SKYLIGHT INSTALL
& REPAIR OKC

Skylight leaks are almost never caused by the glass or the skylight unit itself - they're caused by the flashing system surrounding the skylight failing to maintain a weathertight seal at the transition between the skylight frame and the surrounding roofing material. This transition point is one of the most demanding details in residential roofing: it must be watertight against driving Oklahoma rain, flexible enough to accommodate the thermal movement of both the metal skylight frame and the surrounding shingles, durable enough to handle decade-scale UV exposure, and maintainable when components inevitably age. The traditional approach of using caulk at skylight perimeters fails within 3–7 years in Oklahoma's temperature extremes as caulk becomes brittle and loses adhesion. The proper approach is a manufacturer-specified flashing kit that creates a mechanical water barrier independent of sealant adhesion, combined with proper counter flashing and step flashing integration with the roofing underlayment. We remove the old flashing and caulk entirely, prepare the deck and frame, and install a proper integrated flashing system. When done correctly, skylight flashing should last as long as the surrounding roof.

We install three primary types of skylights on OKC residential and commercial roofs. Fixed skylights are permanently sealed units designed purely for light transmission - they don't open, which means maximum weather resistance and the simplest possible installation. They're excellent for living rooms, hallways, and any space where you want natural light without ventilation. Vented skylights can be opened to allow airflow, which serves both ventilation and passive cooling functions. Modern vented skylights from manufacturers like Velux include solar-powered opening mechanisms with rain sensors that automatically close the skylight when precipitation is detected - a very practical feature for Oklahoma's unpredictable weather. Tubular skylights (also called solar tubes or sun tunnels) use a small roof-mounted dome connected to a reflective tube that channels natural light into spaces far from the roof surface - perfect for interior bathrooms, hallways, and closets that can't be served by a traditional skylight. We work with Velux, Fakro, and other quality manufacturers and can discuss which product and type best suits your specific space and roofline configuration.

Yes - skylight glazing is a covered component under Oklahoma homeowner's insurance claims for hail damage. Modern skylight glazing is typically tempered glass or impact-resistant polycarbonate, both of which can be cracked, crazed, or completely shattered by large hail impacts. Even hail that doesn't break through the glazing can cause micro-fractures that compromise the unit's insulating properties and lead to condensation between layers in dual-pane units. Skylight frames - typically aluminum - dent visibly from hail impacts, and the frame seal where glazing meets frame can be disrupted by significant impacts. We document skylight damage as part of every storm inspection and include it in insurance claims. Skylight replacement is expensive - quality units can run $500–$2,000 for the product alone plus installation - and insurance coverage is meaningful. If your home has skylights and you've had a significant hail event, make sure your inspection specifically documents the skylight condition. We see this component missed in initial claim scopes more often than it should be.

Skylight installation costs in the OKC market depend on three main factors: the type and size of skylight unit, the complexity of the roof structure at the installation location, and the interior finishing required. For tubular skylights - the simplest installation with no structural modification required - material and installation typically runs $500–$900 depending on tube length. Fixed deck-mounted skylights in standard sizes installed over accessible attic space typically run $800–$1,800 including flashing, with the unit cost varying significantly by manufacturer and glazing quality. Vented skylights cost more - both the unit and the wiring or solar kit for motorized operation add to the total. Any installation that requires structural modifications - opening a rafter bay, adding a light shaft through finished ceiling space, or framing a new curb - adds cost and time. We provide written estimates for all skylight projects after assessing your specific roof structure, attic configuration, and the space you want to serve. There are no surprises - you know the full scope and cost before we schedule installation.

Skylights have a complex relationship with energy efficiency in Oklahoma's climate, and the honest answer depends on how and where they're installed. On the positive side: well-placed skylights reduce daytime electric lighting demand significantly - a quality skylight can reduce artificial lighting use in the spaces it serves by 50–75% during daylight hours. Vented skylights used properly can also reduce cooling loads through passive stack ventilation in spring and fall. On the challenging side: Oklahoma's intense summer sun means skylights positioned to receive direct summer sun (south or west facing on steep-pitch roofs) add significant solar heat gain that increases cooling loads. The fix is orientation - north-facing skylights provide consistent, glare-free light with minimal heat gain. Low-E glazing dramatically reduces solar heat gain while maintaining light transmission. For Oklahoma specifically, we recommend low-E glazed units positioned to maximize winter sun gain while limiting summer exposure. Our installations are designed with your specific home orientation and climate performance in mind, not just installed wherever is most convenient from a structural standpoint.

Several factors guide this decision. Repair makes sense when the skylight unit itself is in good condition and the problem is limited to the flashing or sealant - this is the most common scenario and one where a proper reflashing job solves the leak for the remaining life of the unit. Replacement becomes appropriate when: the skylight glazing is cracked, crazed, or has failed seals between panes (evidenced by persistent fogging or condensation between layers), the frame has significant corrosion or physical damage, the unit is more than 20–25 years old and approaching end of service life, the unit is a discontinued product for which parts or matching replacements aren't available, or the project coincides with a roof replacement where replacing the skylight is minimally incremental in cost. We assess each situation honestly - reflashing is significantly less expensive than replacement, and we're not going to recommend replacement when reflashing is the technically correct and cost-effective solution. If you're having your roof replaced and have skylights that are more than 15 years old, the decision about whether to replace them at the same time is worth discussing, as the incremental cost during a roof replacement is lower than a standalone future replacement.