The Risks of Not Replacing Your Skylights with Your Roof

When embarking on a roof replacement project, you are presented with a critical decision that could significantly impact the longevity of your investment and the safety of your home: whether to replace the skylights at the same time. While it might seem economical to retain your existing skylights, this decision carries risks that can lead to increased costs and complications. Understanding these risks and the potential savings of a simultaneous skylight and roof replacement will help you make an informed decision.

The Risks of Holding Onto Old Skylights

Compromised Water Tightness

The most immediate risk of not replacing skylights with the roof is the potential for leaks. Even if skylights appear in good condition, their seals and flashing may not perfectly integrate with the new roofing system, leading to vulnerabilities where water can infiltrate and damage the interior of your home.

Voided Warranties

Many roofing material warranties stipulate that all roofing system components must be replaced or installed correctly for the warranty to remain valid. Failing to replace skylights could void this warranty, leaving you without recourse for roof-related issues that might arise later.

Decreased Energy Efficiency

Older skylights lack the energy-efficient features of newer models, such as low-E coatings, argon gas fills, and improved insulation. Keeping outdated skylights can result in higher energy costs due to heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Aesthetic Mismatch

As roofing materials evolve in style and color, old skylights may not complement the new look, impacting the overall aesthetic and potentially the resale value of your home.

Future Replacement Challenges

Replacing skylights after a new roof can be more challenging and expensive. Roofing materials may need to be disturbed or removed to accommodate the new skylight installation, risking damage to the new roof and incurring additional costs.

Example Savings of a Simultaneous Replacement

If you decide to replace your 20-year-old skylights, it will cost around $2,500 per skylight. This price accounts for the need to set up the site, remove roofing sections to fit the new skylights, and then waterproof and finish the area around each skylight.

By incorporating the skylight replacement into your roof project, the additional cost per skylight drops to $1,500. This reduction is due to the efficiencies gained from having the crew and materials already on-site and the ability to integrate the skylight installation seamlessly with the roof replacement.

Standalone skylight replacement cost: $5,000

Added cost when replacing skylights with the roof: $3,000

Total savings: $2,000

Moreover, you will benefit from improved energy efficiency, leading to annual energy savings. These savings, compounded over time, will further offset the initial investment, not to mention the peace of mind from knowing your home is fully protected and your warranty remains intact.

The decision to replace skylights when installing a new roof should not be overlooked. The risks of not doing so—ranging from water damage and voided warranties to decreased energy efficiency and aesthetic mismatches—can lead to regret and additional costs. Choosing to replace skylights simultaneously with the roof is not just a matter of upfront cost; it's an investment in the future of your home.