5 Questions to Ask About Repairing, Replacing, or Sealing an Existing Skylight

Skylights bring natural light into your home and open up your space without sacrificing privacy. But like anything else in your house, your skylights may require repairing, replacing, or resealing from time to time. For that type of work, you’ll need to bring in a professional—and they’ll likely ask the following skylight questions before the project begins.

1. What issues are you experiencing with your skylight?

Your contractor will need to understand your skylight’s problems to determine whether it needs resealing, repair, or replacement. For example, a cracked window pane can often be repaired, but cracked skylight glass will have to be replaced. On the other hand, if your skylight is leaking, it may need to be resealed.

2. What kind of skylight do you have?

Skylights come in a range of shapes, sizes, and price points. Solar tubes are small, cylindrical skylights typically used in compact spaces (such as closets and hallways). Meanwhile, fixed and ventilated skylights are usually larger because they let in lots of natural light. 

Due to these differences, the cost to repair a skylight will depend heavily on the skylight type, as you can see in the following chart: 

3. How old is your skylight?

If you aren’t sure whether to repair or replace your skylight, its age can help determine the best course of action. Typically, skylights last between 15 and 20 years. Replacing is often more cost-effective if yours is nearing the 15-year mark—even if there’s only a small leak or minor damage.

Still on the fence? Your skylight pro can explain the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing a skylight.

4. Is this project covered by homeowners insurance? 

On average, repairing a skylight ranges from $450 to $1,470, while installing a new skylight costs between $1,010 and $2,810. However, if a natural disaster or accident damaged your current skylight, your homeowners insurance policy could pay for the repair or replacement. If so, let your contractor know beforehand so they can confirm that the insurance adjuster accurately notes the damage to your skylight.

5. When do you need this project completed?

You’ll also want to discuss timelines with your skylight installer. Sometimes, a skylight repair or replacement needs to be completed immediately. For example, if you’re dealing with a leak, it’s important to get it fixed ASAP to prevent serious water damage to your roof or drywall. You won’t need to rush quite as much if you’re simply upgrading an older (but otherwise problem-free) skylight that’s seen better days.