If your skylight is not filling your indoor room with light, it’s time to consider skylight replacement. As your skylight ages, it can start to discolor and turn murky, causing it to lose efficiency and cause bubbling on the drywall. These discolorations can also cause a deterioration in the seal of the skylight. Skylights should be inspected periodically to ensure they still fulfill their purpose.
Costs
The cost of a skylight replacement will depend on the location and type of skylight you have. The type of skylight you have will determine the cost, as will the type of material used in the panels. Glass is more expensive than plastic. Another factor in the cost is the functionality of the skylight. Some skylights offer more light than others, so their price will reflect that. In general, a skylight should cost between $150 and $1500.
A professional can replace a skylight for $300 to $810. Depending on the damage and the difficulty of accessibility, it may be easier to replace just one pane instead of the entire skylight. Regardless of the method chosen, skylight repair may end up costing more than a simple glass replacement. However, in some cases, repairs are necessary and a new skylight is the best solution. If you do have to replace a skylight, consider hiring a professional to complete the project.
Benefits
One of the benefits of skylight replacement is the improved lighting and overall comfort. Older skylights may be foggy and yellowed, causing a lackluster daylighting experience, and may be susceptible to fiber bloom. New replacement skylights, like the VELUX Commercial line, offer greater daylighting performance with less maintenance. Additionally, skylight replacement offers an opportunity to upgrade safety features. New glazing technologies allow for tougher construction, while smoke vents with code-compliant smoke vents are available.
Another benefit of skylight replacement is energy efficiency. Old skylights are not energy-efficient, which means that you’ll be paying more for heating and cooling your building. Moreover, newer skylights are more energy-efficient, which saves you money. You may be tempted to wait a few more years and install a new skylight. However, this decision can prove to be smart in the long run.
Time frame
The lifespan of a skylight is 20 to 30 years, but the material used to construct it can vary. While polycarbonate skylights are expected to last longer than acrylic skylights, the former typically only last 8 to 15 years. Even if you buy a skylight that has a 20-year warranty, it’s still a good idea to replace it every eight to 15 years if you notice any of the signs of deterioration noted below.
As a skylight ages, it may discolor, disintegrate, and become murky. This could lead to a decrease in efficiency, bubbling drywall, and a lack of natural light. Since its main function is to allow the sun’s light to enter an indoor room, it is important to have it inspected regularly to determine whether or not it’s time for a new one. In addition to visual appearance, skylights should be inspected regularly to ensure that they’re not compromised by weather or pest damage.
Measuring for a replacement skylight
If you need to install a new skylight in your home, it is important to know how to measure for a replacement. There are several things to consider when determining the size of a replacement skylight. The best way to determine the right size is to find the exact measurements of the current skylight. For this, you will need to measure from side to side and from top to bottom. Once you know these measurements, you will need to purchase the right size of the skylight.
The first step in measuring for a replacement skylight is to determine the size of the opening. You should measure from the outside, where the shingles meet the flashing. Once you’ve done that, you can measure the height and width of the skylight. When measuring for a replacement skylight, be sure to measure from inside the opening, as well. You should also choose a location that is free of sharp objects or corners.