Should You Replace Your Skylights During an Asphalt Roof Replacement?
When homeowners decide it is time for a new roof, they are usually focused on selecting the right shingle color, understanding the timeline, and preparing their property for construction. However, when we perform initial inspections for residents here in Monroe County and the surrounding areas, one of the first things we look at isn't just the shingles—it is the glass.
A question we frequently hear when providing roofing quotes is: "Should I replace skylights when replacing my roof?" It is a completely valid question. On the surface, if a skylight isn't currently leaking, it might seem like an unnecessary extra expense to swap it out. Why fix something that doesn't appear to be broken?
However, in the home improvement industry, leaving an aging skylight in place during a complete roof tear-off is widely considered a gamble. Upgrading your windows to the sky while putting down new shingles is less about upselling and more about protecting your home from future water damage. If you want to ensure your home is completely buttoned up before you head down the shore for summer vacation, it is crucial to understand how these two systems work together.
The Hidden Risks of Leaving Old Skylights in Place
To understand why replacing skylights during shingle roof installation makes sense, we have to look at the lifespan of the materials involved. Today's high-quality asphalt shingle roofing systems, particularly those manufactured by industry leaders like GAF, are engineered to last for decades. They are designed to withstand heavy rains, severe winds, and the harsh freeze-thaw cycles we experience during our snowy winters.
Skylights, on the other hand, have a finite lifespan. The seals around the glass expand and contract over the years. If your current skylight is already ten or fifteen years old, it is highly likely that it will fail long before your new asphalt roof reaches the end of its life.
If you decide to keep the old unit, you are essentially setting a ticking clock on a future roofing repair. When that old skylight inevitably begins to leak five years down the road, a roofing crew will have to come back, tear up the surrounding brand-new shingles, remove the old unit, install the new one, and attempt to patch the roof back together. Not only does this compromise the pristine integrity of your new roof, but it also ends up costing significantly more in repeated labor charges.
The Importance of Proper Flashing Integration
The most critical component of keeping water out of your home isn't just the glass of the skylight or the grit of the shingle; it is the flashing that connects them. Proper skylight flashing integration with an asphalt shingle roof is a meticulous process.
When our crews install a new roof, we strip everything down to the bare decking. This allows us to inspect the wood for underlying moisture damage—a common issue we spot when using drone-assisted inspections to assess storm damage. Once the decking is prepared, we install ice and water shields, underlayment, and step flashing that weaves seamlessly with the new shingles as they are laid down row by row.
Trying to install new shingles around an existing, older skylight means contractors have to carefully pry up old flashing without breaking the seal, or worse, reuse fatigued metal components. By replacing your skylights at the same time as your roof, our installers can weave the new flashing kits directly into the fresh shingles, creating an impenetrable, watertight barrier.
Making the Investment Manageable
We know that transparency is incredibly important to homeowners, especially given the rising costs of materials and the skepticism that often surrounds hiring local roofing companies. It can be frustrating to plan for a roof replacement only to find out that your skylights need attention too.
At Family Restoration Home Improvement, Inc, our process starts with a thorough, personalized consultation. We don't just hand you a vague estimate; we provide a clear, step-by-step presentation of the proposed installation. We explain our findings in plain language so you understand exactly what the total investment amount will be before any work begins. There are no hidden surprises.
Furthermore, tackling both projects simultaneously is simply more cost-effective. Because our crew is already set up on your property with the necessary safety equipment, scaffolding, and disposal dumpsters, the labor cost to drop in a new skylight is significantly reduced. For homeowners concerned about the upfront costs, we offer flexible financing options to help you protect your home without draining your savings.
The Family Restoration Difference
When installation day arrives, our commitment to treating your home as if it were our own takes center stage. Our crew arrives promptly around 7:30 am, taking extensive care to protect your property. We cover your walls, shield your bushes, and ensure that your outdoor spigot and landscaping remain completely undisturbed while we work.
Once the new roof and skylights are flawlessly integrated, we conduct a comprehensive cleanup. This includes using a heavy-duty magnet across your yard and driveway to ensure absolutely no stray nails are left behind.
Ultimately, upgrading your skylights during a roof replacement provides unparalleled peace of mind. Not only will you enjoy improved energy efficiency and brilliant natural light, but you will also be backed by robust warranties. Because we use top-tier materials, you receive a dependable manufacturer's warranty on GAF products, alongside our own 10-year labor warranty on workmanship.
If you are wondering how to tell if your roof needs replacing or if your current skylights are at risk of failing, we are here to help. Contact Family Restoration Home Improvement, Inc today. From our base near Stroudsburg, we are ready to provide you with an honest assessment and a roofing system you can rely on for decades to come.