How Much Does It Cost To Repair or Replace a Skylight?

Skylight Replacement Cost

The average price to replace your skylight is between $900 and $2,300. That includes a new window, as well as sealing potential changes to the opening itself. Weather or faulty installation can cause excessive damage.

If the seal around your window is impaired, you’ll need to replace it. Older products might warrant a new energy-efficient model with a better seal. Less maintenance down the road will offset high installation costs.

Skylight Glass Replacement Cost

Replacing only the glass typically costs between $300 and $800, including labor. Dual- or triple-pane windows will be on the high end of that range.

A storm or a branch falling through your window may cause one of your panes to break. In that case, a professional will need to replace the glass.

Depending on the product, that can be expensive because a pro may need to take out the entire skylight to replace the pane. Get quotes first. If the price is too high, it might be easier to go with full replacement instead of only changing out the glass or one of its panes.

Price to Replace Skylight Motor

Replacing the motor can cost as little as $110 or as much as $500. New wiring might require a dedicated professional. Hiring an electrician costs between $160 and $500, bringing the total to $270 to $1,000. The type of mechanism you must open and close the window will influence replacement prices. A new solar-powered motor could range up to $500.

Replacing a Hand-Operated Mechanism

A new hand crank will cost $110. Labor increases total repair prices to $200 to $400. Consult your window professional to see exactly how much the estimate will be before any work is complete.

Average Cost to Repair a Skylight

Leaking Skylight Repair Costs

Leaking is the most common problem homeowners face, and costs between $300 and $800 to fix. Two problem areas can lead to leaks:

• The flashing might fail to seal the gap between the frame and the roof, leading to holes on the exterior of the window.

• The glazing seal between glass pane and frame may be corroded, causing a leak on the interior of the frame.

Installing new flashing and applying a new seal both cost between $300 and $500 to complete individually. Most professionals can "bundle" these services for a total between $500 and $800.

Corroding Frame

Repairing the frame of your skylight ranges between $170 and $600. It typically involves patching the wooden or fiberglass frame to make sure no moisture can come through.

Most roof windows last between 20 and 40 years. At the end of that lifespan, the shell becomes corroded enough to need full replacement.

Motor Repair

Repairing the motor or mechanism for opening and closing the window can cost between $10 for new batteries to $300 for multiple replacement parts. Many professionals recommend just replacing the motor to make sure it doesn't turn into a recurring problem.

Repair or Replace Costs Factors

The total repair cost of $385 to $1,150 can change based on many factors. While the size of the opening doesn't affect that price significantly, other issues (like accessibility) can dramatically increase costs. Most pros offer prices depending on specific repairs, but you can expect a charge of $35 to $65 per hour plus materials.

Insurance Coverage

Homeowner's insurance may cover your leaking roof window but only if you can prove the cause is natural. Most plans cover storm damage or a falling tree branch. Normal wear and tear on the skylight, like old flashing, is more common and must come from your budget. Talk to your insurance agent if you experience a leak.

Height & Accessibility

Difficult interior and exterior accessibility can increase total repair prices by up to 30%. The higher your skylight, the more difficult it is to access and the more you will pay to fix it.

Exact costs depend on how much longer it takes an expert to access it. Your budget will also depend on whether a pro needs to access the outside of the opening on your roof.

Trust a window professional for this type of job, and talk to them about insurance to prevent any potential liabilities. Inside access matters as well. If a tub or other obstruction is in the way, or if the ceiling is higher than one story, the cost to seal or repair the window will increase.

Slope or Pitch

Most skylights are designed for a roof pitch between 15% and 60%. If your roof slopes beyond that range, repairs could cost up to 20% more. You will need custom flashing, or extra scaffolding to keep contractors safe while working on the roof. Calculate your roof pitch to understand your options.

Type

Tubular skylights are cheapest to repair at an average price between $300 and $500. They take up the least space on the roof and will require less flashing and work.

Fixed skylight repairs cost between $400 and $900 because the opening is bigger than typical tunnel models.

Ventilating roof windows cost the most to fix, between $500 and $1,200. That's because they're more complex and include multiple mechanisms.

Bundling the Job

Sometimes you can group your skylight repair with other window sealing jobs around your house. Bundling can save up to 20% of the cost because the same professional can take on each task, and you will have less material left over. Because you pay for the materials upfront, fewer leftovers mean minor cost savings.

Sealing & Weatherproofing Skylights

Weatherproofing your fixed or ventilating skylight costs between $100 and $800. Because of year-round exposure to the elements, this type of window needs regular care to make sure it can keep the weather at bay. Ignoring it could mean letting chilly air in, increase heating costs or leaks that expose your interior to water damage. Tubular skylights may need minor weatherproofing, but the prices are typically below $200.

Weather-stripping Sealer

Professionals will add weather-stripping sealer to the opening for $100 to $300. Weather stripping is a common way to seal windows that leak between pane and frame. It's among the more affordable weather-proofing options. A pro installs it with traditional strips or with self-stick foam.

Skylight Flashing

Re-flashing your skylight costs between $300 and $500. It's a more extensive form of weather-proofing and sealing, sealing off the seam between roof and frame. Most flashing uses caulking and tape, but you can find advanced versions that use specialized foam. If your ceiling leaks around the opening, flashing might not work. Ask a professional about the cost to fix a ceiling leak to avoid future problems.

FAQs

Why is my skylight leaking?

Your skylight could be leaking because it doesn't fit perfectly against the roof, or because the window itself is faulty. The former requires new flashing. The latter means you must reseal the glass to the frame or get a new, un-corroded frame.

How do you measure for a replacement skylight?

Measuring for a skylight must be exact. If your current window is deck-mounted, measure the outside glass width and length within the frame as well as the length and width of the frame. For curb-mounted products that sit on top a custom-mounted curb instead of directly on your roof, you also need to measure the length and width of the curb including any flashing. Finally, measure the interior drywall opening.

Should I replace my skylights when I replace my roof?

You don't have to replace your skylight when you replace your roof, but doing so provides some advantages:

• Save money on labor costs

• Lower the risk of seal failure, leaking or damage

How do you repair a plastic skylight?

Repairing a plastic skylight depends on the problem. If you can't determine the exact cause, your repair will not take care of it. Fixing a scratch in the Plexiglas may be as simple as sanding it down and adding some buffing compound. If the issue is leakage, you're better off working with a pro.

How long does a skylight in a home last?

The average skylight lasts between 20 and 40 years before it needs replacement. Some high-quality options can last longer, up to 55 years, while others only last ten years. Pay close attention to the warranty. Most companies offer 20 to 25 years, which gives you a better idea about the product's expected lifespan.

DIY vs. Hiring a Skylight Repair Service

While skylight repair is possible on your own, most experts don't recommend it. If you're not familiar with the issue, hire a professional. Leaking skylights can cause significant water damage in your home. If you're not careful, DIY-ing could compromise the structure of the roof. Not purchasing the right unit for your opening can also cause problems.

That's why your first step should be to contact a reputable professional when you see something wrong. They can diagnose and solve the issue to get the skylight back in working order. Browse our window company directory to find experts in your area.