:
- Re-flash vs. full replacement
- Skylight size and type (fixed, venting or tubular)
- Curb condition
- Interior well repair
- Combining with a re-roof
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace skylights when I replace my roof?
If they're more than 15 to 20 years old, usually yes. The flashing is open anyway, and a later replacement means disturbing the new roof.
Can I just remove a skylight?
Yes. The opening can be framed in, decked and roofed over.
Skylights by state
Need skylights?
Same-day inspections when a roofer is available. One call connects you with an independent roofer who serves your ZIP.