Have you ever found yourself gazing up at the sky through your skylight, lost in thought, and enjoying the natural light that comes into your home? Skylights can be a wonderful addition to any home, providing natural light, ventilation, a unique aesthetic appeal, and much more.
However, like any other aspect of your property, skylights can also wear out over time and may need to be replaced. In this blog post, we’ll explore five signs that it’s time for a skylight replacement in your home.
So, let’s take a closer look at the five things to consider when deciding if you should replace your skylight, and keep your home bright and beautiful.
#1 Age of the Skylight
One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating whether to replace your skylight is its age. Skylights, like all home exterior aspects such as the roof or siding, have a limited lifespan, and over time they become less efficient, less secure, and more prone to damage. On average, you should expect your skylight to last for about 10 to 20 years. Now, this is only an estimate, and the ultimate lifespan of your skylight might be different.
Not all skylights will need to be replaced at the same point in their lifespan. Factors like the quality of installation, the level of maintenance they’ve received, and the materials used in the skylight’s construction all affect its lifespan. However, if you’re unsure whether your skylight is reaching the end of its useful life, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have it evaluated by a professional.
If your skylight is more than 10 to 15 years old, it’s a good idea to start considering whether you should replace it.
#2 Skylight Leaks
Leaks are not only big issues when it comes to your roof and attic, but it’s also an issue for skylights as well. If you notice water stains on your ceiling, or if you see water dripping from your skylight during rainstorms, your skylight is likely leaking.
How Does a Skylight Leak?
In most cases, the skylight is installed on the topmost part of your home, as it’s located on your roof. So when heavy rain occurs, there is a chance that the water will seep through your skylights or start pooling around it. The skylight frame is usually surrounded by flashing or sealant to protect it from leaks, but when the flashing deteriorates, chances are that water will start to get inside.
Why Should You Not Ignore Skylight Leaks?
It’s important to address leaks and water damage promptly, as they can quickly lead to more serious problems like mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage. If left unchecked, a leaking skylight causes significant damage to your home and even compromises its structural integrity. That’s why it’s important to have your skylight inspected at the first sign of a leak or water damage and act immediately to address the problem.
#3 Discolored Skylight
Another sign that it may be time to replace your skylight is discoloration. Over time, exposure to the sun and other environmental factors cause skylights to become discolored or cloudy. This affects the amount of natural light that enters your home and also detracts from the aesthetic appeal of your skylight.
Discoloration can occur for a few different reasons. The majority of the time it’s caused by mineral buildup or other debris that has accumulated on the glass. In other cases, it may result from UV damage, which causes the plastic components of the skylight to degrade over time. Finally, discoloration may also be a sign that the seal around the skylight is failing, allowing moisture to seep in and damage the glass.
Regardless of the cause, discoloration indicates that your skylight is no longer functioning at its best and may need to be replaced. In some cases, cleaning the skylight or replacing the seal may be sufficient to restore its clarity.
#4 Cracks in the Glass or Frame
Sometimes your skylight will develop cracks, which signals that it’s time for a replacement. Cracks occur for various reasons, including age, weather conditions, and impact damage. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to address cracks promptly to ensure the safety and comfort of your home.
If you notice cracks in your skylight, it’s essential to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs may be possible. However, if the cracks are extensive, or if the skylight is already approaching the end of its useful life, replacement may be the best option.
#5 Air Drafts and Loss of Energy Efficiency
If you notice drafts or air leaks around your skylight, it may be a sign that it’s time to replace it. Air leaks occur when the seals around the skylight fail, allowing air to escape or enter your home. This results in a loss of energy efficiency, which then increases your heating and cooling costs.
By choosing a more energy-efficient and properly installed skylight, you can improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
Skylights During a Roof Replacement: Why Do I Need To Replace Skylights With a New Roof?
Many experts in the roofing industry suggest that if you’re replacing your roof, it’s a good time to replace your skylights as well. This is because when you install or replace a skylight, it requires a hole to be cut into your roof, which compromises the structure’s integrity. Over time, this may lead to leaks, water damage, and other issues.
Here are some reasons why you should replace your skylight when you decide to replace your roofing system:
- Skylight replacements during the time of a roof replacement can be more affordable than replacing them separately. By bundling the two projects together, you may be able to negotiate a lower overall price and save on labor costs.
- When replacing your roofing system, it’s important to ensure that your skylight is compatible with the new roof. By replacing both at the same time, you can ensure that your skylight is installed correctly.
- Replacing your skylight can also improve the overall appearance of your home. Newer skylights come in a variety of styles and designs that perfectly complement modern roofing systems.
At A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing, we install different types of roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, wood shake roofs, and slate roofing, so you can pair your skylight with whatever look you want.
Want To Install New Skylights? Contact Us Today!
If you notice that these signs apply to the skylights in your home, then it is time to start searching for a new skylight installer. We know that there are many roofers available in the area and finding the right one can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be if you hire the team of A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing
We have more than 50 years of experience and a great reputation in Tulsa and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma. As a professional skylight installer, we can help you select the best option for your home and ensure that it is installed safely and securely.
If you have any questions or concerns about your skylight, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (918) 402-7167, and we will be happy to help you!
