Skylight warranties

Ask for both documents before you sign, in writing, for the exact model. Warranty terms vary by manufacturer, by product line and sometimes by whether the unit was installed with that manufacturer's flashing kit. We won't tell you what your warranty says — nobody honest can, without the document — but you're entitled to read it before purchase, not after.

The labor warranty is where you should push. How many years? Does it cover the flashing detail specifically, or only the unit's attachment? Is it transferable if you sell? Does it survive if the company reorganizes under a new name — because in roofing, that happens.

Registration matters with some manufacturers. If registration within a set window is required for full coverage, that's a task for the week of installation, not something to remember later. Ask the installer whether they register it or whether you must.

Finally, understand who you call. A product warranty typically replaces a part; it rarely pays for the roof access, tear-off and reinstallation labor needed to fit that part. That labor gap is exactly why the installer's coverage matters — and why the cheapest bid with no labor warranty is often the most expensive outcome.

How to choose

Get both warranties in writing before signing

The manufacturer's document for that exact model, and the installer's labor terms on the contract.

Ask what the labor warranty covers, specifically

"Workmanship" is vague. Ask directly whether a flashing leak is covered and for how long.

Ask about the labor gap

If the manufacturer sends a replacement part, who pays for the roof work to fit it? Get the answer in advance.

Register on install week

Where registration is required for full coverage, missing the window is a self-inflicted loss.

Ask about transferability

A transferable warranty is a small selling point later and costs nothing to ask about now.