Skylight with blinds shining light on a desk with a computer and notepad.

A skylight is a great way to add more natural light to your home and brighten your entire space. But what if your skylight is broken? 

Broken skylights not only don’t look good but can also reduce the energy efficiency and overall comfort of your home. If yours needs to be replaced, don’t wait—Shanco can help. We offer skylight replacements in Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Richmond and can replace yours. 

Do You Have a Broken Skylight? 

Sometimes it’s obvious when your skylight is broken and requires a repair or replacement—like a crack—but other times, it’s not as obvious. The lifespan of a skylight is around 15 years. If your skylights are getting close to that age, it is likely time to start thinking about a new skylight installation.  

It’s also worth mentioning that if you need a roof replacement you should also consider getting your skylights replaced at the same time. Many roofing companies can install skylights and, in some cases, even complete skylight repair.  

 Common signs that your skylight may need to be replaced include: 

  • Bubbling drywall near the skylight 

  • Discoloration or staining near the skylight 

    • Excess condensation 

  • Damp ceilings 

  • Drafts 

  • Cracks in the plastic or the glass 

Common Skylight Problems 

Two of the most common skylight problems are water leaks and cracks:  

Leaks: Skylight leaks are common problems homeowners deal with. Older skylights are especially prone to water leakage. Most leaks—about 90 percent, in fact—are caused by a problem with the flashing, the metal piece that sits against the skylight opening and keeps water away. Many leaks also take a while to detect and are only obvious once the drywall around the skylight starts to bubble or buckle.  

Cracks: Cracks in your skylight are one of the most visible signs that you need replacement. Unfortunately, they aren’t always easy to prevent—severe weather like hail can cause your skylight to crack. If a crack has caused a leak, it needs to be taken care of right away. 

These aren’t the only skylight problems, but they are two of the most frequently experienced ones. 

Types of Skylight Replacement 

There are different skylights available for homeowners and they all depend on what the homeowners would like to achieve in that space.  

Ventilating skylights  

Ventilating skylights allow homeowners to open and close their skylights and enjoy the fresh air. Some of the fresh air skylights are solar-powered which means that they can automatically open and close dependent on humidity and air temperature inside the home. 

Fixed 

Fixed skylights do not open so there isn’t any mechanism to worry about. They simply let the light in! Hiring a professional to install your fixed skylight is highly recommended.  

Tubular 

Tubular skylights aren’t the biggest, wide-open sky views. In fact, they allow light into smaller spaces where a larger skylight may not function.  

Skylight Replacement in MD, DC & VA 

If you have a leaking or cracked skylight, or are experiencing any other issues with your skylight, it most likely needs to be replaced. If you live in Maryland, Washington, DC, Richmond, or northern Virginia, Shanco can help you with your skylight replacement project. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to talk to one of our professionals about your skylight problem!