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.

Skylights are an excellent addition to many homes. For good reason, many homeowners adore their skylight. Skylights let in natural light while saving you money on electricity and not invading your privacy. These elements are ageless and a focal point in many homes throughout the world. Despite their popularity, many people are unfamiliar with the installation and replacement processes. If you own a home with a skylight or are thinking about adding one, here are a few things you should know about the replacement procedure.

 

Replace with your roof

It’s recommended to replace your skylight during a roof replacement if possible. This is significant for a number of reasons, including:

• More dependable seal. Without replacing the entire roof, it is exceedingly impossible to make a water-tight seal on your skylight. A proper seal is an integral part of the roof, and separating the two simply increases the possibility of leaks.
• It is less expensive. Skylight replacement costs more if it is done apart from roof replacement.
• Both your roof and your skylight will eventually need to be replaced. Neither of these home features lasts forever. When you repair your roof but not your skylight, you just offset the replacement timeframes for both and provide unreliable overhead protection.
• Leaks occur when old and fresh materials are mixed. Over time, wear and tear are unavoidable. In general, your skylight and roof will wear and tear together. Replacing your roof without replacing your skylight results in an ill-fitting, old skylight, which can cause damage to your new roof and leaks that can cause damage to your property.
• It safeguards your investment. Replacing one of your skylights or your roof without replacing the other exposes you to liability if the other one fails. The replacement for one will very certainly damage the other, lowering the quality of both. Spend a little more to ensure that your money is spent on quality work and that your investment is safe.

Understanding that a roof and a skylight should not be replaced separately can be scary. However, this is the ideal strategy for your home’s general health, safety, and lifespan.

 

Cost

If you want to replace your skylight separately from your roof, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1500. This cost varies depending on various aspects, including the skylight’s location, the state of the skylight and roof, the size of the skylight, and the roofer’s level of risk. It can be infuriating not knowing how much a project would cost, but precision is unattainable without fully understanding your scenario. An expert will be able to provide you with an accurate job quote. Remember to shop around for the greatest rates and service, just like you would with any other investment.

 

Process

The procedure for replacing a skylight varies depending on how you go about it. The technique usually takes a few hours if done separately from a roof replacement. Your roofing professional will remove the old skylight and replace it with the new one. They will reapply the seal or flashing around the window once it is in place. They may also need to come inside to complete the installation and fix any minor damage to your paint or trim caused by the replacement.

 

Hire a professional

Though there are YouTube channels and DIY blogs that encourage you to do jobs on your own, we do not recommend undertaking any roofing project unless you are a professional. Roofs, despite appearances, are quite sensitive. One improper step could permanently damage your roof and cause injury. Amateur fixes can cause further damage or leaks, turning a simple repair into a costly project. More importantly, it is possible to slip and fall when on your roof. Roofs or ladders were responsible for one-third of all fatal falls in 2009. Please do not jeopardize your home or your safety. For all of your roofing needs, contact a professional.

 

Contact the pros at ASAP Skylight Installations for the best skylight repairs. Our knowledge enables us to provide you with the highest quality service in the area, as well as a thorough grasp of skylights. We have family values and focus on providing excellent service to our customers, so when you choose ASAP Skylight Installations, you can be confident that your roofing job will be completed appropriately. Don’t wait any longer; call now.

 

In terms of “going green,” this is frequently overlooked. Skylights are an optional feature that can be combined with solar panels and cool roof coatings to create the ideal eco-friendly structure. Skylights let in natural light, which decreases energy expenditures and adds great aesthetics and views to any home or office.

Skylights also provide direct access to the outside, as certain skylights may be opened to allow in much-needed fresh air.

Regardless of the benefits skylights provide, they do require maintenance at times. Skylights, like every other property feature, have drawbacks and require care.

We adore our houses and workplaces, as well as our skylights. We put a lot of money into both, and in order to protect our investment, we need to know when it’s time to update. But first, we must understand the warning signals that our skylights need to be replaced.

Continue reading to discover the top six indicators that it’s time to replace your skylight.

 

1. Staining

The presence of stains surrounding the skylight may be an indication that it needs to be replaced. When the construction of the skylight is compromised in such a way that it allows water or moisture to seep through, stains can form on the ceiling and drywall that are located nearby. A leak could start off being quite tiny, but it might get worse with time.

The color of these water stains might range from pale yellow to a deep brown. In more extreme circumstances, staining can lead to the growth of toxic black mold, which is bad for your health.

 

2. Discoloration

The clarity of an old skylight window may eventually be replaced by a discolored film as the window ages. The discolouration will have a cloudy or yellow appearance. These discolorations could be a sign of a more serious issue with the construction of the skylight, or they could just be the result of the skylight’s advanced age.

In either case, discoloration is detrimental to the function of a skylight, which is to offer a transparent passageway through which sunlight can enter a house. It is possible that it is time to replace your skylight, but only if you do not mind having your home have less natural light.

 

3. Roof Problems

If your roof has to be replaced and it is already showing signs of wear and tear, such as leaking, then it is probable that your skylight will also be showing signs of wear and tear. Your home receives less protection when you have an older roof or one that has been damaged, and even if you have a more recent skylight, it still won’t be able to keep excessive amounts of water out. Because of the moisture damage caused by the roof around it, the structure of it could become weakened as a result of this.

 

4. Cracks

Even hairline fractures are an indication that you need to replace your skylight. As a result of the force that is imposed on the glass, little cracks will gradually grow into larger ones. Cracks can be caused by hail damage, extreme weather, or old age, but regardless of their origin, they should always be thoroughly inspected before they get worse.

 

5. Condensation

Condensation happens when there is an accumulation of moisture on the glass of the skylight. On the glass, condensation will give the illusion of fogginess, and the surface will feel wet to the touch.

The presence of condensation is an early warning indicator that the sealants on the skylight are doing their job correctly.

6. Age

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an eternal skylight. Even though skylights are a lovely addition to any house, they eventually wear out and need to be repaired even if they are a very attractive feature. Skylights have an average lifespan of ten years and will need to be replaced after that point.

 

Choosing a Skylight

Fixed Vs Vented

As its name suggests, a fixed skylight cannot be moved and serves the sole purpose of letting light into the building it is installed in. You can manually open and close a vented skylight, or, if it’s a recent type, you can even do it using a remote control. This will add to the total cost, but it may provide additional fresh air and convenience.

Shape

There is a wide range of conceivable forms and dimensions for skylights. A specialist in commercial roofing should be able to help you choose which option is best for you, taking into account the characteristics of your building’s roof as well as any other relevant information. “Barrel vault” (proportion h = l / 5), “ridge” (isosceles triangle with an angle of 90 degrees), and “half-round” are three frequent shapes for skylights.

Cost

There is a wide range of conceivable forms and dimensions for skylights. A specialist in commercial roofing should be able to help you choose which option is best for you, taking into account the characteristics of your building’s roof as well as any other relevant information. “Barrel vault” (proportion h = l / 5), “ridge” (isosceles triangle with an angle of 90 degrees), and “half-round” are three frequent shapes for skylights.

Any residential or commercial building may be made to feel more welcoming and linked to the outdoors by installing skylights. They are an investment that will eventually need to be replaced, just like any other house fixture. If you are looking for signs that indicate it’s time to replace your skylight, keeping an eye out for those signs will help you save money in the long run and be more prepared.

 

For the best skylight repairs, call the experts at ASAP Skylight Installations. Our expertise allows us to give you the best service in the area, as well as a full understanding of skylights. We have family values and focus on giving outstanding service to our customers, so you can be confident that your roofing job will be finished properly when you choose ASAP Skylight Installations. Don’t put it off any longer; call right now.