Why Your Skylight Is Leaking (It Is Usually Not the Skylight)
We get called about leaking skylights every week. Nine out of ten times, the skylight glass and frame are perfectly fine. The leak is coming from the flashing kit around the skylight where it meets the roof surface.
Failed step flashing. The L-shaped metal pieces that integrate the skylight curb with the surrounding shingles corrode, lift, or get buried under roof cement by a previous roofer who did not know what they were doing.
Improper saddle flashing. The cricket (small diverter) on the upslope side of the skylight is supposed to channel water around the curb. When it is missing or poorly built, water pools behind the skylight and finds its way in.
Sealant failure. Old caulk and roof cement dry out, crack, and peel after 5-10 years. Water wicks through the cracks.
Condensation (not a leak at all). Some "leaks" are actually condensation on the underside of the skylight glass, especially in winter. We check for this before recommending any repair.
Skylight Services
Skylight Leak Repair
We remove the shingles around the skylight, strip the old flashing, install a new flashing kit (VELUX or equivalent), integrate it properly with ice and water shield, re-shingle around it, and seal everything. Most leak repairs take 3-5 hours.
Cost: $400 - $1,200
Skylight Replacement
When the skylight unit itself has failed (cracked glass, broken seal, fogged double-pane, frame deterioration), we replace the entire unit. We install VELUX deck-mounted and curb-mounted skylights.
Cost: $1,200 - $3,500 (including unit and installation)
New Skylight Installation
Want to add natural light to a dark room? We cut the opening, frame it properly, install the skylight and flashing, and tie it into the existing roof system. We also install the interior light shaft if the attic space requires one.
Cost: $2,000 - $5,000 (including unit, framing, flashing, and interior shaft)
Skylight During Roof Replacement
The smartest time to address a skylight is during a full roof replacement. We can re-flash, replace, or add skylights while the roof is already stripped, which saves labor and produces a cleaner integration.
Cost: Significantly less when bundled with a replacement
Why We Recommend VELUX
VELUX is the most widely installed skylight brand in the world and the one we have had the best long-term results with on Long Island. Their deck-mounted units integrate cleanly with shingle roofs, their flashing kits are engineered for the specific roof pitch and shingle type, and their warranty is real.
We install VELUX fixed skylights, venting skylights (manual and electric), and Sun Tunnel tubular skylights for smaller spaces like hallways and bathrooms.
