Last Updated on August 22, 2024
Skylight windows are a great feature to have in a home as they allow sunlight in from above, flooding the area with natural light. Skylights are windows that are installed on the roof which means they are vulnerable to several issues such as leaks, cracks, and damage to the seal or flashing. Any problems with a skylight window must be addressed immediately because issues like leaks can lead to additional problems such as severe water damage in the area surrounding the window.
When faced with a problem with your skylight window, it is natural to ask yourself, should I repair or replace the skylight? For most problems that occur with skylight windows, it is possible to address the damage by repairing or replacing parts of the window such as seals and weatherstripping without needing to replace the entire window. It is also less expensive and less invasive to repair skylights. However, there are certain situations in which skylight replacement may be necessary.
What to Consider When Deciding to Repair or Replace a Skylight Window
If you notice damage to your skylight window, it can be difficult to tell the severity of the damage and if it can be addressed with effective window repair instead of needing complete replacement. A window repair professional can assess the damage and help you decide the best course of action.
You should consider the following when determining if the skylight should be repaired or replaced:
- Age: Skylight windows have a life expectancy of about 15 to 20 years, but some can last up to 30 years. If your skylight is at least 15 years old, you might have to replace it.
- Condition: A professional can inspect your skylight to assess its overall condition. Your skylight should be able to be repaired if it is not in poor condition.
- Energy efficiency: Worn out or damaged seals can lower the energy efficiency of these windows. However, seals can be replaced to improve the energy efficiency without replacing the entire window.
- Cost: The cost can be a major factor in this decision as skylight repair may cost $500 to $1000 less than skylight replacement.
When to Repair Skylight Windows
As mentioned above, skylight replacements are more invasive than repairs as there is roof work involved with the replacement and it is more expensive. On average, skylight repairs cost between $500 and $700 depending on the extent of the damage and repair work needed while a skylight replacement can cost between $1000 and $2000 depending on the size of the window and work required.
If the situation allows, skylight repairs are easier, faster, and less expensive. Choosing to repair your skylight is typically the best option for the following scenarios:
- Skylight is new: If your skylight window is relatively new and has experienced no prior issues, replacing it is simply not worth the cost or hassle. Any problems with a newer skylight window can typically be repaired.
- Leaks: It you notice a leak from your skylight window, this likely means there is an issue with the flashing. The flashing is the part that surrounds the window and provides a seal over the roof, and it redirects rainwater to the shingles. The flashing can be repaired or replaced without replacing the skylight to ensure a tight seal.
- Discoloration: Discoloration of the glass of a skylight window may occur either because it is dirty, or due to exposure to UV rays. If cleaning your skylight does not resolve the issue, the glass may need to be reglazed which can be done without replacing the window.
- Cracks: It may be possible to address cracks in the glass without replacing the skylight. In certain situations, professionals may be able to replace the glass within the existing skylight.
- Condensation: Condensation on the skylight window can be caused either by poor seals or an internal ventilation issue which requires action unrelated to the window. Worn out or damaged sealing or weatherstripping can likely be replaced to address the condensation issue.
When to Replace a Skylight Window
While each of the scenarios described above can be addressed with repair services instead of replacement, certain factors such as the age of the window or severity of the damage may require the skylight to be replaced. The following are situations in which skylight replacement must be considered:
- Roof replacement: If the roof of your home needs to be replaced, it is best to replace the skylight windows as well. Replacing the skylights along with the roof is more cost-effective than typical skylight replacements because the installation process is easier when the roof has been removed.
- Old skylight: If your skylight is at least 15 years old, replacement should be considered as it is nearing the end of its expected life. While it may be possible to repair some older skylights, replacing an old skylight that is likely to keep experiencing issues is the more cost-effective solution in the long run.
- Severe damage: The types of damage discussed in the previous section, including damage to the flashing, cracks in the glass, and worn out or damaged seals can be repaired to a point. If the damage is severe and causes other issues such as major leaks or poor energy efficiency, replacing the skylight may be necessary.
Skylight Repair and Restoration with Arax
Repairing skylight windows is generally the preferred option among homeowners as it is less expensive and less invasive. Many of the most common issues that occur with skylight windows can be repaired by experienced and well-equipped professionals. If you notice a problem with your skylight windows, you should call our professionals at Arax Windows Work to inspect the damage and determine the best course of action.
Our experts at Arax can thoroughly inspect your skylight windows to identify the issue and determine the best course of action. We provide comprehensive skylight repair and restoration services including glass repair and replacement, flashing and seal repair or replacement, and foggy glass repair. You can expect quality, cost-effective repair services without the need to replace your skylight windows.
You can call Arax at (815) 230-1890 to learn more about our skylight repair services in the Chicago, IL area.
