Most homeowners are unaware of how roofers save money when building a new roof. If a home has skylights, they are frequently the first thing to go in order to reduce the price.
Customers will sometimes try to salvage old worn-out skylights in order to save money. If a roofing provider fails to install new skylights and properly flash them when installing a new roof, it is in your best interest to find elsewhere. Read on to find out why!
1. Save money
Replacing your skylights while you replace your roof is the most easy and cost-effective option. Some roofers will charge up to double to replace your skylights in addition to fixing your roof.
Fact: Because older skylights do not have a lengthy shelf life, they should be replaced when a new roof is installed. Consider this: if your roof is due for replacement, it is probable that your skylights are as well. Replacing your skylights when you replace your roof is actually less expensive than a standard skylight replacement because the job is easier to install when the roof deck is totally open. It’s easy to paint your bathroom without a toilet, vanity, or shower… sure! This makes installing new skylights when replacing your roof much easier, saving you a lot of money in labor costs.
There are also federal tax credits and refunds available through Velux. New skylights can also boost thermal performance by up to 40%.
Keep in mind that a malfunctioning skylight might cause leaks and increased humidity in your home, allowing mold to grow. Consider what it means for your brand new roof…why risk catastrophic harm to your new investment? While we provide a transferable lifetime warranty and 25 years of work, this only applies to your roof and not your old skylights. Repairs aren’t inexpensive, and you don’t want to pursue it 3-6 months after you had it replaced.
2. The Risk vs. Reward
The cost of reflashing your skylights can range from $750 to $1,500 per skylight, depending on size and roof complexity. Skylight replacement costs range from $1000-$1500, depending on the type of skylight and features. You can have fixed, vented, solar, or shades added…there are many possibilities!
When we consider a roof with several skylights, the price difference per unit is much less. Think long-term if you want to save money on your roofing purchase. Bulk reductions are common and, in the end, make your home more energy-efficient, so it’s a win-win situation.
A somewhat bigger investment in a new roof and new skylights today will cost less than ripping up your new roof in the future to replace old skylights.
Problems that can arise from just re-flashing skylights include:
- The primary goal of skylight reflashing is to shed water and moisture without relying on sealants, which can break down over time and cause roof damage. The problem is that older skylights are incompatible with new skylight flashing kits. They just do not, resulting in seal problems. As a result, you’ll be replacing them with new skylights soon owing to leaks, seal failures, and other issues.
- Your original skylights were installed and intended for a roof that was 10 to 25 years old. Your new roof is completely different from your old roof, including potential adjustments to the eaves, rakes, pitch, and roofing materials. Heck, some roofers don’t use underlayment and didn’t even 20 years ago…they used tar paper! As a result, your existing skylights and your new roof are essentially incompatible.
- The old flashing around the skylights will deteriorate as the roof is replaced. It’s just the nature of the tear-off installation. Skylights are designed to be put in a semi-permanent manner, and a new installation can make the skylight weaker.
- Did you know that reflashing a skylight can significantly reduce its lifespan? If you reflash your skylight, most manufacturers will forfeit your warranty.
3. Seal Failure
What happens if you rebuild your complete roof but do not replace the skylights, and then you have seal failure 6 months later? (fogged, inefficient glass). You guessed it: you must replace the entire shingle piece around the skylight!
All of the banging, tearing off, dumpster in the driveway, permitting, scraping, nailing, mess in your attic, and living in a construction zone will have to be repeated.
Pay for new roof materials only once!a
4. Leaks might occur when using old skylights with a new roof
Assume your skylight worked well in the years preceding your roof replacement. Regardless of how skillful your contractor is, ruffling with an old skylight can cause issues.
And maintaining skylights in place only to have them leak later isn’t worth the hassle, especially when disturbing the skylight can cause leaks.
Building materials expand and contract over time, and many homeowners are unaware that in order to re-flash a skylight, you must partially remove it.
If the skylights have begun to corrode, this process might cause a slew of issues in their construction. Aside from that, re-flashing an existing skylight may lose its warranty.
Skylights can leak due to:
- Flashing that is old or incorrect
- Old flashing is framed by cracks in the skylight.
- Failure to correctly open and cover the skylight Condensation behind the glass, particularly in humid spaces or cold regions (seal failure)
5. The Skylight will have to be replaced at some point.
Even the best skylights will warp with time. Re-flashing rather than replacing can result not only in leaks and moisture buildup, but also in low-cost energy loss.
In the last ten years, technology has improved, and Velux, a brand we trust, has developed a sophisticated Low E-3 coating that gives more daylight and better heat regulation than older plastic models.
VELUX skylights are built in the United States using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and tempered glass, providing a high-quality alternative for beauty as well as energy savings.
When installing a new roof, it is the most convenient and cost-effective time to replace a skylight. You’ll save money in the long run by replacing your skylights when you repair your roof, and you won’t have to pay for a new roof twice! You may also use natural ventilation to boost the thermal comfort of your home by taking advantage of modern energy-efficient models (there are solar-powered choices!).
6. Skylights Are Sustainable Products
Skylights, like new vinyl replacement windows, provide environmental benefits. The skylight is built on the roof to harness the sun’s energy, making it excellent for keeping your home warm in the winter.
VELUX skylights correspond to Energy Star criteria, enhancing your home’s thermal envelope. Professional skylight installation guarantees that no drafts occur, resulting in energy loss. 90% of VELUX skylight products are Energy Star certified.
Rebuilding a skylight while replacing your roof will help achieve balanced indoor temperature regulation with an airtight seal and good installation.
7. Select from a wide range of blind and shutter colors, patterns, and styles
In addition to assisting in energy conservation, there are over 100 color and pattern options available. VELUX rolling shutters and blinds are intended to compliment your new skylight.
The most common types of skylight blinds are:
- A double-pleated or flat skylight blind can transform your room from day to night.
- Light Filtering: A great way to diffuse light in spaces like kitchens and living rooms.
- Skylight Venetian Blinds: This gadget operates smoothly and simply, allowing you to position your blinds at any point on the skylight.
Not only are blinds and shutters aesthetically pleasing, but they can also earn you federal tax breaks.
Modern skylights have improved low-emissivity coatings, pane layers, and glazes that improve energy efficiency and longevity. So many possibilities!
8. Excellent Tax Credit for Skylights
Did you know that there are federal tax breaks available for installing new skylights?
If you plan to install or replace a skylight in your house, you may be eligible for a tax credit. Two regulations have been implemented in recent years that allow a tax credit for new skylight installation that can total up to 26% of the cost of your skylight through 2022.
How can you qualify for this tax credit when you buy VELUX items? This is how it works:
- Make sure to select one of the qualified goods. This list can be found at the bottom of this bulleted section.
- Maintain your receipts for the complete cost of the skylight, including the goods and installation.
- Complete and save the Federal Tax Credit – Manufacturer’s Certification Statement.
- Fill out IRS Form 5695 and include it with your taxes when filing your taxes.
- Enter the tax credit from 5695 to your 1040 form
- Consult a tax professional if you have questions or concerns
You can check the skylights that are eligible for the federal tax credit at veluxusa.com/go-solar
The time has come to replace your roof and skylight
The reasons for replacing skylights while replacing your roof range from aesthetic to performance. When installing a new roof, it is the most convenient and cost-effective moment to replace a skylight!
You’ll save money in the long run by replacing your skylights when you repair your roof, and you won’t have to pay for a new roof twice!
You may also use natural ventilation to boost the thermal comfort of your home by taking advantage of modern energy-efficient models (there are solar-powered choices!).
Contact us today for a free skylight installation quote.