A skylight is one of those features that can completely transform the feel of a room. It brings in natural sunlight, makes small spaces feel open and airy, and adds a modern, stylish touch to your home. But like anything else built into your roof, skylights don’t last forever.
Over time, even the best skylights can begin to leak, cloud over, or lose their energy efficiency. And when they do, you’ll want to act fast. Neglecting an aging skylight can lead to costly water damage, rising utility bills, and even safety concerns.
In this guide, we’ll explore when it’s time to replace your skylight, how to spot signs of wear, and why trusting a professional team like JP Carroll Roofing ensures a high-quality, leak-free upgrade that adds beauty and value to your home.
How Long Do Skylights Typically Last?
Most residential skylights have a lifespan of about 10 to 20 years. However, this range can vary based on several factors:
- Material quality: Glass skylights, especially those with laminated or tempered glass, typically outlast acrylic or plastic models, which can become brittle or discolored over time
- Installation quality: If your skylight was improperly installed or lacks proper flashing, its lifespan could be drastically shorter
- Roof age: Skylights should ideally be replaced when you replace your roof, since disturbing an older skylight can compromise the waterproofing around it
- Maintenance habits: Regularly clearing debris, inspecting seals, and checking for cracks or wear can extend your skylight’s life significantly
If your skylight is more than 10 years old, especially in an older home, it’s smart to begin inspecting it annually or to have a roofing professional take a look.
Clear Signs Your Skylight Needs Replacement
Some skylight issues are impossible to miss, while others creep up slowly. Here are the most common signs that it’s time to consider a replacement.
1. Leaks and water stains
The biggest red flag is moisture. Even a small drip can turn into a major repair job if it leads to mold, rotted wood, or damaged drywall. Look for:
- Peeling paint or bubbling plaster near the skylight
- Water stains on nearby ceilings or walls
- Moisture collecting along the edges during rain
2. Foggy or cloudy glass
If you notice fog trapped between panes, it usually means the seal on your insulated skylight has failed. This doesn’t just block your view—it reduces the energy efficiency, causing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
3. Drafts and energy spikes
Feel a chill when you stand under your skylight in the winter? Notice your HVAC working harder in the summer? Having a leaky skylight is like leaving your front door cracked open during a heatwave—energy escapes, and your bills go up. Failing skylights can cause unexpected spikes in energy use.
4. Cracks or hail damage
Even if you don’t see immediate leaks, visible cracks in the skylight—especially after a storm—can weaken its structure. Left untreated, those small fractures can spread and eventually shatter under pressure or temperature changes.
5. Discoloration or yellowing
Many older skylights made from plastic or plexiglass start to yellow, haze, or scratch with age. If the glass looks dull, the light it lets in becomes filtered and dim, defeating the purpose of having a skylight in the first place.
Why Upgrade? The Benefits of Replacing an Old Skylight
Swapping out your old skylight is more than just a cosmetic fix. Today’s skylights are far more efficient, durable, and stylish than models from 10 or 20 years ago.
Here’s what you gain:
- Energy efficiency: Modern skylights often come with Low-E coatings, argon-filled glass, and insulated frames. These improvements help regulate indoor temperatures, keeping your heating and cooling costs in check year-round
- Better ventilation: Consider venting skylights for bathrooms and kitchens. They let in sunlight and fresh air, improving air quality and reducing humidity without relying on exhaust fans
- UV protection: Updated skylights block a greater percentage of ultraviolet rays, helping prevent furniture, floors, and artwork from fading
- Enhanced comfort and curb appeal: An upgraded skylight not only feels better—it looks better; it can be a standout feature for prospective buyers or simply give your space a whole new feel
Can I Replace a Skylight Myself?
Technically, yes. But realistically? It’s not recommended unless you have experience with roofing and framing. Here’s why:
- Improper flashing is a leak magnet: Incorrect installation is the #1 reason skylights fail prematurely. Flashing must be installed with precision to create a watertight seal between the skylight and roofing materials.
- You could damage your roof: Cutting into a roof deck without understanding the underlying structure could compromise the integrity of your roof, or even cause sagging or collapse.
- Working on roofs is dangerous: Sloped roofs are slippery and steep. Without the proper safety gear and training, a misstep could lead to serious injury.
Why Choose JP Carroll Roofing for Skylight Replacement?
We’ve replaced hundreds of skylights across Connecticut and Massachusetts, so we’ve seen just about every type of roof and skylight issue out there. There are lots of other companies around, but here’s what makes JP Carroll Roofing different.
Our process is simple:
- Inspection and consultation: We assess your existing skylight and recommend the best replacement options based on your home, style preferences, and energy needs.
- Skylight selection: We help you choose from fixed, venting, solar-powered, or manual skylights. Options include laminated glass, double-pane insulation, UV filters, and more.
- Expert removal and installation: We remove the old skylight carefully, protect the surrounding roofing, and install the new one with factory-approved flashing systems.
- Interior finish work: We don’t leave the job half-done. Our team handles drywall patching, painting, and trim work to restore your ceiling beautifully.
- Final walkthrough: We review the completed project with you, confirm a watertight seal, and answer any questions.
Brighten Your Home With Confidence
In the end, a well-installed skylight is more than just a pretty feature—it’s a functional addition that enhances comfort, health, and home value. Don’t gamble on patchwork fixes or bargain-basement installers who may cut corners.
At JP Carroll Roofing, we bring decades of experience, premium materials, and a customer-first approach to every project. We don’t just install skylights—we help you enhance your home’s comfort, beauty, and efficiency.
Contact us today to schedule your skylight evaluation with JP Carroll Roofing’s certified experts. Let us help you bring safe, bright, and energy-efficient light into your home. What do you think—ready to brighten your space?
