How much does skylight replacement cost?
Short answer. Replacing a skylight usually costs less than adding a new one because the opening already exists: a same-size swap is mostly the unit, a flashing kit and a few hours of labor, while resizing, curb rebuilding, rot repair and interior drywall work raise the price. Doing it during a roof replacement is typically the most economical route, and hail-cracked skylights may be covered by insurance.
What you are paying for
- The unit. Fixed, manual venting or powered venting, plus the glass package.
- Flashing kit. A new kit matched to the unit and roof; reusing old flashing is a common cause of leaks.
- Labor. Removing shingles around the unit, pulling the old skylight, setting the new one, flashing and reshingling.
- Curb or deck conversion. Old curb-mounted skylights can be replaced with a matching curb unit or converted to a deck-mounted unit, which may involve carpentry.
- Rot repair. Long term leaks often damage the curb, framing or decking.
- Interior. Stained drywall, trim or paint around the shaft.
Ways to keep it reasonable
- Choose the same rough opening size so no framing changes are needed.
- Replace it during a reroof, when the shingle work is already being done.
- If you no longer want the skylight, removing it and decking over the opening is an option, with drywall work to close the ceiling.
Insurance
Hail that cracks a skylight dome or glass is often part of a covered storm claim along with the roof. Photograph the damage quickly, since cracked units leak and the damage spreads. Seal failure and wear are not covered. See replacing a skylight with the roof and roof replacement cost in Georgia.