When Should You Schedule a Skylight Replacement?

Skylights bring natural light, fresh air, and a touch of elegance into your home. Whether placed in a living room, kitchen, or bathroom, they create brighter spaces and improve overall comfort. But like every feature of your home, skylights are not designed to last forever. Over time, weather exposure, wear and tear, and aging materials can reduce their efficiency and lead to leaks or drafts.

Knowing when to schedule a skylight replacement is essential to protecting your roof, preventing water damage, and maintaining energy efficiency. In this blog, we’ll discuss the average skylight lifespan, the most common signs of skylight failure, the benefits of timely replacement, and why choosing professional installation from Craig Gouker Roofing ensures long-lasting results.

How Long Do Skylights Last?

The typical lifespan of a skylight is 15 to 20 years, depending on the brand, type, and installation quality. High-quality skylights with professional installation may last on the higher end of this range, while lower-quality models or those exposed to harsh climates may need replacement sooner.

If your skylight is approaching the 15-year mark, it’s a good idea to start monitoring it more closely for signs of deterioration. Waiting until problems appear can put your roof and home at risk of costly water or structural damage.

Signs It’s Time for Skylight Replacement

A skylight that’s nearing the end of its lifespan will usually show warning signs. Addressing these issues early can save you money and stress. Here are the most common red flags:

Persistent Leaks and Water Stains

Leaks are one of the most obvious signs that your skylight needs replacement. If you see water stains on your ceiling or walls around the skylight, the seals may be failing. Left unchecked, this can lead to rot, mold, and expensive interior repairs.

Drafts and Energy Loss

Do you feel a cold draft near your skylight in the winter or notice hot air entering during the summer? Older skylights often lose their insulating ability, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder. This raises your utility bills and reduces comfort.

Fogging, Condensation, or Cracked Glass

If you see fog or condensation between the panes of glass, the skylight’s seal has broken. Cracks in the glass are another clear sign of damage that compromises both energy efficiency and safety.

Difficulty Operating Vented Skylights

For vented skylights, sticking, difficulty opening, or broken cranks and motors are signs the unit is wearing out. Repairs may offer a temporary fix, but replacement is usually the smarter long-term solution.

The Best Time to Replace a Skylight

The ideal time for skylight replacement is during a roof replacement or major roof repair project. Since your roofing system will already be under construction, replacing your skylights at the same time ensures a tight seal and prevents disturbing new roofing materials later.

However, if your roof is still in good condition and only your skylight is failing, it’s important not to delay replacement. Even a small leak can cause hidden water damage that spreads quickly through insulation, drywall, and framing.

Benefits of Timely Skylight Replacement

Replacing an aging skylight comes with multiple benefits that improve both your home’s comfort and efficiency:

• Improved Energy Efficiency: Modern skylights are designed with advanced glazing, low-E coatings, and better insulation to reduce heat transfer and lower energy costs.

• Better Natural Light: A new skylight provides clearer, brighter natural light without fogging or discoloration from old materials.

• Enhanced Comfort and Ventilation: With vented skylight options, you can improve airflow and reduce indoor humidity.

• Boosted Home Value: Skylights are considered an attractive home feature. A replacement ensures your home maintains its appeal to buyers.

• Peace of Mind: New skylights with strong warranties reduce the risk of leaks and future repair costs.

  
  

Why Professional Skylight Replacement Matters

While some homeowners may be tempted to treat skylight replacement as a DIY project, this often leads to leaks, drafts, or damage to the roof. Professional installation ensures that your skylight is fitted properly, sealed against the elements, and integrated seamlessly into your roofing system.

Working with Craig Gouker Roofing gives you the benefit of experienced professionals who understand roofing and skylight systems. From removing your old skylight to ensuring a watertight fit, their team delivers reliable results that last.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Replace Your Skylight

A skylight can transform your living space, but only if it is functioning as it should. If your skylight is over 15 years old, leaking, drafty, or showing visible damage, it’s time to plan for replacement. Acting early protects your home, saves energy, and ensures your skylight continues to provide natural light and comfort.

For expert skylight replacement and installation services, trust Craig Gouker Roofing. Call us today at (412) 664-7679 or fill out an online form to schedule your skylight inspection and replacement consultation.