Get matched with top skylight installers in your area

You can add skylights to your existing roof with careful planning and the expertise of a professional. Skylights perform best on angled roofs, which optimize water runoff and prevent leaks and water damage. It's essential to hire a contractor experienced in retrofitting skylights to ensure accurate placement and long-term durability for your home.

Skylights often last 20 to 40 years, with select high-end models lasting up to 55 years due to their robust design and high-quality installation. The brand, installation quality, and local climate conditions determine the lifespan. A warranty-backed skylight ensures protection against early failure, providing reliable performance throughout its entire lifespan.

Solar tube lighting and skylight windows differ in design and functionality. Solar tubes channel natural light through small, cylindrical tubes that do not provide an exterior view, making them ideal for compact spaces. In contrast, skylight windows deliver expansive sky views and incorporate UV filtering features. Solar tubes cost $200 to $500 for materials, representing 60% of the expense of installing a skylight, which demands advanced installation techniques for proper sealing against leaks.

Professional installation is essential for skylights, so local window and door specialists, glaziers, and roofers are the experts to trust. These professionals possess the specialized skills and equipment required for accurate placement and secure sealing, minimizing the risk of leaks and structural damage. Hiring a certified expert ensures a safe and efficient installation that enhances natural light and improves energy efficiency in your home.

Insect screens can be installed on ventilated skylights to combine fresh air circulation with pest prevention. Ventilated skylights are designed to accept insect screens that cost $10 to $50 each, ensuring that insects are kept out while natural light and airflow are maintained. This addition improves comfort and overall efficiency in your home.

Installing a skylight provides enhanced natural light and increases the perceived size of a room, adding significant value to your home. However, skylights require consistent maintenance, involve higher installation costs, and demand professional expertise to prevent leaks or water damage. Weighing these benefits against the challenges helps you make an informed decision regarding installation.