Skylights, or roof daylighting, allow natural light to flow into your home, brightening up your space. But, as with any part of your home, they will need to be replaced eventually. Here are the tell-tale signs so you can plan accordingly.
How Long Do Skylights Last?
The lifespan of your skylights depends on their make and model, as well as how they’ve been maintained. Generally speaking, 15 years is an average lifespan for acrylic units, with glass insert models lasting more than 20 years.
How Do I Know if My Skylights Need Replacing?
Your skylight may need replacing if it’s exhibiting the following signs:
- Discoloration or staining. Most likely, this is caused by moisture leaking in. Watch for yellow to dark brown staining.
- Leaks in your roof. If you’re experiencing leaking in your roof, it’s more than likely your skylight will also have issues, especially if the curb or area around the unit is compromised.
- Cracks in the skylight. Skylights can be damaged from hail or severe weather. Older acrylic units will develop cracks due to age and exposure to heat and UV rays. If you notice cracks, inspect them before they worsen and put more stress on the skylight. A cracked unit generally should be replaced, since cracks permit water entry.
- Condensation. If you see fogginess on the glass or other signs of condensation, it could indicate the internal seals are starting to fail. Unless the skylight is a very expensive unit or an unusual configuration, it is generally less expensive to replace than to attempt a repair.
- Drafts. If your skylight has drafts, it’s time to seal between the skylight and the frame, repair or replace it. Drafts are an indication that air is escaping out of or coming into your home. Unsealed skylights can drastically increase your heating and cooling costs.
- Age of skylight. If your skylight is older than ten years, it’s worth considering replacement, even if there aren’t obvious signs of damage or discoloration. In our experience, it’s better to proactively replace them than to have an expensive issue come up when you least expect it.
If you’re replacing your roof, it’s generally best to replace your skylights. Why? Leaving an old skylight in the middle of a new roof means there will be future work needed to replace the skylight and perform interior repairs.
Are you thinking about installing a skylight in your home or business? Here’s what to consider before you do it.
Do Roofers Install Skylights?
Some roofers install skylights, especially if they’re performing a roof replacement or extensive repair. Before you hire roofing professionals for a roof replacement, ask them if they also install or replace skylights as part of their services. Proper skylight installation will help ensure the maximum serviceable lifespan.
Hire SUNVEK For Your Roofing Needs
No matter what your roofing needs are, SUNVEK Roofing is here to meet them. Serving Arizonans since 1984, we ensure your home and business stay secured and protected from the elements. And when skylight service is needed, we provide expert roof skylight replacement.
Schedule a consultation with our Arizona roofing team!
SUNVEK Roofing services the following Arizona areas:
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