Skylight Replacement: When & How Often to Replace a Skylight?

Whether you’re working from home or just enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon, having a skylight can effortlessly add a touch of beauty and serenity to your living space. It’s like owning a little piece of the outdoors right inside your house that lets in the fresh air and natural light and gives off a sense of spaciousness. 

But if your skylight starts to have leaks or a weathered seal, it can instantly turn into more of a hassle rather than a source of joy. They not only ruin the overall aesthetic of your house but also compromise your comfort and safety. That’s why once you have spotted the early signs of UV damage, overheating or leaks, it’s best to deal with them right away through skylight replacement. 

When or how often to replace a skylight?

Skylights don't have the same longevity as each other. Several factors, such as improper installation, water damage, storm damage, debris buildup, and lack of maintenance, can all contribute to its lifespan. 

If your skylight is well-maintained and only experiences minor wear and tear, you can expect its life expectancy to last from 10 to 30 years. However, just like any part of your home, wear and tear over time will eventually require repair or replacement. Even if you haven't seen any problems with your skylight yet, experts highly recommend inspecting it once a year. 

After all, your house should be a safe space where you and your loved ones can comfortably sit back and feel at ease. So to keep yourselves free from dangers, consider replacing your old skylight with something more updated to ensure it continues to work effectively and efficiently. 

Best time to replace a skylight

Although you can replace your skylights at any time, the best time to do so is during a re-roofing. Why? Leaving an old skylight in place during a roofing process can potentially cause damage to its frame structure, which can lead to leaks over time. Also, let’s not forget that the movements and other activities involved in the roofing process can cause vibrations and jolts that can weaken or damage the skylight frame.

However, some homeowners are not willing to spend more on roof and skylight repair at the same time. What they actually don’t know is that by replacing the skylight with a new roof, they save money in the long run, avoid issues with rotting and seal failure and improve energy efficiency. Also, with the benefits of natural light and fresh air, having a broken skylight replaced makes for a smart investment that will pay off in more ways than one. 

Why is it better to trust a professional to do the replacement?

Skylight replacement seems like an easy task. This is why many homeowners try to save money by replacing it themselves. 

Skylight replacement, however, involves many technical and safety considerations that require specialised knowledge and experience. By hiring professional skylight installers, you get to save yourself a lot of trouble. Firstly, they have the necessary training and expertise to ensure that the replacement process is done correctly and safely. Secondly, since they are experts in this field, they are equipped with the right tools to remove an old, leaking skylight and install a new one properly. 

Lastly, professional installers can help you choose the right skylight that matches your specific needs, from insulation and ventilation to energy efficiency.  

How much does a skylight replacement cost? 

Skylights may look like standard windows, but they are actually more complex in their structure and installation. Compared to windows that are usually installed vertically in the walls, skylights are installed horizontally on the roof. This allows them to withstand the weight of the roof, harsh exposure to the sun and other weather conditions like storms. 

Skylights also often have a frame designed to fit the slope of the roof and prevent water from leaking into the house. The glazing on skylights varies from single-pane to double-pane and even triple-pane for increased insulation and energy efficiency. 

Additionally, some skylights may come with additional features, such as motorised opening and closing or shading systems. They require careful consideration and planning during installation so you can be sure that it’s structurally sound, energy-efficient, and provides the desired amount of natural light without compromising the integrity of the roof or home.

Of course, skylight replacement costs are not always fixed. Important factors, such as the type of skylight, location and complexity of the installation process, can all add to the overall cost. Plus, you also need to consider whether it requires more work or repair. 

So if you're ready for a replacement or just considering it, premium VELUX distributor Shire Skylights can help you get estimates for installation costs. We also know how overwhelming this can be, and that's why we're here to help you learn about its long-term benefits.  

What Shire Skylights can do for you? 

If you're in need of skylight replacement services, don’t hesitate to contact Shire Skylights. As an authorised VELUX distributor, we provide specialised installation or repair services for both residential and commercial properties. 

Besides offering VELUX skylights, Shire Skylights also provides a wide range of products to meet all of your skylight and roofing needs. Our product selection includes everything from VELUX base flashings and accessories to traditional skylights and roof ventilation. 

For a specific type of skylight or need help determining which products perfectly suit your home or business, our team can provide guidance or expert advice. With our comprehensive range of high-quality products and exceptional customer service, you can trust Shire Skylights to help you create a bright, comfortable and energy-efficient living or workspace.

Contact Us

For high-quality VELUX skylights in Sydney, our expert installers can help you with that. We cater to everyone, from resellers to retail customers, and also offer installation services in private homes and commercial areas. Need something specific? Get in touch at (02) 9542 8287 or send a message online for a custom quote!