If you are planning to replace your skylight, you need to work with roofers who will help you pick the right skylight, save money, and complete a perfect installation. Use the tips below to find the best skylight, pay a fair price, and keep your home in good condition.
When Do You Know Your Skylight Has Gone Bad?
Your skylight is part of your roof, and that is why you need to talk to roofing contractors when it is time to replace your skylight. The skylight might start leaking, or it might start fogging up because water has gotten between the panes of glass. You might have broken flashing that is dangling on your roof, or the skylight might be cracked.
Plus, some skylights will start to tilt because they are not steady in the housing that was created. You should contact a roofer as soon as you notice any problems with your skylight. Let the roofers explain what needs to be done to keep your home in good condition, and ensure that you get an estimate for the replacement.
What Is The Price Range?
The price range for skylights varies widely. You will need to pay for labor and installation when you choose a skylight, and the total job will cost somewhere between $400 and $1400. Of course, every skylight is different. You might buy a cheaper skylight to save money. You might find an installer that charges low prices, or you might spend a bit more money to get better quality.
You can start by shopping for a skylight that you think you will like. You might find a skylight that you love, and the contractor will order it for you. If you do not know which skylight you want, you should ask the roofer which one they would buy. The roofer has a catalog of options that you can choose from, and each of these options will change the way that your home looks.
You should get a full estimate for the replacement, and you need to review the estimate before signing a contract. You can follow along with the estimate when the replacement begins, and you can ask your roofer questions as they start the replacement.
Which Brands Should You Try?
Brands like SunOptics. Natural Light Energy Systems, Velux, and Fakro are all reliable brands that you might like to try. You should take a look at all the different brands that fit in your price range, and you should consider the different styles that might look unique. You may have had a basic skylight, but you can move up to a more interesting skylight that adds value to the house.
Bristolite, Wasco, Columbia, Crystalite, SunTek, and Daylite are all interesting manufacturers of skylights. You might choose a skylight that is made from plastic, or you might choose a reinforced glass skylight. You need to look through all of these brands to ensure you find the right one.
Every roofer has had their own experiences with these lights, and you should ask them what they think will work best. Inform yourself before buying, and use that information to ask your roofer questions.
Which Type Of Skylight Do You Want To Try?
There are several types of skylights that you might like to try. A plain glass skylight is typically an inset on the roof. These flat skylights let light into the house. You might get a large skylight that ts just one panel of glass, or you could get a skylight that is sectioned like a window.
There are dome-style skylights that have a curved glass or plastic surface. You might choose something that is pointed like a cupola, or you might select a skylight that actually opens. Ask the roofers on the job what they would do in your home. If you can reach the skylight, you can use the window style so that you can let air into the house.
There are advanced skylights that come with built-in shades, and these skylights might have frosted glass so that you get a nice effect when the light enters the house. Choose the skylight that you believe will fit in with your home’s design.
What If You Only Need To Replace The Flashing?
You may need to replace the flashing around the skylight, and that is why you must ask the roofer to inspect the current skylight before you make a decision. You may need to replace the flashing because that is what is causing the leak. You may enjoy your skylight as it is, but that does not mean that the flashing is in good condition.
Your roofer can replace the flashing around the skylight, check for leaks, and leave the skylight in place. You should get an estimate for replacing just the flashing or the skylight itself. You can determine how much you want to pay, and you might save money.
Conclusion
Contact your roofing contractors as soon as possible so that you can get an estimate for a replacement. You can research skylights, figure out how much you want to pay, or replace the flashing if you have some leaks around the edges. You need to replace your skylight when the glass fogs up, when the glass cracks, or when it is not sitting in its housing properly. The skylight adds value to your home, and you can buy a new skylight that will make your home beautiful and comfortable.