Should You Replace Your Skylights When Replacing Your Roof?
Replacing your roof? Don't overlook the skylights. Reusing old skylight flashing or keeping an aging skylight can create unnecessary risks for your new roofing system.
In this educational video, Jay from Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations examines an existing VELUX skylight and explains why skylight replacement should be considered during a roof replacement project.
During the inspection, Jay identifies old nail marks and shingle impressions on the skylight flashing, indicating that the flashing and skylights were reused when the roof was previously replaced.
Although the existing installation appears to have performed adequately, Jay explains why reusing skylights and the old flashing isn't a practice Blue Fox recommends.
Why replace skylight flashing during a roof replacement?
Skylight flashing is an essential part of the roof's waterproofing system. Properly installed flashing directs rainwater away from the skylight and integrates with the surrounding shingles.
When a roof is replaced, new manufacturer-approved flashing helps ensure that the skylight is properly integrated with the new roofing materials.
What about the skylight itself?
Skylights have seals and other components that can deteriorate over time. Even when an older skylight isn't currently leaking, its age and condition should be considered before installing a new roof around it.
Replacing an aging skylight during roof replacement can help avoid the expense and disruption of removing roofing materials again if the skylight fails later.
How do you replace a discontinued skylight?
Jay explains how measurements of an existing VELUX skylight can be used with the manufacturer's replacement identification tools to locate a compatible new model.
Because replacement skylights may have different dimensions, some installations require adjustments to the roof opening or interior trim and finishes.
The takeaway: A new roof is an opportunity to address aging skylights and flashing before they become a source of water intrusion. Blue Fox generally recommends replacing older skylights and using new, manufacturer-approved flashing rather than reusing existing components.
Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations provides professional roof inspections, roof leak investigations, roof repairs, and roof replacements throughout Charlotte, Matthews, Waxhaw, Weddington, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, and surrounding North Carolina communities.
Roof Leaks: We find 'em. We fix 'em. We promise.