Whether you’re looking up at your existing skylight, wondering how many more years it has left, or you’re researching new skylight options for your home, the lifespan of a skylight is a crucial consideration for any homeowner. These beautiful windows transform spaces with natural light and can add significant value to your home.
But like with everything, skylights don’t last forever. If you’ve noticed your current skylight losing clarity or you’re researching the long-term commitment of installing a new one, understanding how long a skylight lasts and what affects its durability can help you make informed decisions about maintenance or installation. In this blog post, we will talk about the lifespan of different types of skylights and what you can do to improve it.
Average Lifespan of a Skylight
The lifespan of a skylight largely depends on the materials, installation quality, and maintenance. On average, most skylights last between 15 and 20 years. However, this can vary significantly based on factors such as brand, climate conditions, and whether the skylight was installed properly. For instance, skylights from the VELUX® Group and other leading skylight brands known for their durability and innovation often come with warranties spanning around 10 to 20 years, indicating their high quality and expected longevity.
Also Read: Skylights 101
Factors That Affect How Long a Skylight Lasts
Several variables influence the lifespan of a skylight. Here are the most significant ones to consider before you install a new skylight:
Material Quality
The materials used in a skylight play a vital role in determining its durability and overall lifespan. Skylights with tempered or laminated glass tend to last longer than those with plastic glazing, as glass is more resistant to UV degradation, scratches, and discoloration over time.
Just like different types of glass, there are different types of frames, too. A skylight frame is the outer layer of the skylight that surrounds the glass. Aluminum and vinyl are the most common materials used for framing. Vinyl frames are more durable and weather-resistant than wood, which is prone to rot and warping if it’s not properly maintained. Metal frames are also some of the most durable, but these skylights also tend to cost more.
Installation Quality
Proper installation ensures the longevity of even the best-quality skylights. Whether you install a curb or a deck-mounted skylight, proper planning, placing, and fixing are essential. Poor installation leads to leaks, condensation, and structural problems that shorten a skylight’s lifespan. Experienced professionals, like our team at Prestige Roofing LLC in Wisconsin, can install your skylight correctly, prevent these issues, and maximize its longevity.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
The climate and environment where your home is located can have a significant impact on the durability of your skylight. For example, here in Wisconsin, homes are more vulnerable as frequent hailstorms and heavy snow are quite common. Skylights here may experience faster wear and tear and you need to be more careful. If you live in some other state where there are extreme temperature changes and enhanced exposure to UV rays, be prepared for seals and frames to degrade over time.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance can greatly extend the life of your skylight. Regularly inspecting for cracks, seal failures, and leaks allows you to address small issues before they turn into expensive problems. Cleaning the glass and removing debris from the frame and flashing can also help maintain its integrity.
Type of Skylight
Different types of skylights have different lifespans. Fixed skylights, which don’t open or close, tend to last longer than vented skylights because they have fewer moving parts. Similarly, tubular skylights, which are smaller and simpler in design, last longer than larger skylights with complex mechanisms.
Skylight Manufacturer
The manufacturer of your skylight plays a significant role in its lifespan. Different brands offer varying levels of quality, warranties, and durability:
- VELUX is often considered the industry leader, with skylights lasting 20+ years. Their products come with robust warranties too, typically up to 10 years for leaks and defects, and 20 years for glass components.
- Fakro skylights are known for their innovative designs and typically last 15 to 20 years. They offer strong thermal insulation properties and come with a 10-year warranty on most models.
- Sun-Tek provides more budget-friendly options that can last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. While they might not have all the premium features that higher-end brands offer, they provide good value for homeowners working with tighter budgets.
How Often Do You Need To Replace Skylights?
While skylights can last up to 20 years with proper care, there are instances when replacement might be necessary sooner. Here are some common signs it’s time to replace the entire skylight:
Leaks:
Water infiltration is a clear sign that the seals or flashing around your skylight have failed. If you start noticing water stains on your ceiling or drips during rainstorms, it’s time to take action before the problem leads to serious structural damage.
Condensation:
Fogging or moisture trapped between panes of glass can indicate seal failure. This isn’t just an issue with appearance; when seals fail, your skylight loses its insulating properties and can create the perfect environment for mold growth.
Discoloration or Cracks:
Discoloration, warping, or visible cracks in the glass or frame suggest structural damage that warrants replacement.
Energy Efficiency Decline:
Older skylights may lack modern energy-efficient features like low-E coatings or double-glazing, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.
In many cases, it makes sense to replace your skylights when you’re already replacing your roof. Doing both at the same time ensures a watertight seal and saves you money on labor costs.
Also Read: What’s The Average Time For A Roof Replacement?
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Skylight
To maximize the lifespan of your skylight, follow these practices:
Schedule Regular Inspections: Have your skylights inspected annually or after severe weather events to identify any damage early. Most roof inspections include checking the skylights.
Clean Skylights Properly: Use non-abrasive cleaners and a soft cloth to clean the glass. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage seals. Though cleaning the skylights from inside is easier, you should still hire a professional for an efficient and safe approach.
Address Repairs Promptly: Fix small cracks, seal issues, or flashing damage as soon as it’s noticed to prevent more extensive problems.
Replace When Necessary: Don’t delay skylight replacement when there are clear signs of failure. Waiting too long can lead to water damage or increased energy costs.
Why Choose Prestige Roofing LLC for Skylight Replacement?
When it’s time to replace your skylight, choosing a trusted roofing and skylight professional is important. At Prestige Roofing LLC, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch craftsmanship and customer service. Our experienced team ensures your skylight is installed correctly, preventing leaks and maximizing its lifespan.
- Quality Products: We work with premium brands like VELUX to provide long-lasting, energy-efficient skylights.
- Comprehensive Services: From inspections to repairs and replacements, we’re your one-stop shop for all your skylight needs.
- Transparent Pricing: We offer clear, upfront estimates so you know exactly what to expect.
Contact us today at (920) 791-0414 to schedule an inspection or learn more about our skylight services.