Skylight Installation and Repair in Long Island NY​, Suffolk and Nassau

The average cost to replace a skylight is usually 3-4 times the cost of the actual skylight. One must consider the cost of roofing shingles, roofing materials, plywood, interior work, labor and a company’s overhead and need for a profit. A repair of a skylight – if it’s repairable – is usually $450 to $1,000 depending on the nature of the repair. This is why it’s important to have it installed the correct way initially.

The first step is a skylight diagnosis. One of Clearview Roofing’s trained technicians will determine why it’s leaking, which could be because of leaking glass, damaged flashing, improper installation or roofing installation errors. If a skylight flashing can be changed or waterproofing can be added then this usually will correct a leaking skylight. Caulking the glass can buy some time before replacing and removing the shingles, and reinstalling a skylight might also be necessary.

Yes! Skylights are a great option for providing a source of solar heat during the winter, which is a great alternative to running your heat at a higher temperature.

Fixing a leaking skylight depends on the cause of the leak. Here are some steps you can take to identify and fix the problem:

1. Find the source of the leak: Check the skylight and the surrounding area for signs of moisture or water stains. Look for cracks, gaps, or holes in the skylight frame or flashing. Make sure the sealant around the skylight is intact. The rubber gasket on the glass can fail after many years and so could the glass itself.

2. Clean the skylight: Use a soft-bristled brush or a cloth to remove any debris or dirt from the skylight and surrounding area.

3. Apply sealant method. Caution when doing this because it could make things worse! If the leak is due to a gap or crack in the skylight frame, apply a high-quality sealant around the affected area on the frame only! Putting Tar around a whole skylight can actually trap water if it’s not done correctly.

4. Check the flashing: If the leak is due to faulty flashing, remove the old flashing and replace it with new flashing. You can purchase a flashing kit if you skylight flashing is detachable. Many skylights have copper flashing attached which would mean you would have to replace the whole unit. If it is a separate flashing kit then make sure the new flashing fits snugly against the skylight and the roof after you take the roofing shingles out.

5. Detach and Reset the skylight. Wind and settling of the framing can actually shift the skylight. This would usually require professional help: A skylight leak may be able to be repaired properly if the unit is not compromised.

Remember that skylights can be a source of heat loss or gain, so it’s important to choose a high-quality skylight and have it installed correctly to avoid any problems in the future.

The cost of installing a skylight in Long Island, NY can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type and size of the skylight, the materials used, and the complexity of the installation.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2500 for the skylight itself, depending on the size and features. Installation costs typically range from $500 to $1500, depending on the difficulty of the job and the hourly rates of the installer.

Therefore, the total cost of installing a skylight in Long Island, NY can range from $1000 to $4000 or more. The cost goes up if it is a vented unit, a solar motor unit or an electrical unit. If framing is involved to cut a new whole in the roof deck there are those related costs. It is always most cost effective to install a new skylight when a new roof is put on rather then opening an existing roof but it still can be done effectively with an old or new roof.

How long do skylights last?

Remember a skylight lasts anywhere from 20-30 years if installed properly so it might make sense to replace the unit rather then just repair.