Skylight

They can. In North Texas summers, a skylight adds solar heat gain to the room below. Low-E coated glass, blinds, or solar shades can reduce this significantly. Newer skylights have much better insulation and solar heat rejection than older models.

Most roofs can accommodate a skylight, but factors like roof pitch, framing, and the location of rafters or trusses affect feasibility and cost. A roofer will assess your roof structure to determine the best placement.

Yes, this is highly recommended. If your skylight is more than 10 years old, replacing it during a reroof is much cheaper than doing it separately since the roofer already has the area exposed. It also ensures the flashing integrates properly with the new roofing.

The most common causes are deteriorated flashing, cracked seals, and storm damage from hail. North Texas temperature swings cause expansion and contraction that breaks down sealant over time. Most leaks can be fixed by resealing and reflashing without replacing the entire skylight.

Fixed skylights are the most common and least prone to leaks. Vented skylights can help with airflow but have more seals that can fail. For North Texas, choose a skylight with low-E glass and a high impact rating to withstand hail.

A quality skylight typically lasts 15-20 years. The seal and flashing usually fail before the glass. If your skylight is fogging between the panes or leaking despite repairs, it’s time for a replacement.

Yes. A new skylight installation requires a building permit in most North Texas cities because it involves cutting into the roof structure. Replacements using the same opening may not require a permit, but check with your local building department.