Skylights and sun tunnels can transform a dark hallway, bathroom or kitchen. They also put a hole in the roof, so the flashing has to be right. Most skylight leaks come from old or improvised flashing, failed seals in older units or condensation on single-pane glass. Hammerline Roofing installs new skylights, replaces aging ones and fixes leaks around existing units.

Skylight services

Skylight replacement — old, fogged or leaking units replaced with new energy-efficient skylights and a complete flashing kit.
New skylights — framing a new opening in the roof, with the interior light shaft finished by the appropriate trade.
Sun tunnels — tubular skylights for small rooms and hallways where a full skylight isn't practical.
Leak repair — re-flashing skylights and correcting the underlayment around them.
Removal — closing up a skylight opening you no longer want and roofing over it to match.

Best time to replace a skylight

During a roof replacement. The flashing is new, the shingles match and you avoid disturbing a new roof later.
When the seal fails. Fogging between panes or condensation running down the shaft is a sign the unit is near the end.
After repeated leaks. If the skylight has been patched more than once, replacing the unit and flashing is usually the lasting fix.
When upgrading a room. Adding or enlarging a skylight is easiest before the room is finished.

If your skylight is leaking right now, see roof repair. If your roof is due anyway, we'll include skylight replacement in your roof replacement quote.

Good to know

Not every skylight problem means a new unit. Condensation in winter is often a humidity issue inside the house, and a fogged double-pane unit may still be watertight. On the other hand, a skylight that has been sealed with tar or caulking around the edges almost always needs proper flashing. If you're replacing your roof, it's worth asking about the age of your skylights: most homeowners find that replacing them during the reroof is far simpler than doing it a few years later.

What affects the cost of skylights

Skylight costs depend on the unit, the opening and the roof. Replacing a skylight in an existing opening during a reroof is the most economical option. Venting or powered units cost more than fixed skylights, and larger sizes or special glass add to the price. Cutting a new opening involves framing, possibly a permit and finishing the interior light shaft. Sun tunnels are generally less expensive than full skylights. Each installation includes a manufacturer flashing kit matched to your roofing material.

Skylights questions

Is it worth replacing skylights with a new roof?

Usually, yes. Skylights tend to be replaced at about the same age as a roof, and doing them together avoids cutting into new shingles later.

Why does my skylight drip only in winter?

Winter drips are often condensation rather than a leak, caused by warm, humid indoor air meeting cold glass. Newer units with better glass help, along with controlling indoor humidity.

Do new skylights need a permit?

Cutting a new opening in the roof structure often requires a building permit. Replacing a unit in the same opening usually doesn't. We confirm with your municipality.

Where we offer skylights

We provide skylights for homeowners in Franklin, Spring Hill and Brentwood. See what to expect in your area:

Skylights in Franklin Skylights in Spring Hill Skylights in Brentwood

Skylights