How Much Does Skylight Repair Cost? [2024 Data] | Angi (2024)

Skylight Repair Cost Factors

Whether they're large, small, easy to open, or sealed shut, skylight windows are as unique as their repair costs. Here are repairs related to each type of skylight and the repair prices to expect. Keep in mind that nearly all of these repairs are best handled by a pro and will include labor costs.

Skylight Design

You'll find types of skylights on the market that pair with every ceiling design. While some open and close on a hinge, others simply add natural light to a room. You can also choose between traditional skylights or solar tubes, which are domed versions of skylights that link an otherwise dark room to your roof. Different skylight designs call for different repair costs.

Skylight Problem

While a leaking skylight is unquestionably the most obvious issue, other common problems include cracked, chipped, or foggy glass. Drafts or a corroded frame can also be issues. While we'll break down the cost of skylight repairs by problem further below, here's what to expect from the telltale signs that you need a window professional.

Broken Part

Each issue above may stem from different parts of the skylight. Leaks stemming from cracked glass, for example, will often require replacing the entire pane. At the same time, leaks can also come from worn flashing or glazing. Yet again, we'll break this down more below, but here are some skylight repair costs to keep in mind.

Labor

Since repairing a skylight is rarely a safe job to handle yourself, it's best to call contractors who install skylights and can handle repairs with expertise. Professionals will charge between $30 and $90 an hour for the cost of most window repairs, though accessibility will certainly play a role as well. Steeply sloped roofs or high ceilings may increase the fee. Assume that most skylight repairs will take between two and three hours to address.

Accessibility

Accessibility is the trickiest cost factor for skylight repairs. Contractors will often need to work on the outside of your roof to assess and fix the problem. If your roof's pitch falls outside the normal range—over 60% slope—they may need special equipment to access the area.

Insurance Coverage

When a natural disaster damages your skylight, repair costs may fall under your home insurance coverage. Get to know your home insurance policy if you haven't already, particularly when it pertains to windows and roofs. If the skylight is new, check the warranty for coverage as well.

Cost by Skylight Problem

When you chat with a local skylight repair team, you'll likely begin by describing the issue. Either your skylight leaks water, air, or both in many cases. Here's a bit more about skylight repair costs depending on the problem.

Leak

Leaking windows at eye level is one thing, but leaking skylights can cause a major problem in a matter of minutes. Skylight leak repairs cost between $50 and $700. The large range accounts for variations in size and source of the leak. If it's a small leak around the glazing of the window, weatherstripping may act as a temporary fix. Cracked glass or damaged frames, however, will cost much more.

Cracked Glass

When it comes to skylights, cracked window glass almost always requires a full replacement. This is why you'll pay an average of $300 to $800 for the cost of glass replacement, or as high as $1,500 for large, specialized panels.

Drafts

A drafty skylight can wreak havoc on your heating and air conditioning bills. For between $50 and $800, contractors can add weatherstripping or a UV-protective window film. On the higher end of the price range, they will need to repair the flashing, glazing, or frame.

Frame Corrosion

Skylight frames can corrode over time, regardless of whether the skylight is fixed or operable. With direct exposure to the elements, including rainwater and ice dams, they handle a lot. Repairing a skylight frame costs between $150 and $600. If the frame is beyond repair, you may need to consider the cost of skylight installation, which averages about $1,800.

Fogged Glass

Foggy glass on any window is common on a chilly day or in the bathroom after you've taken a hot shower. But fogging inside a double or triple-pane window will need a repair. Skylight repair costs in this case range from $50 to $700 depending on whether it's simply a ventilation issue or a larger problem with the window's seal.

Skylight Repair Cost by Part

Photo: KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

When you zoom in closer, you can get a better sense of skylight repair prices by focusing on the cost of each part. The prices include the cost of labor to repair or replace these parts as well.

Skylight Glass

As we noted above, replacing skylight glass costs between $300 and $1,500 on average, including installation. The type, size, and special features on the glass will determine your bottom line. You'll pay more, for example, for customized glass that goes outside the standard window sizes or for glass fortified with multiple panes, wire mesh, or insulated glazing.

Frame

Skylight frames can develop corrosion, mold, ice dams, and functional issues. Skylights that won't open may stem from a broken frame. Repairing a skylight frame typically costs between $200 and $600.

Flashing

Flashing is the protective border between a skylight and the roof. Flashing repair around skylights costs between $300 and $500. You may need to contact a roofing specialist in addition to a skylight contractor.

Motor

Do you have a modern skylight that opens and closes via motor? Repairing the motor will heavily depend on the brand and type of system you've chosen but will cost between $150 and $1,000 on average. An electrician may need to take a look at the surrounding wiring if there are issues beyond the mechanism itself.

Hand Crank

Repairing and replacing broken hand cracks is often an easy project. You'll often spot these on awning windows that are easy to reach. You'll pay between $50 and $400 for professional replacement, or between $10 and $70 for the part. For skylights at eye level—such as those on low, slanted ceilings—this is one of the only DIY jobs in this category.

Shades

Skylight shades are a must-have when your skylight is located in a bedroom. Replacing skylight shades will cost between $100 and $500. The higher price range accounts for the labor to reach the skylight and properly attach the adjustable shades.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Repairing or replacing a skylight is an unsafe DIY job for several reasons. Not only are most skylights on the roof, but handling a large piece of glass overhead is particularly precarious. If the skylight is easy to reach without a ladder, there are small fixes you can do on your own. Patching a small window crack or replacing the latch are both straightforward projects. You can also replace weatherstripping on easier-to-reach skylights.

Cost of Skylight Repair Add-Ons

While you have a professional on the roof, it’s a good time to address other issues you’ve been meaning to deal with. You can lower your overall costs by bundling multiple projects together in one visit.

Repair vs. Replacement

There is a lot to consider when deciding if you should repair or replace a skylight. Replacing the entire skylight will cost around $1,500, but you could save money on ongoing repairs if you make this decision earlier than later. If the skylight is older than 15 years and experiencing frequent issues, talk to your window contractor about starting fresh.

Window Tints

There are multiple types of window tints and films that can make your home more comfortable. These tints help control UV rays, block drafts, and even protect against cracks from impact. You'll typically pay $2 to $14 per square foot for window tints.

Skylight Cleaning

Professional window cleaning costs about $200 a visit or about $12 per skylight in your home. Keep in mind that cleaning the outside of skylights that do not open will require a team with specialized safety equipment.

Roofing Repairs

If your skylight professional spots an issue with the surrounding roof as they fix your skylight, the cost of roof repairs will range from $150 to $7,800, or an average of $1,100. Roof repairs are quite common when replacing the flashing around skylight frames and could be the key to avoiding skylight issues in the future.

How to Reduce Skylight Repair Costs

Always begin by checking your homeowner's insurance and window warranties before determining your skylight repair costs. You can also keep costs low by working strategically with an excellent skylight repair team.

• Meet with at least three professional window repair teams to compare contracts.

• Consider an occasional roof inspection to rule out issues before they progress.

• Only DIY small jobs such as hardware replacement.

• Consider replacement when repairs become too costly over time.

• Consider bundling roof and skylight repairs in one visit.

• Avoid emergency skylight repairs which can add a rush fee to your contractor's price.