Is that old skylight looking a little worse for wear? A skylight that’s foggy, leaking, or just plain outdated can be a source of worry. But replacing it is also a golden opportunity to upgrade your home with more daylight, better energy efficiency, and even fresh air.

If you’re considering a skylight replacement, you probably have a few questions. How does it work? What are the benefits? And what will it cost? Let’s walk through the process and show you how simple and rewarding upgrading your skylight can be. 

How Do I Know if My Skylight Needs Replacing?

• Sometimes the signs your skylight is ready to replace are obvious, but other times they’re more subtle. Here’s what to look for if you think your existing skylight may be due for an upgrade: 
• Age of your skylight: Skylights made in the 70s and 80s were built to last about 10-20 years. New technologies have allowed modern skylights to be built tougher, with many having a lifespan of 30 years or more.
• Leaks or water stains: Any sign of moisture is a red flag that your skylight’s seals are failing and it’s time for a replacement.
• Foggy glass: Condensation on the inside or outside of your skylight is normal depending on temperature and humidity. But if there is condensation trapped between the panes of glass, it means your skylight’s seal has been broken, which reduces visibility and energy efficiency.
• Cracked or damaged panes: Whether from age or weather-related damage, a crack in the glass compromises the safety and integrity of your skylight.
• Drafts around Fixed Skylights: Feeling a breeze around your non-venting skylight indicates it’s no longer properly sealed against the elements.
• An outdated look: Older, bubble-style plastic skylights can become yellow and brittle with age, affecting energy efficiency and detracting from your home’s appearance.
• Your roof needs replacing: The best time to replace an existing skylight is when you replace your roof. In addition to often being the most cost-effective time to replace, it also allows you to coincide warranties for your new roof and skylights. 

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to start planning your skylight replacement. 

The Skylight Replacement Process: Easier Than You Think

Many homeowners worry that skylight installation will be a messy, complicated affair. The good news is that with a professional installer, like the ones that can be found through the VELUX Installer Locator, replacing an existing skylight is often a straightforward job that can be done in just a few hours.

When you replace your existing skylight with new VELUX skylights, these are the steps for the skylight replacement process: 

1. Consultation: Your skylight installer, roofer, or contractor will inspect your current skylight, take precise measurements, and discuss your goals for replacement. Do you want more light? The ability to open the skylight for fresh air? Options for controlling the light and automation? (Yes, you can get all that with modern skylights!)
2. Choosing Your New Skylight: This is the fun part! Upgrading that old, basic skylight to a modern, feature-rich model. VELUX offers a range of options, including:
   • Fresh Air Skylight Systems – A fantastic upgrade that lets you open your skylight manually or with a remote control, which is included for both the skylight and shade with every system. VELUX Skylight Systems also feature a built-in solar-powered shade for light control and a boost in energy efficiency.
   • Fixed Skylight Systems – Perfect for bringing beautiful daylight into a room where ventilation isn’t needed. As a Skylight System, these models also feature a built-in solar-powered shade and pre-paired remote control.
3. Understanding the Mount: Your new skylight’s mount will likely match that of your existing skylight, but your installer will determine the ultimate best fit for your roof. The three types of skylight mount are:
   • Deck-Mounted Skylight: The skylight is installed directly onto the roof deck with flashing installed around it for a low-profile, sleek appearance. 
   • Curb-Mounted Skylight: The skylight is mounted on a wooden frame (the curb) built around the roof opening. This is common for flat or low-slope roofs and is often used when replacing older plastic bubble skylights. 
   • Self-Flashed Skylight: This type of mount isn’t as common, but yes, some skylights even come with flashing built right in! The flashing extends around the edges of the skylight and is attached directly to the roof deck during installation. 
4. Installing Your Replacement: Once all the product and installation details are worked out, your installer or roofer will schedule a time to come make the replacement
   • If you’re replacing your skylights as part of a full roof replacement, your roofer will remove your old skylights during the roof removal process and replace them with new ones when they replace that section of your roof. 
   • If you’re replacing your skylights only, your installer will arrive and explain the process before getting started. Then, they’ll get to work removing your existing skylights and replacing them with your new ones. 
   • After your new skylights are installed, your roofer or installer will give you your new Skylight Systems’ pre-paired remotes so you can start using your skylights and shades immediately! 

Homeowner Highlight: Replacing an Old Bubble Skylight

"The new VELUX skylight has much better performance than those old bubble skylights. The glass is insulated to prevent heat from passing through to the room, and [added shades offer] light control. Plus, you can open the skylight to bring in fresh air and allow moist air from the shower to escape.” 
-Mike Townsend, Skylight Installer for Natural Home Lite 

Read more about this skylight replacement story or watch the video above to see the transformation in action. 

Upgrade to a Skylight System for the Total Package

For the ultimate upgrade, consider VELUX Skylight Systems! These all-in-one solutions are designed for a seamless experience and come with a glass skylight, a pre-installed solar-powered shade, and a remote control. Everything is designed to work together perfectly from day one, providing your home with abundant natural light, light control, and improved energy efficiency. 

Ready to transform your home with a new skylight? Stop worrying about that old unit and start dreaming about a brighter, fresher space with your new VELUX Skylight System. Find a nearby VELUX installer for your replacement today.