Skylight decision guides

The decision usually turns on one question: is the failure in the unit or in the installation? A fogged pane or a cracked dome is the unit. A stain that appears after wind-driven rain, with clear glazing, is more often the flashing. Contractors report that a large share of skylight leaks come from installation and flashing issues rather than defective units, so "you need a new skylight" is a claim that deserves evidence.

Age tilts the decision. On a 25- to 30-year-old unit, spending real money on a reflash is defensible only if the glazing is genuinely fine. Otherwise you'll be paying for roof access twice within a few years.

Removing a skylight is a legitimate option nobody offers you. If the room is too hot, the unit has leaked repeatedly, and you don't value the light, framing and roofing over the opening is often cheaper than replacement and permanently ends the risk. Ask for that price too.

Whatever you decide, don't let the decision be made in the driveway by the person who profits from it. Get a written diagnosis with photos, then get a second opinion if replacement is being pushed on a unit that isn't fogged, cracked or old.

How to choose

Demand photo evidence of the failure

Fogged glass, cracked flashing, rusted pan. If nobody can show you the failure, nobody has diagnosed it.

Let age break the tie

Near 30 years, replacement usually wins over an expensive repair. Under 10 with clear glazing, look hard at the flashing first.

Check the roof's remaining life

If the roof goes in two years, wait and do both together unless the leak is active.

Price removal as a real option

Framing and roofing over an unwanted skylight is a valid, permanent answer. Get that number for comparison.

Get a second opinion on any replacement pitch

Especially if the first company that says "replace" is the company that sells the units.