Natural light can transform your home, making spaces feel larger, more inviting, and energy-efficient. If you already have skylights that are showing signs of age or leaking, replacing them with modern, energy-efficient models can revitalize your living space while preventing costly water damage. At SWORD Roofing, we specialize in professional skylight replacement using high-quality VELUX products that stand the test of time.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the skylight replacement process, helping you understand what’s involved whether you’re considering hiring professionals or simply want to be more informed about this important home improvement project.
Understanding When It’s Time for Skylight Replacement
Skylights typically last 15-20 years, but several signs indicate it might be time for a replacement:
- Visible leaks or water stains around the skylight or on the ceiling below
- Condensation or fogging between glass panes that doesn’t clear up
- Cracked or damaged glass that compromises energy efficiency and safety
- Faded, warped, or deteriorating frames that no longer seal properly
- Difficulty opening or closing operational skylights
- Outdated single-pane models that lack energy efficiency
Upgrading to modern VELUX skylights offers numerous benefits, including improved energy efficiency, enhanced UV protection, better insulation, and sleek designs that complement your home’s aesthetic. SWORD Roofing proudly installs VELUX skylights, which have been the industry standard since the 1940s, offering unmatched quality and performance.
Preparation: The Foundation of Successful Skylight Replacement
Tools and Materials
A professional skylight replacement requires specialized tools and materials:
- New VELUX skylight unit
- Complete flashing kit (appropriate for your roof type)
- Self-sealing waterproof membrane
- Roofing nails and screws
- Pry bars and utility knives
- Caulk and sealant
- Safety equipment (harnesses, roof brackets, ladder stabilizers)
- Circular saw or reciprocating saw
- Roofing materials to match existing roof
Safety Considerations
Skylight replacement involves working at height on a sloped surface, which presents significant safety risks. Professional installers like our team at SWORD Roofing use comprehensive safety measures:
- Fall protection harnesses and anchors
- Roof brackets and staging planks for secure footing
- Ladder stabilizers and roof ladders hooked to the ridge
- Multiple team members for safety monitoring
- Weather monitoring to avoid rain, high winds, or extreme temperatures
This is one of the primary reasons many homeowners choose professional installation—the safety equipment alone represents a significant investment for a one-time project.
The Skylight Replacement Process: Step by Step
1. Removing the Old Skylight
The process begins with careful removal of the existing skylight:
- Remove surrounding shingles: Starting from the top, we carefully remove 2-3 courses of shingles above the skylight and at least 12 inches on each side, preserving them for reinstallation when possible.
- Remove flashing: The old flashing is carefully pried away to expose the skylight frame.
- Extract the skylight: The old unit is detached from the roof deck and removed.
- Inspect the opening: We thoroughly examine the roof opening for any signs of water damage, rot, or structural issues that need addressing before the new installation.
2. Preparing the Roof Opening
Proper preparation of the opening is crucial for a leak-free installation:
- Clean the opening: All old sealant, nails, and debris are removed.
- Repair any damage: If water infiltration has caused damage to the roof deck or framing, repairs are made before proceeding.
- Adjust the opening size: If necessary, the opening is modified to accommodate the new skylight dimensions.
- Apply initial waterproofing: A self-sealing membrane is applied along the bottom edge of the opening, extending onto the roof deck.
3. Installing the New Skylight
With proper preparation complete, the new VELUX skylight is installed:
- Prepare the skylight: Extension jambs and trim pieces are attached to the skylight frame as needed.
- Position the skylight: The unit is carefully centered in the opening and checked for proper alignment.
- Secure the skylight: The unit is fastened to the roof deck using the appropriate screws or nails through the mounting flanges.
- Check for level: The skylight is verified to be perfectly level and square in the opening.
4. Flashing and Waterproofing
This critical step ensures your new skylight remains leak-free for years to come:
- Apply self-sealing membrane: Waterproof membrane is applied around the entire perimeter of the skylight, creating a watertight seal.
- Install step flashing: Metal step flashing pieces are installed along the sides of the skylight, alternating with shingles to direct water away from the unit.
- Add counter flashing: Counter flashing is installed over the step flashing for additional protection.
- Install saddle flashing: At the top of the skylight, saddle flashing creates a final barrier against water infiltration.
At SWORD Roofing, we pay particular attention to this phase, as improper flashing is the most common cause of skylight leaks. Our experienced installers follow VELUX’s specific flashing requirements to ensure optimal performance.
5. Finishing Touches
The final steps ensure a complete, professional installation:
- Reinstall shingles: The previously removed shingles are carefully reinstalled around the skylight, or new matching shingles are used if needed.
- Interior finishing: Any interior trim work is completed to create a finished appearance inside the home.
- Clean up: All debris is removed, and the area is left clean and ready to enjoy.
- Final inspection: A thorough inspection from both outside and inside ensures everything is properly installed and functioning correctly.
Why Professional Installation Makes a Difference
While some home improvement projects are suitable for DIY enthusiasts, skylight replacement presents unique challenges:
- Waterproofing expertise: Professional installers understand the complex flashing and sealing techniques required to prevent leaks.
- Safety considerations: Working on roofs requires specialized safety equipment and experience.
- Warranty protection: Professional installation by certified installers like SWORD Roofing often extends warranty coverage on both products and installation.
- Code compliance: Professionals ensure all work meets local building codes and requirements.
- Time efficiency: What might take a homeowner several days can be completed by professionals in hours.
At SWORD Roofing, our highly skilled team has worked on a wide range of properties throughout Cincinnati. We provide skylight installation options for all kinds of buildings, including traditional and modern homes. Whether you’re revamping a kitchen, converting an attic into a guest suite, or creating a home office or art studio, we can provide the perfect VELUX skylights for your needs.
Maintaining Your New Skylight
Once your new VELUX skylight is installed, proper maintenance will extend its life:
- Clean the glass periodically using non-abrasive cleaners
- Check seals and flashing annually for signs of wear
- Clear debris from around the skylight to prevent water buildup
- For operational skylights, lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer
Transform Your Home with SWORD Roofing
Skylight replacement is more than just a repair, it’s an opportunity to enhance your home’s natural lighting, improve energy efficiency, and add value to your property. With SWORD Roofing’s expertise in VELUX skylight installation, you can trust that your replacement will be done right the first time, providing years of trouble-free enjoyment.
Our team understands that our customers want results as quickly as possible. Installing skylights is an exciting prospect, and we know you’re eager to enjoy lighter, brighter, fresher living spaces. We strive to provide cost-effective, efficient service for our Cincinnati customers using tried and tested processes to plan and execute seamless skylight installations.
Ready to upgrade your skylights? Contact SWORD Roofing today for a free inspection and estimate on professional VELUX skylight replacement. Let us help you bring more natural light into your home with the quality and expertise you deserve.