Installation costs vary depending on the type and number of skylights you choose and factors such as ceiling type, the steepness of your roof, and the height of the roof. Listed below are price ranges for installation of a new skylight, including labor for interior and exterior finish work.
 

• Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights range from $2,800 to $5,700 per skylight.

• Electric Fresh Air Skylights range from $2,900 to $5,800 each.

• Manual Fresh Air Skylights range from $2,100 to $4,600 each.

The cost of replacing an existing skylight will differ based on variables such as the height and pitch of the roof, whether the skylight is deck-mounted or curb-mounted, the complexity of the replacement, and the roofing contractor you hire. Listed below are price ranges for replacing a skylight, including labor for interior and exterior finish work.

• Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights range from $2,000 to $3,600 each.

• Electric Fresh Air Skylights range from $2,100 to $3,600 each.

• Manual Fresh Air Skylights range from $1,200 to $2,700 each.

• Fixed Skylights range from $900 to $2,400 each.

• Sun Tunnel^® Skylights range from $650 to $2,150 each.

VELUX skylights come standard with energy-efficient LoE3-366® glass. LoE3, or low-emission cubed, is a virtually invisible metallic coating placed on the surface of the skylight to reduce its U-factor by subduing radiative heat flow through the skylight. And “366” simply means there are three layers of the coatings with 66% light transmittance for the glass only. Together, they strike the perfect balance between solar control and uninterrupted visibility.

VELUX Sun Tunnel^® Skylight installation ranges from $650 to $2,150 each. As with traditional VELUX skylights, this cost will depend on the number you plan to install and the steepness of your roof.

According to research from the National Association of Home Builders, 55% of new homebuyers rated skylights as desirable or essential. This means adding skylights can be a valuable asset when you’re ready to sell, from their eye-catching aesthetic to their natural ability to cool the home without fans or air conditioning.

The exact return on investment is difficult to pin down as it will depend on circumstances such as the type of skylights, the amount installed, location, and the housing market. It will ultimately come down to how valuable consistent natural light and fresh air in the home are to your potential homebuyers.

Home additions like skylights, solar panels, and satellite dishes all require roofing penetration or the removal of shingles and, if installed improperly, may void the warranty. Does that mean you can’t install anything onto your roof without voiding your warranty? No, but you should first check your roofing contract to see if a warranty and any voiding issues are listed. Then reach out to your roofer, in writing, and ask them to coordinate with your contractor. Get everything in writing. Email is fine.

Sometimes the roofer prefers to be involved in the installation. They may prefer that they install or at least flash in and replace shingles around the skylight. This ensures that they know the flashing and shingles were done to their specifications and can then continue to honor their warranty.

VELUX offers an extensive network of skylight installation companies that carry our products and have been trained by our product team. To find a skylight installer near you, we recommend using our installer search tool. You can narrow your search by selecting your specific project type: new skylight installation, replacement skylight, Sun Tunnel installation, and shades installation or accessories. You can also explore the different levels of skylight installers available, including Certified Installers and Skylight Specialists. Regardless of your ZIP code, these installation experts are ready to help you select the right skylight size and quantity — and expertly install your new skylights.

Many states and municipalities require a building permit to install a skylight since it affects the roof structure. If you hire a VELUX installer, they will be able to tell you whether you need a permit. Otherwise, check with your local government on building rules and regulations before moving forward with installation. If approved and you opt for do-it-yourself, installation instructions and videos are available.

Unless you are an expert, VELUX recommends requesting a consultation with an installer in your area. You can find one using our installer search tool.

A skylight installation happens in two phases: rooftop and interior. Depending on the circumstances, such as roof pitch, interior light shaft depth and shape, and weather, installations can take between half a day and three days.

In contrast, a single skylight replacement typically takes only a couple of hours. Installers will remove the existing skylight and flashing and replace it with a new one. In some cases, the installer will also do some interior touch-ups, such as repainting and trimming the top of the light well.

Unless you're building a new house, the direction of your roof where you want to install your skylights will determine their orientation. This is because a skylight’s orientation is determined by the direction of the roof.

Typically, west-facing skylights bring in the afternoon sun, south-facing skylights bring in a lot of bright light throughout the day, and north-facing skylights provide constant, diffused light.

To find the best spot for a skylight, consider how you use the room and how the addition of a skylight will affect the space. Today's Skylight Systems come with pre-installed shades, so you'll have total control over the amount of sunlight coming into the room.

Want an expert’s opinion on skylight placement? Set up a virtual consultation with one of our Design and Product Advisors.

A VELUX-trained installer has completed product installation training with VELUX product experts. Our installer network includes two levels of installers: Skylight Specialists and Certified Installers.

A Skylight Specialist is a specialized skylight installation company dedicated to skylight and Sun Tunnel^® Skylight installations. They can handle anything from a single skylight installation to more complex skylight jobs, and have achieved the highest standard of VELUX certification as an independent installer with the knowledge to assist customers on all VELUX products.

A Certified Installer is a company focused on a variety of products in addition to VELUX products. This company completed a VELUX certification program and will have sufficient knowledge to assist homeowners with VELUX projects.

These natural light design experts can help you confirm your skylight decisions, from determining placement to recommendations on how many and what size skylights best meet your home and family’s needs. In addition, VELUX-trained installers can help you save time and eliminate hassles by relying on someone who understands how to install skylights. Use our installer locator to find a VELUX-trained installer near you today.

VELUX offers an abundance of resources for homeowners looking to brighten up their spaces with skylights, including reputable installers who can help make the installation process easy and efficient. Installers trained by VELUX typically wear protective booties over their shoes when inside your home. They take measures to protect your furnishings and home interior, including laying drop cloths and hanging plastic sheeting to contain dust.

Adding skylights to your home can be a tough task, but using one of our installation experts can help cut back on the challenges of doing it yourself, such as post-project cleanup.

Skylights are compatible with many roofing types, including asphalt shingles, metal roofs, flat roofs, barrel roof tiles, or any other type of high-profile roofing material. To learn which types of skylights are best for the type of roofing material on your home, discuss your options with a VELUX-certified installer.

VELUX skylights can last 20 to 30 years, with normal wear and tear from years exposed to the elements on the roof. You don’t have to wait for an issue to arise if your skylight is this old. It’s best to update it after about 30 years because the newest models will offer innovations and ensure your skylight remains code-compliant. Schedule a consultation with a VELUX Design and Product Advisor to learn more about replacing your home’s skylights.

The best time to replace old skylights is when you reroof your home. Doing so will save time and money and will synchronize your skylight and roofing warranties. However, you can still update your skylights if you’re not replacing the roof, and our team of daylight experts will make the process worthwhile and easy.

It’s easy to replace an old bubble skylight with a new VELUX Solar Powered "Fresh Air" Skylight. Signs that it’s time to make the switch include discoloration from sunlight exposure, mildew stains from moisture buildup, leaks, or condensation around the panes. Our Solar Powered "Fresh Air" Skylight provides a significant upgrade by providing a clear sky view, more natural light, and energy-efficient glass, as well as being able to open to bring in fresh air, an alternative to air conditioning during the spring and summer.

Ready to update your skylights? Find a skylight installer in your area today.

Replacement glass is available for most VELUX skylight models. For Fresh Air Skylights manufactured after April 1996, the whole operating sash must be replaced with the glass. Contact our customer service team to get help with your replacement glass order.

Your installer will measure the skylight to determine the replacement size you need. However, if you plan to take on the task yourself, here are the measurements you need to record:

• Measure the width and the length along the side of the skylight on the roof where the shingles meet the flashing.

• Measure the height of the skylight or the curb.

• Inside your home, measure the width and length of the drywall around the skylight’s opening closest to the skylight.

Consider taking pictures of your tape measure showing the lengths, widths, and heights while you’re measuring. Share them with your contractor or roofer to verify the accuracy of your measurements. Measuring guide here.

Yes. Replacing a skylight doesn’t mean you have to replace the roof. However, this is usually the best time to replace since the roofers will already be up on your roof.

Each VELUX Skylight System includes a venting or fixed VELUX skylight with a pre-installed solar-powered, room-darkening white shade. Each system also includes a pre-paired remote to control the shade, as well as pre-paired remotes to open and close the skylight if you have a solar-powered or electric venting model. Venting Skylight Systems also include a rain sensor to automatically close the skylight during inclement weather, as well as an insect screen to prevent pests from entering.

The VELUX Skylight System is also compatible with VELUX flashing, which must be used to qualify for our installation warranty.

Curb-mounted skylight are designed for low-pitch and flat roofs, but they can also be installed on some standard pitch roofs. Some installers prefer using curb-mounted skylights even if the type of roof doesn’t call for one to be used. The “curb” is a frame usually made of 2-by-4-inch lumber that is attached to the roof. The skylight is then attached with screws to the curb. Think of it like a shoebox: The curb is the box, and the skylight is the lid that sits on top.

The roof pitch (defined as the angle of the roof) range for curb-mounted skylights is flat to 60 degrees of pitch or 0:12 to 20:12.

Deck-mounted skylights have a lower profile because they attach directly to the roof-deck. Deck-mounted skylights are the choice for new construction or for installing new skylights in existing homes.

The roof pitch range for deck-mounted skylights is 14 degrees to 60 degrees or 3:12 to 137:12.

VELUX skylights come with our Standard Safety Glass, which is designed to keep you from constantly cleaning. However, like all glass, your skylights should still be periodically cleaned. Our skylights are easy to clean, both interior and exterior. For the inside, use soft water or a nonabrasive cleaner with a soft, lint-free cloth, chamois leather or a nonabrasive sponge.

With advanced glass technologies, such as Neat^® glass, VELUX skylights maintain a clear view and provide abundant natural light, so they need to be included in your home exterior cleaning schedule only every couple of years. Most window-cleaning companies can clean skylights because they have telescoping cleaning brushes and squeegees to reach them without needing to get on the roof.

To keep your skylights radiating a clear view all season long, consider four maintenance tips:

• Don’t use cleaning products containing abrasive particles.

• Don’t use chemical products when cleaning the pane.

• Avoid touching the glass with sharp or abrasive objects, including jewelry.

• Always apply water first when attempting to clean dirt off the glass.

Additionally, remember to clean around skylights where the flashing is installed so rainwater will continue to flow freely around the skylights. This can be done easily by using a leaf blower to clear away leaves or other debris.

Shades are available in over 60 colors and patterns with any of our skylights, including:

• Room-darkening: Available for solar-powered options, this double-pleated shade darkens the room and provides a layer of insulation against heat gain in the summer or heat loss in the winter. Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens.
• Light-filtering: The single-pleated light-filtering shades soften and diffuse the light, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of natural light without the glare. Light-filtering skylight shades are perfect for kitchens, living rooms, and bonus rooms, and are available for solar-powered options.

Room-darkening and light-filtering shades are all available as solar powered options.

VELUX insect screens are made of fine mesh in a metal frame that fits in the interior skylight frame. When the skylight is open, the screen prevents bugs from getting inside while still letting in ample natural light and fresh air.

Both fixed and venting skylight systems are great for adding natural light to your home. While fixed skylight systems allow you to enjoy the benefits of natural light, venting skylight systems open to provide fresh airflow inside your home. You can add shades to both.

Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylight Systems, which are VELUX venting skylights, offer the ultimate functionality.

• Solar powered: They don’t require any wiring during installation.

• Remote controlled: They come with a remote control that gives you a convenient and easy way to open the skylight and ventilate your home without needing to add electrical wires or an extension rod to open the skylight.

• Rain sensor: A built-in rain sensor will automatically close your solar-powered skylight if it starts to rain.

• Light control: The solar-powered shade tunes the light to your needs.

• Smart technology: They are designed to work with the VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO skylight automation kit.

Grab the diffuser and lightly jiggle it. Turn it counterclockwise until the tabs line up and the diffuser falls into your hands. To reinstall, align the tabs and turn clockwise until it stops.

If you have any difficulty with this process, please contact VELUX Technical Support for assistance.

VELUX skylights can last 20 to 30 years, with normal wear and tear from years exposed to the elements on the roof.

If the power goes out and your electric skylight is stuck open, here’s how to close it: First, you’ll need a 5/32-inch Allen wrench. (For skylights manufactured between January 2010 and October 2012, you’ll need a 2.5-millimeter Allen wrench.)

1. Insert the 5/32-inch Allen wrench into the hole in the center of the plastic cap on the bottom middle of the skylight sash (the inner frame).
2. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until the chain is free from the sash.
3. Release the chain, lay it in the skylight frame and gently lower the skylight.
4. Secure the chain back to the sash after power has been restored.

If you have a manual venting skylight installed out of reach, you can use the ZCT 300 or ZMT 300 telescopic rod to open it. For skylights installed within reach, you can use a ZZZ 201 crank handle.

If you have shades installed on your skylight you’d like to manually operate, you can use a ZXT 200 “7 hook” for out-of-reach shades. Skylight shades or blinds that are within reach can be operated by hand.

You can find all manual controls on our Skylight Accessories page.

Both Skylight Systems and VELUX Sun Tunnel Skylights are great for providing homes with natural light.

VELUX Sun Tunnel Skylights include a roof-mounted lens or light-collecting dome connected to a highly reflective aluminum tunnel that attaches to a ceiling fixture to direct daylight exactly where you want it. They make it possible to bring natural light to dark spaces where traditional windows and skylights aren’t an option. Because they require a smaller hole in the roof and no drywall finishing inside, they are a cost-effective way to bring natural light inside.

In contrast, traditional VELUX Skylight Systems are fixed or venting skylights that are installed on your roof. They provide more light, can open to bring in fresh air, give homeowners a sky view, and can visually expand rooms. 

The amount of light provided by a VELUX Sun Tunnel will be affected by the orientation of the roof where they are located (south is optimal), the season, the tunnel length, and whether other parts of the roof or nearby trees shade the lens during certain times of the day.

VELUX Sun Tunnel Skylights are great for adding light to small and isolated spaces, such as hallways, bathrooms and closets. For larger rooms, such as kitchens and living rooms, two or three VELUX Sun Tunnel Skylights can provide enough light to keep the electric lights off on sunny days.

Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylight Systems are fitted with a solar panel, which captures any available daylight to charge a concealed battery, which is the power source that opens and closes the skylight. In contrast, Electric Fresh Air Skylight Systems are directly wired into your home’s electrical system. Both solar-powered and electric skylights are operated with a remote control. Manual Fresh Air Skylight Systems allow you to easily open and close your skylight with a telescoping rod (if they are out of reach) or a handle (if they are within reach).

Because of their position on the roof and the amount of sunlight they let in, skylights do allow some amount of heat into the home. However, all VELUX skylights are built using energy-efficient LoE3, dual-glass panes injected with Argon gas. LoE3 is a virtually invisible metallic oxide layer placed on the surface of the skylight. It subdues radiative heat flow through the skylight, protecting your family from potentially harmful UV rays and your furniture from fading.

Argon is a colorless, odorless gas that is often used in electric lamps and fluorescent tubes. Since it’s denser than air, it provides better insulation. When sealed between two panes of glass, it allows less heat to seep through during the summer and less cold air to enter your home in the winter. Most VELUX skylights are ENERGY STAR compliant in all four climate zones.

Need more convincing? See how skylights contributed to the energy efficiency in the This Old House Modern Barnhouse.

Roofers, architects, builders, and all trade pros can find the latest product and installation resources at https://pro.veluxusa.com/. Dive deeper into VELUX skylights with comprehensive technical support, training tutorials, and more to take your craft to new heights.