Should I Replace My Skylight When I Replace My Roof?

Should I Replace My Skylight When I Replace My Roof?

Aug 15 2023

Skylights bring a touch of luxury and an abundance of natural light into homes. They can make rooms feel more spacious and can even help save on energy costs. However, just like other parts of your home exposed to the elements, skylights can wear down over time. One question that often perplexes homeowners is, “Should I replace my skylight when I replace my roof?” As a leading Collierville roofing company, Restoration Roofing is here to provide clarity on this vital topic.

The Lifespan of Skylights

Before diving into the main question, it’s essential to understand that skylights, like roofs, have a finite lifespan. Depending on the material, quality, installation, and maintenance, most skylights last between 10 to 20 years. If your skylight is nearing or exceeding this age range when you’re considering a roof replacement, it might be wise to think about a skylight replacement too.

Reasons to Replace Your Skylight with Your Roof

  1. Integrated Sealing: Skylights are sealed to the roof to prevent water infiltration. When you replace your roof, disturbing this seal is almost inevitable. If the skylight is older, the seal might not reattach as securely, increasing the potential for leaks. Replacing both simultaneously ensures a tight, integrated seal that keeps moisture out.
  2. Cost Efficiency: As a trained Collierville skylight installer, we at Restoration Roofing can attest that replacing a skylight during a roof replacement can often be more cost-effective. You’ll save on labor costs since the roofing team is already on-site, and there’s no need to set up twice.
  3. Matching Aesthetics: Roof designs and materials have evolved over the years. If you’re upgrading to a modern roofing material, an older skylight might not match the new aesthetic. Replacing the skylight ensures that your roof and skylight complement each other, maintaining your home’s curb appeal.
  4. Improved Energy Efficiency: Modern skylights are designed with better insulative properties than their older counterparts. They help regulate indoor temperatures, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, which can lead to energy savings.
  5. Avoiding Potential Complications: Imagine replacing your roof now, only to realize a year or two later that your skylight requires replacement. Not only will this mean additional costs and disruption, but you might also risk compromising the integrity of the new roof around the skylight area.

When Can You Keep Your Existing Skylight?

While there are compelling reasons to replace skylights during a roof replacement, there are situations where keeping the existing skylight might make sense:

  1. Recent Installation: If the skylight was installed recently and is in excellent condition, there might be no need for immediate replacement. However, it’s crucial to ensure it’s resealed properly during the roof replacement.
  2. Special Features: Some skylights come with unique designs or features that homeowners particularly cherish. In such cases, retaining the skylight and ensuring it’s adequately sealed with the new roof might be preferable.
  3. Budget Constraints: For homeowners working with a tight budget, prioritizing the roof might be necessary. However, it’s essential to understand the potential future costs of a skylight replacement and be prepared for them.

Consult with a Professional

While these general guidelines can help homeowners make an informed decision, every home and situation is unique. Consulting with a professional Collierville roofing company like Restoration Roofing is crucial. Our team can assess the condition of your skylight and roof, providing personalized recommendations based on our findings.

Your Collierville Skylight Installer

Skylights elevate a home’s beauty, functionality, and value. However, like all home fixtures, they don’t last forever. If you’re investing in a new roof, it often makes both practical and financial sense to replace your skylight simultaneously. It ensures a cohesive look, efficient sealing, and can save on costs.

As both a trusted Collierville skylight installer and roofing expert, Restoration Roofing is committed to helping homeowners make the best decisions for their homes. Whether you’re considering a new roof, skylight, or both, our team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring the longevity, beauty, and efficiency of your investments.

For all your roofing needs, trust the experts at Restoration Roofing. We’re more than just a Collierville roofing company; we’re your partners in home protection. Contact us today!

Give us a call at 901-854-3402 or fill out our Contact Us form and we will reach out to you with our next available inspection. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on finding the best roofing contractor for you.