A common homeowner frustration is the appearance of a serious leak around a professionally installed skylight. Even a small leak can cause water damage to the roof, the attic space, the materials in the ceiling, insulation, and the interior of the home beneath the leak. For this reason, when a leak is evident near a skylight, professional intervention is key.
The average cost to repair a skylight ranges between $300-$500, with the average homeowner spending around $400flashing replacement or seal repair.
Cost to Repair a Skylight | |
---|---|
National Average Cost | $400 |
Average Range | $300-$500 |
Minimum Cost | $100 |
Maximum Cost | $1,300 |
A leaking skylight can present itself after any rainy day, or after a big storm. In most cases, repair requires the contractor to address common leaking skylight causes, including flashing and seal issues. Replacement of the flashing ranges from $300-$500, and the seal and skylight caulking 1 falls in the same range. When the skylight seal is compromised, skylight condensation can contribute to moisture problems. By hiring a professional to complete both repairs at once, homeowners can reduce the travel and labor involved and get the total project done for $400-$700.
There may be some temporary fixes for leaking skylights, such as recaulking or using roofing cement, but it’s important to note that working around or undoing these fixes may increase the cost of professional repair when they’re able to get to the job.
The total cost to repair a skylight will range between $300 for minor flashing 2 repair and $2,000 for removal of the existing skylight and replacement with a large, high-end skylight, including both materials and labor. The type of repair will directly influence the cost of the total project. This table provides more information on the cost of various repairs commonly needed to keep skylights in working order and prevent leaks that damage the home.
Type of Repair | Cost |
---|---|
Motor Repair | $5 - $500 |
Flashing Repair | $50 - $150 |
Dome Replacement | $90 - $110 |
Dome Repair | $100 - $200 |
Corroding Frame Repair | $150 - $600 |
Flashing Replacement | $300 - $500 |
Seal Repair | $300 - $500 |
Glass Repair | $300 - $800 |
There are three general levels of motor repair: simple battery replacement for around $5, minor parts replacement, which can range from $100 to $300, or total skylight motor replacement ranging from $150-$500.
In some cases, contractors can seal holes or gaps in the flashing 2 using roofing cement rather than replacing the flashing. If the contractor is able to repair the flashing without replacing it, the average cost is $50-$150.
In some cases, cracked skylight domes can be repaired temporarily with silicone caulking 1 and weather tape. While this fix isn’t ideal or permanent, it will stop a leak and prevent further water damage to the roof, ceiling, or interior of the home until the dome can be replaced. The average price for dome repair, although many contractors may not offer this service, is $100-$200.
Skylight dome replacement cost ranges from $90-$110. For this reason, many homeowners choose to replace the dome rather than replacing the whole skylight as the project is affordable. If skylight gasket 3 replacement is needed, it increases the cost of the total project to $200-$300 on average.
Like all windows, the frame of a skylight corrodes over time and will need to be replaced once it’s reached the end of its lifespan (expected to be at least 20 years). The cost to repair the frame depends on the severity of the damage and the size of the skylight, ranging from as little as $150 for minor damage or a small frame, to as much as $600 for extensive damage or a large frame.
Replacement of the flashing 2 on a skylight ranges from $300-$500 including materials and labor. Reflashing a skylight is one of the most common repairs, correcting the most common leaks.
A proper seal is important as it keeps the elements - heat, cold, and precipitation - out of the home. When the seal deteriorates, energy costs can increase or damage to the roof and ceiling around the skylight and the interior home beneath the skylight can occur. Skylight sealing or skylight seal replacement alone costs $300-$500, but typically also requires replacement of the metal flashing 4 around the skylight, which ranges from $300-$500 and can help prevent skylight heat loss. Skylight weather stripping might also be used in colder climates. The total project if both services are completed together can range from $400-$700.
While many homeowners seek out glass replacement or cracked skylight repair, a broken or cracked skylight window requires replacement of the whole skylight. Replacing a skylight ranges from $400 to $1,700, with larger, vented skylights coming in at the upper end of that range. If the glass is in good shape, but skylight glass seal repair is needed, it’ll cost around $300-$500.
Skylight work should generally be done by a professional to prevent further leaks and damage to the roof, rafters, and home beneath the skylight. Roofing contractors and handymen can be hired to repair or replace a skylight, charging an average of $65 per hour for labor. It’s important to keep in mind that contractors typically charge no less than one hour of labor and may need to come more than once. If you call a repairman with concerns about a leaky skylight, they’ll likely come to take a look and, if the repair is minor, make the repairs during the same visit. However, if new flashing 2, dome, motor, skylight, or other major parts are needed, they may need to order parts and schedule the repairs for another day.
Factors that will influence the cost of any skylight repair include:
Homeowners may need to request an urgent visit from a contractor if a significant volume of water is leaking into the home through a skylight over a weekend or holiday. Emergency fees range from $100-$300, and do not include the cost of any repairs completed.
In some cases, the skylight needs to be replaced in its entirety. This occurs when the glass is broken, the skylight can’t be repaired, or in some cases, when the motor needs to be replaced and it’s more cost-effective to replace the whole skylight. The average cost to have the existing skylight removed is around $225 including materials and labor. The replacement skylight with installation ranges from around $400 for a fixed skylight, to over $1,700 for a venting flush-mount laminated glass skylight.
Periodic skylight maintenance can help prevent problems with the skylight, as well as catch wear and tear early, before any damage to the home occurs. Maintaining a skylight consists of two components: cleaning and inspecting. Window cleaners can be hired to clean the interior and exterior glass with a mild detergent seasonally and will have the right equipment to safely scale the roof. Sealant inspections should be done three months after initial installation and then every 12 months thereafter. These are usually incorporated into a roof inspection, which ranges from $100-$600. From the interior of the home, homeowners should monitor the site for problems like water stains in the sheetrock 5 surrounding the skylight or standing water beneath the skylight.
The average cost to repair a leaking skylight is $300-$500 when both flashing 2 and seal need to be replaced, but the cost can be as much as $1,000 to $2,000 in the most extreme cases (total replacement of a large, vented skylight).
Roofers, general contractors, window companies, and carpenters often replace skylights. Contact a company ahead of time to learn more about their experience installing, inspecting, repairing, and replacing skylights.
You can call a roofing company, a general contractor, a window company, or a carpenter to discuss potential skylight repairs. Be sure the company has experience repairing and replacing skylights before moving forward and take time to review their online reviews and reputation. Hiring a reputable contractractor is key to preventing future water damage or ongoing costs associated with skylight repair or replacement.
Skylights have an estimated lifespan exceeding 20 years. Skylights should be replaced when wear and tear has made them inefficient or ineffective in keeping water out of the home. In many cases, skylight repair is an option, but when the glass is broken, the skylight has aged out, or the cost of repair exceeds the cost of replacement, replacement is often recommended.
If the entire skylight needs to be replaced, costs can add up quickly. The average cost to have the existing skylight removed is around $225 including materials and labor. The replacement skylight with installation ranges from around $400 for a fixed skylight to over $1,700 for a venting flush-mount laminated glass skylight. The larger the skylight, the more the homeowner will pay to replace it.
A leaky skylight is a sure indication of trouble, but it’s best to rely on a professional to determine whether the problem is the seal or something else. Signs of a leaky skylight include water stains on the ceiling, water damage in the home beneath the skylight, or a soggy roof surrounding the skylight.
Skylights usually last between 20 and 40 years. Annual inspections can help homeowners identify problems with skylights before leaks occur.
In some cases, homeowners choose to close in a skylight to avoid potential water damage, limit light, or do away with annual cleaning and maintenance. The cost to remove an existing skylight and replace the interior sheetrock 5 and exterior roofing ranges from $500-$1,000 including parts and labor.
Cost to repair a skylight varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.