Even quality skylight domes made of acrylic and polycarbonate can be susceptible to damage caused by inclement weather. So, what should you know about skylight replacements?
How To Replace Skylight Dome
Use our step-by-step guide to replace your skylight dome:
- Begin the removal by drilling the rivet out.
- Remove all existing trim from the traditional skylight.
- Now completely remove the existing skylight.
- Use the new dome to replace your broken/damaged skylight.
- Next, replace all the previously removed trims.
- Lastly, rivet all the trims back together.
Does the replacement process differ when it comes to a traditional dome and frame? Yes, it does. Follow these steps below:
- Start by removing either the rivets or screw.
- Lift the entire frame and dome up.
- Replace these items with a new frame and dome fit for a traditional skylight.
- Rivet the new frame and dome so it matches the previous version.
How do you replace your dome with a framed sky window and glass? Use this guide:
- Completely remove the frame and dome.
- Make modifications, if necessary.
- Custom fit the new frame window and glass.
- Rivet the new skylight window frame.
What Causes Damage To Skylights?
Unfortunately, any kind of inclement weather can cause damage to your skylights. Here are a few things that could make skylight replacements a necessity:
- Hailstorms: The biggest potential danger here is the actual size of the hail. Hail is one of the top culprits of skylight damage.
- Wind: Wind patterns can undoubtedly alter how a hailstorm impacts a specific area. Wind will change the speed and angle at which hail falls to the ground.
- Roofing Material: There are some roofing materials that can absorb the impact of hailstorms. Metal roofing, though, is one such material that can be damaged by hail. Tile roofing, meanwhile, performs well against inclement weather.
- Glass: Larger, intense hailstorms can cause glass to shatter.
- Polymer: Domed skylights can typically withstand the impact of small to medium-sized storms. Most materials will be damaged during larger storms, though.
How Much Does A Skylight Replacement Cost?
The average cost of skylight replacement is $1,600. Skylight replacement costs range from $900-$2,300 when professionally installed. Replacing just the glass, however, usually costs between $300 – $800, including the labor. Dual- or triple-paned windows are going to be on the higher-end of that range.
Inclement weather or a tree branch plunging through your window could cause one of the panes to break. In situation, a professional is going to need to replace the glass.
Subject to the product, replacing it can be expensive since a professional might to remove the entire skylight for replacing the pane. Get estimates first. When the cost is too expensive, it could be easier to just fully replace it rather than only changing out the glass or just one the panes.
Repair or Replace Costs Factors
Factors that are going to impact the cost of skylight repairs comprise of:
- Kind of skylight
- The size of the opening, glass, and its frame
- Access to the skylight
- Location of the leak(s)
- The roofs pitch
- The number of services the contractor is able to complete at once.
The complete repair cost of $385 – $1,150 could change based on a lot of factors. Whereas the size of the opening won’t affect that price considerably, other factor (such as accessibility) can significantly increase the cost. Most professionals offer prices depending on particular repairs, but you can expect a bill of $35 – $65 each hour including materials.
Sealing & Weather-proofing Skylights
Weather-proofing a fixed or ventilating skylight cost between $100 – $800. Since year-round exposure to the elements, this kind of window requires regular maintenance to guarantee it is able to keep the weather at bay. Disregarding it could mean allowing chilly air inside, increased heating bills or leaks that are going to expose the interior of your home to water damage. Tubular skylights might require minor weather-proofing, but the costs are usually below $200.
Other Things to Think About and Costs
- Taxes and permit fees aren’t included.
- Presume 1 sq. ft. of skylight for each 20 sq. ft. of floor space
DIY Considerations
- The work might not be appropriate for DIY.
- Skylights are mounted within the roof structure making a high degree of skill necessary for installation.
- The work is atop ladders, scaffolding, and the roof that is going to increase safety risks.
Insurance Coverage
Homeowner’s insurance might cover your leaking roof window but only when you can prove it was caused naturally. A lot of policies cover Inclement weather or a falling tree branch. Normal usage on the skylight, such as older flashing, is more common and needs come from your pocket. Speak to your insurance agent when you are experiencing a leak.
Skylight repairs and replacements are seldom covered by homeowners insurance since these projects fall into the same grouping as window replacements. When skylight damage happens suddenly, nevertheless—such as during a severe weather occurrence—and develops an emergency in the home, insurance coverage might kick in.
GoGreen Daylight Systems, LLC In Surprise, Arizona
GoGreen Daylight Systems, LLC is a Skylight contractor and installer of top-quality Tube Skylights, Traditional Skylights, Solar Attic Fans, and Garage Fans in Phoenix, the West Valley and East Valley. Contact us today for a free quote!
