Most skylights don’t fail all at once. They get worse gradually, a small leak becomes an annual repair, the acrylic dome starts turning yellow, the room gets hotter in summer and darker throughout the year. Eventually the cost of continuing to repair an aging skylight exceeds the cost of replacing it.
We’ve replaced skylights on virtually every roof type in Los Angeles. The decision between repair and replacement comes down to one thing: whether the underlying system can be made reliable again, or whether it’s time to start fresh. We’ll tell you which one applies before anything is scheduled.
We replace residential and commercial skylights throughout Los Angeles, including aging acrylic domes, failed glass units, leaking curb-mounted systems, and custom skylights that have reached the end of their service life.
When Replacement Makes More Sense Than Repair
Many skylights can be repaired. Not all of them should be. Replacement is often the better long-term choice when:
- The glazing is cracked or damaged
- The acrylic dome has yellowed or become brittle
- The frame is corroded or deteriorating
- Multiple repairs have already been attempted
- The skylight is 20–25 years old or older
- Repair costs are approaching replacement costs
In those situations, replacement often eliminates recurring problems while improving energy efficiency and appearance at the same time.
Aging Acrylic Domes
Many older Los Angeles homes still have acrylic or polycarbonate dome skylights installed decades ago. Over time these materials are exposed to constant UV radiation and temperature changes. The result is usually:
- Yellowing
- Brittleness
- Surface cracking
- Reduced light transmission
- Increased heat gain
Unfortunately, these issues cannot be repaired. Once the material has degraded, replacement is the only permanent solution. Many homeowners are surprised by how much brighter a room becomes after replacing an aging dome with modern glass.
Upgrading to Modern Glass Skylights
The majority of replacements we perform involve upgrading older dome skylights to insulated glass units. Modern glass skylights provide:
- Better clarity
- Improved energy efficiency
- Reduced solar heat gain
- Better long-term durability
- Improved appearance
For many homes, the upgrade improves both comfort and natural daylight while eliminating chronic leak issues associated with older systems. We frequently install Velux, CrystaLite, Solar Industries, and other residential and commercial skylight systems depending on the application.
Replacing Large Acrylic Domes
Some older homes have oversized acrylic domes spanning large openings. These units often develop problems over time, including flexing, stress cracking, expansion noises, and premature aging.
In many cases, replacing a large single dome with a properly engineered multi-panel system creates a stronger and more durable solution. By reducing the span of each panel, structural stress is reduced and long-term performance improves. This is a common upgrade for larger residential openings throughout Los Angeles.
Can the Existing Opening Be Reused?
Usually, yes. Most skylight replacements can be completed using the existing roof opening. That means:
- No major structural changes
- Faster installation
- Lower overall cost
- Minimal disruption inside the home
The old skylight is removed, the curb and flashing are rebuilt as needed, and the new unit is installed into the existing opening. For homeowners who want more daylight, we can also enlarge the opening as part of the replacement project.
Custom Skylight Replacements
Not every skylight has a modern off-the-shelf equivalent. We regularly encounter older custom skylights in hillside homes, architectural residences, and commercial buildings throughout Los Angeles. These projects may involve:
- Custom glass fabrication
- Non-standard dimensions
- Specialty glazing
- Trapezoidal or angled glass
- Architectural replacement systems
When necessary, we template the opening and coordinate fabrication to match the original design as closely as possible.
Skylight Replacement Cost
Pricing varies by skylight type, roof material, and scope of work.
Velux FCM Replacement (Standard Sizes)
A Velux FCM glass replacement into an existing opening on a shingle roof typically runs $900–$1,200 for standard sizes. Tile roofs add labor for tile removal and reset and run higher.
Solar Venting Upgrade
Upgrading to a Velux solar venting unit adds approximately $1,500–$1,750 to the base cost. One thing worth knowing: Velux now bundles shades with their skylights. If you want the skylight without the shade, that option no longer exists, the shade is included in the package price whether you want it or not.
Custom and Non-Standard Replacements
Projects involving custom glass fabrication, enlarged openings, or structural modifications are quoted individually based on the specific scope required.
We’ll inspect the existing skylight, explain your options, and provide clear pricing before any work begins.
When Replacement Is the Right Answer
Replacement becomes the correct scope when repair would leave the underlying problem unsolved. The four conditions that typically make replacement the better decision:
Frame Deterioration
Wood-framed skylights from the 1980s and 1990s develop rot at the corners and base where moisture has infiltrated over years. A deteriorated frame cannot hold flashing correctly regardless of what repair work is done above it. The frame and the unit need to come out together.
Acrylic Dome Failure
Older acrylic bubble domes yellow, crack, and become brittle with UV exposure. They can’t be repaired, only replaced. The transition from a dome system to a flat glass unit typically requires rebuilding the curb as well, since dome units and flat glass units have different base profiles.
Fogged or Cracked Insulated Glass
When the seal fails on a dual-pane unit, the argon or air fill is lost and condensation forms permanently between the panes. The glass assembly needs to be replaced. In most cases the frame can stay if it’s structurally sound and the new glass matches the original dimensions.
Incorrect Original Installation
Some skylights were installed in a way that can’t be corrected without pulling the unit, wrong size opening, curb built to the wrong height, flashing integrated into the deck rather than the shingles. In these cases, repair attempts just delay the inevitable. A clean removal and reinstall is the right scope.
What Replacement Actually Involves
A full skylight replacement includes removing the existing unit, inspecting the framing and sheathing for moisture damage, installing the new unit to manufacturer spec, reflashing the opening completely, and sealing the roof transitions. Interior finish work is coordinated with a finish contractor afterward, we don’t include drywall in our scope.
Most replacements in the same opening are completed in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a fixed skylight with a venting skylight?
Usually yes. This is one of the most common upgrades we perform. Many homeowners use replacement as an opportunity to add ventilation without significantly changing the opening size. Solar-powered venting models are particularly popular because they do not require new electrical wiring.
Will the interior need drywall work?
Sometimes. If the replacement skylight matches the existing dimensions, interior work is usually minimal. If the opening size changes, some drywall modification may be required around the shaft or ceiling opening. We’ll explain what to expect before work begins.
How long does replacement take?
Most standard residential replacements are completed in a single day. Larger custom systems or projects involving structural modifications may require additional time. We’ll provide a project timeline during the estimate.
Serving: Los Angeles · Pasadena · Glendale · Sherman Oaks · Santa Monica · Beverly Hills · Malibu · Silver Lake · Culver City
Licensed, insured, and ready to help. Most estimates provided within one business day.
"Called on a Tuesday, they were at the house Thursday morning. The estimate was detailed, broken down line by line, and came in right in the middle of what I'd seen quoted elsewhere. Went with them because they actually explained what they were going to do and why. No surprises on the day."
