Written by

Sarah Noel

September 14, 2023

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Skylight replacement & repair costs

A skylight replacement costs $800 to $2,400 on average. Skylight repair costs $100 to $650 on average, depending on the issue. Leaking skylight repair costs $225 to $800. Skylight glass replacement costs $150 to $600. The cost to reseal a skylight is $75 to $250.

Skylight replacement cost

A full skylight replacement costs $800 to $2,400 on average, depending on the skylight’s location, type, size, and brand. Alternatively, a new skylight installation costs $1,600 to $4,200 for adding one where none existed before.

Other costs to replace a skylight window include:

Skylight glass replacement cost

Skylight window glass replacement costs $150 to $600 on average, depending on the size, glass type, and accessibility. When the installer must remove the whole skylight to replace the glass pane, then it’s best to replace the entire unit.

Skylight motor replacement cost

A skylight motor replacement costs $350 to $700 on average, depending on the brand, size, and job complexity. Solar-powered motors for remote-controlled venting skylights are the most expensive to replace.

Cost to replace skylight blinds

Replacing skylight blinds costs $100 to $500 for materials only, depending on if they open with or without a remote. Some programmable shades have light and moisture sensors to close automatically at night or when it rains.

Replacing blinds is a simple DIY job. Handyman hourly rates are $50 to $80.

Average cost to repair a skylight

Home skylight repair costs $100 to $650 on average, depending on the unit’s condition, accessibility, and restoration method.

Leaking skylight repair cost

Leaking skylight repair costs $225 to $800 on average, depending on the method and the amount of water damage. Common fixes for a leaking skylight include:

• Skylight flashing repair costs $150 to $500.

• The cost to reseal a skylight is $75 to $250, including liquid sealants.

• Weather stripping costs $75 to $300 installed for rubber gaskets or foam tape.

Skylight frame repair cost

A skylight window frame repair costs $150 to $600 or more, depending on the size, material, and damage severity. Frame repairs typically include sealing, caulking, patching, or replacing sections. Contractors typically can't repair molded frames without a whole new skylight replacement.

Skylight cleaning cost

Window cleaning prices are $10 to $35 per skylight for sizes up to 30 square feet, or $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. Fees vary depending on the accessibility, total number of windows, and whether it’s part of a full roof cleaning service.

• Cleaning skylights regularly prevents the glass from clouding.

• Roofing contractors typically clean the skylight after repairs.

• Prices increase for 2-story homes that require extension ladders.

New hand crank for skylight cost

Replacing a skylight hand crank costs $10 to $70 for the part alone, depending on the brand. These parts are easy for homeowners to replace since most models have a snap-in-place system.

Cost factors to repair or replace a skylight

The following factors affect the cost for a skylight repair or replacement:

• Accessibility – The roof height, slope, and access level determine total labor fees.

• Timing – Skylight labor costs are cheaper when reroofing than as a standalone replacement.

• Labor – Hourly costs are higher than average in metropolitan areas, for emergency service, and for complex installations.

• Glass type – Prices to replace the glass vary for types like uninsulated single-pane glass, double-pane glass, triple-pane glass, or tempered glass with a UV-reflective coating.

• Framing a chase tunnel – Repairing a skylight shaft may include installing new wood studs, drywall, and repainting the shaft interior.

• Size & type – Small tubular skylights are cheaper than most other glass skylights.

• Permits – A permit costs $100 to $500 depending on whether it’s a repair or replacement.

• Insurance – Homeowners insurance may cover repairs or replacements due to extreme weather events.

• Warranty – Units covered by a manufacturer’s warranty may get free repairs.

• Rebates and tax credits – Upgrading to energy-efficient or solar-powered skylights qualifies for a 26% to 30% federal tax credit and local rebates.

• Upgrades – Adding blinds or remote-control openers increases the total cost.

• Roof modifications – Replacing existing skylights with a larger model requires modifying the roof opening and more flashing, which increases labor fees.

Labor cost to repair a skylight

• The labor cost to repair a skylight is $30 to $80 per hour on average.

• Roof work labor costs $150 to $300 minimum in call-out fees.

• Emergency roof repairs add $200 to $300.

• Electrician rates are $40 to $100 per hour for fixing electrical components on remote-controlled ventilating skylights.

Cost to remove a skylight

The cost to remove a skylight alone is $125 to $250 on average. Removing a skylight and roofing over the opening costs $350 to $1,000, depending on the roof type.

Skylight replacement FAQs

How long does it take to replace a skylight?

Replacing a skylight takes 3 to 5 hours on average, depending on the size, model, roof type, and location. Labor time increases for ceiling painting and trim fixing.

How often should skylights be replaced?

Skylights need replacing every 15 to 40 years on average, depending on the type, brand, and installation quality. Most companies recommend replacing the unit after 30 years to keep up with new building codes and skylight technology.

Should I replace skylights when reroofing?

Replacing a skylight when reroofing has these advantages:

• Labor costs per skylight are cheaper when reroofing.

• Get new skylight designs & the highest energy-efficient glass.

• Receive a warranty for the roof & skylights, typically for 20 to 30 years.

However, the cost to reroof a house is $4,700 to $10,500, excluding skylights. Homeowners who reuse old skylights in a new roof typically void the skylight’s warranty.

Hiring skylight replacement or repair companies

Roofers are the most qualified contractors to repair or replace skylights. When hiring a roof repair company near you, be sure to:

• Compare at least three estimates.

• Look for pros with credentials from:

  • Top brands like VELUX skylight certification programs

  • Local skylight-manufacturer installation programs

  • State board that issues roofing licenses

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Select licensed, insured, and bonded companies with 5+ years of experience.

• Ask for references.

• Avoid selecting the cheapest quote as quality may suffer.

• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.

• Never pay in full upfront. Use a payment plan instead.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been doing skylight repairs?

• Which brands and types do you work on most?

• Can I get a detailed estimate of all the work this skylight repair includes?

• Do I need a full skylight replacement, or can you repair a few parts of it?

• Will you also inspect the roof and ceiling around the skylight for leaks?

• How can you help prevent more potential skylight leaks?

• What options do you offer to increase the skylight insulation?

• Can I upgrade to impact-resistant tempered, laminated, or tinted glass?

• How long will the repairs take?

• What’s in your warranty?

• Do you charge extra for cleanup after the job is complete?