Skylight Repair, Replacement & Installation in NYC
Skylights bring welcome light into New York homes, but they are also among the most common leak points on a roof. East NYC Roofing repairs, re-flashes, replaces and installs skylights, with the curb and flashing work done carefully to keep water out for the long run.
- 20 years in business
- 10-year warranty on replacements
- Within 2 hours for leaks
- Free written estimate
Problems this solves
- Water dripping around the skylight frame
- Stains on the ceiling or light shaft
- Condensation between glass panes
- Cracked or crazed glass or acrylic dome
- Worn, cracked or missing seals and gaskets
- Flashing that is lifted, corroded or poorly sealed
- Rotted curb or framing around the opening
- Skylight that will not open or close properly
- Drafts or heat gain through an old unit
- Leaks that return after sealant patches
Skylights explained
A skylight is a window set into the roof, and it needs flashing that works together with the roof covering around it. Most skylight leaks come from failed flashing or sealant, not from the glass itself. Fixing a leak often means removing the old flashing and rebuilding it properly, which may include a new curb on a flat roof. If the unit itself is cracked, fogged or past its service life, replacing it while re-flashing the opening makes better sense than repeated patching.
Options and materials
Re-flashing existing skylight
Removing old flashing and sealant and installing new step flashing or a flashing kit, so the existing unit stays in place and the leak is stopped for good.
Skylight replacement
Swapping an old, cracked or fogged unit for a new one sized to the existing opening, with new flashing and weatherproofing so the whole assembly is renewed together.
New skylight installation
Cutting a new roof opening, framing it, installing the unit and flashing it into the roof. This may involve structural review and building permits, which we explain in advance.
Curb-mounted units on flat roofs
Raised curbs with membrane flashing for flat and low-slope roofs, where the proper curb height and a continuous waterproof connection to the roof are essential.
Interior light shaft repair
Repairing and refinishing drywall, trim and shaft finishes damaged by past leaks, once the skylight and its flashing have been fixed and the area has dried out.
Our process
- Leak diagnosisWe inspect the flashing, curb, glazing and surrounding roof to find the true source, and check the interior light shaft for damage and moisture.
- Repair or replace decisionWe explain whether re-flashing will fix the problem or the unit has reached the end of its life, with a written scope for either path.
- Remove old flashingFailed flashing, sealant and any wet or rotted material around the opening are cleaned out and repaired so the new work has a sound base.
- Install flashing and unitNew flashing is integrated with the roof covering, and a new skylight is set and secured if replacement or new installation is part of the scope.
- WeatherproofingJoints and transitions are sealed and detailed, and shingles or membrane are tied in around the unit so water is directed over and around it.
- Test and cleanupWe check the work, clear the area and provide photo documentation along with the written workmanship warranty. Terms are on our warranty page.
What affects the price
Repair versus replacement
Re-flashing an existing unit usually costs less than replacing it. A cracked or fogged unit tilts the decision toward replacement, which includes the new unit itself.
Unit size and type
Larger, operable or specialty units cost more than fixed units, and a bigger opening needs more framing, more flashing and more careful weatherproofing.
New opening or existing opening
Cutting a new opening requires framing, structural consideration and possible permits, which adds scope compared with swapping a unit in an existing opening.
Roof type
Shingle, flat membrane, slate and metal roofs each need a different flashing approach, with different materials and different amounts of labor to do it well.
Curb and framing condition
Rotted curbs or wet framing must be rebuilt. The extent is confirmed once the old flashing comes off and the structure around the opening can be seen.
Interior finishing
Repairing the light shaft, drywall and paint after a leak is separate from the roof-side work and is scoped on its own so you can decide how far to go.
Getting a price
Because these factors change from roof to roof, we don't publish one-size-fits-all prices. We inspect your roof for free and give you a written, itemized estimate before any work starts.
Every skylights job includes
- Leak diagnosis and inspection
- Written scope for repair or replacement
- Permit handling where required
- Interior and roof protection
- Removal of old flashing and sealant
- New flashing integrated with the roof covering
- Curb repair or build as scoped
- Weatherproof sealing and detailing
- Debris removal and cleanup
- Written workmanship warranty, terms on our warranty page
Written workmanship warranty on every job; full roof replacements carry our 10-year warranty. Warranty terms.