You'll pay an average of $926 for the cost of skylight repairs, but prices range from $454 to $1,465, depending on the extent of the issue and type of skylight.
Skylight repairs cost $926 on average, but you could pay anywhere from $150 up to $2,950. To get an accurate price for your window project, you should consider the type of repair you need, the size of the skylight, the type of skylight you have, and a few other factors.
Skylight window repair costs range widely based on a few key factors, so you’ll have to consider a handful of things if you want the most accurate repair costs possible.
While a leaking skylight is unquestionably the most obvious issue, other common problems include cracked, chipped, or foggy glass. Drafts or a corroded frame can also be issues that lead to a loss of efficiency or difficulty opening and closing the window. Your repair costs will depend on what type of repair you need.
| Skylight Problem | Repair Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Broken hand crank | $50–$400 |
| Drafts | $50–$800 |
| Leaks | $50–$700 |
| Fogged glass | $50–$700 |
| Damaged shades | $100–$500 |
| Frame corrosion | $150–$600 |
| Cracked frame | $200–$600 |
| Motor issue | $150–$1,000 |
| Damaged flashing | $300–$500 |
| Cracked glass | $300–$1,500 |
A manual skylight normally uses a hand crank that you operate with a pole, and if the hand crank breaks, you lose functionality of your skylight. Expect to pay between $50 and $400 to repair or replace the crank handle.
Leaking windows at eye level is one thing, but leaking skylights can cause a major problem in a matter of minutes. Skylight leak repairs cost between $50 and $700 to repair. The large range accounts for variations in window size and the source of the leak. If it's a small leak around the glazing of the window, weather stripping may act as a temporary fix. Cracked glass or damaged frames, however, will cost much more.
When it comes to skylights, cracked window glass almost always requires a full replacement. This is why you'll pay an average of $300 to $800 for the cost of glass replacement, or as high as $1,500 for large, specialized panels.
A drafty skylight can wreak havoc on your heating and air conditioning bills. For between $50 and $800, contractors can add weatherstripping or a UV-protective window film. On the higher end of the price range, they will need to repair the flashing, glazing, or frame.
With direct exposure to the elements, including rainwater and ice dams, skylight frames can corrode over time, regardless of whether the skylight is fixed or operable. Repairing a skylight frame costs between $150 and $600. If the frame is beyond repair, you may need to consider the cost of skylight installation, which averages about $1,800 and should serve as a permanent fix.
A cracked skylight frame can leak unconditioned air and even water into your home and will cost between $200 and $600 to repair. In some cases, you’ll need a full window replacement if the damage is extensive, which can push your total up to $1,900 for a full replacement. You may also want to have a structural engineer come in—adding around $550 to your total—to check if settlement or another structural issue was the underlying cause of the damage.
Skylights that use motors for automatic operation may not open or close properly if the motor gets worn out. Replacing the motor can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000, depending on the type and size of the motor.
Another cause of a leaking skylight is damage to the flashing on the exterior. If that’s your issue, you’ll need a skylight repair professional to get up on your roof, remove the top layer of shingles, repair or replace the flashing, and reinstall the shingles. Expect to pay between $300 and $500 for this repair, and note that costs can increase from there depending on how much damage the leak has caused underneath your shingles.
Foggy glass on any window is common on a chilly day or in the bathroom after you've taken a hot shower. But condensation between the panes will require a repair. Skylight repair costs in this case range from $50 to $700 depending on how simple it is for your contractor to access the window, remove the condensation, and repair the seal.
You'll find a few different types of skylights on the market that pair with every ceiling design. While some open and close on a hinge, others are fixed and simply add natural light to a room. You can also choose between traditional skylights or solar tubes, which are domed versions of skylights that link an otherwise dark room to your roof. Different skylight designs call for different repair costs.
| Type of Skylight | Repair Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Solar Tube | $300–$500 |
| Fixed Skylight | $350–$900 |
| Ventilated | $500–$1,200 |
Most skylights use either double-pane or triple-pane glass for efficiency, durability, and soundproofing. Repairs on windows with triple-pane glass will often be more expensive, especially if you need a full replacement. Just for comparison, replacing a double-pane skylight can cost up to $2,100, while replacing a triple-pane skylight can cost up to $3,550. Repairs of triple-pane windows tend to be more involved and will come with higher prices.
Larger skylights will cost more in materials and labor to repair and replace, so expect costs to increase with skylight dimensions. Just as an example, a skylight that’s 16 by 32 inches costs an average of $400 to repair, while a large 48-by-48-inch skylight costs an average of $1,000 to repair.
Since repairing a skylight is rarely a safe job to handle yourself, it's best to call contractors who install skylights and can handle repairs with expertise. Professionals will charge between $30 and $90 an hour for the cost of most window repairs, though accessibility will certainly play a role as well. Steeply sloped roofs or high ceilings may cause the job to take longer and will increase the fee.
Assume that most skylight repairs will take between two and three hours to address, which brings total labor costs to between $90 and $270.
I don’t suggest any clients do DIY glass repairs to save money—I consider it dangerous if you’re not familiar with the work. If you don’t put the spacers the proper way or miss a spacer, your glass will become crooked and, over time, start moving and collapsing.
Accessibility is the trickiest cost factor for skylight repairs. Contractors will often need to work on the outside of your roof to assess and fix the problem. If your roof's pitch falls outside the normal range—over 60% slope—they may need special equipment to access the area. You’ll pay higher fees for repairs on less accessible skylights because the job will take longer and demand higher labor fees.
When a natural disaster damages your skylight, repair costs may fall under your home insurance coverage. Get to know your home insurance policy if you haven't already, particularly when it pertains to windows and roofs. If the skylight is new, check the warranty for coverage as well.
In most cases, you won’t need permits for skylight repair, but if the damage is severe and you need a full skylight replacement, permits may become necessary. If you do need a permit, expect to add between $50 and $250 to your repair bill. Your contractor should let you know if you need permits, and they’ll pull the permit for you and add the cost to your total.
Most window installers don’t charge separately for labor warranties, and most manufacturers just include the cost of the material warranty in the cost of equipment. However, expect to pay 10% to 15% more for high-quality windows and reliable contractors who include warranty coverage with your repair.
Repairing or replacing a skylight is an unsafe DIY job for several reasons. Not only are skylights on the roof, meaning they’re dangerous to access, but handling glass and other components overhead is particularly precarious. If the skylight is easy to reach without a ladder, there are small fixes you can do on your own. Patching a small window crack or replacing the latch are both straightforward projects. You can also replace weather stripping on easier-to-reach skylights.
For all other repairs, especially those that require roof access, it’s best to leave the work to a local skylight repair company. Not only will you keep yourself out of harm’s way, but you’ll also get a professional repair that’s less likely to lead to leaks and other issues down the road.
There is a lot to consider when deciding if you should repair or replace a skylight. Replacing the entire skylight will cost around $1,900, which is more expensive than the average cost of a skylight repair. However, replacing your skylight could save money on ongoing repairs if you make this decision earlier than later. If the skylight is older than 15 years and experiencing frequent issues, talk to your window contractor about starting fresh.
Skylights are also the type of window that’s most likely to leak, due to its position on a non-vertical surface and direct exposure to snow and rain. If you’re dealing with a leak, a full replacement might be a wise decision even if your window isn’t that old. A new window with professional installation should give you a better shot at avoiding expensive water damage.
Skylight repair can be expensive, totaling up to around $2,950. However, there are a few things you can do to help keep costs down.
Check insurance and warranty coverage: Always begin by checking your homeowners insurance and window warranties. You might be able to avoid out-of-pocket costs altogether if the damage is covered by homeowners insurance or a warranty.
Work with a reliable professional: You’ll pay more for labor when hiring a pro, but given the risk of leaking and other issues with a skylight, this is one project where it pays to hire a pro.
Shop around for the best prices: Meet with at least three professional window repair teams to compare costs, warranties, and quality of work.
Stay ahead of the issues: Consider an occasional roof inspection to locate issues before they cause expensive property damage.
Don’t be afraid to start fresh: Consider a full replacement when repairs become too costly over time. You’ll pay more up front to replace over repair, but long-term prices could be significantly lower.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Skylights last an average of 15 years before requiring repairs and upgrades. If you're experiencing multiple issues with an older skylight, it may be time for a replacement. In most cases, however, professionals will be able to repair or replace individual parts of your skylight for less, such as the glass or the flashing.
Due to their placement on the roof, skylights are often prone to leaks, drafts, mold, and corrosion from frequent exposure to rain and snow. However, contractors are ready for these issues, and there are ways to improve your skylight to prolong its lifespan. The trick is catching common skylight issues early and ensuring the problem doesn't stem from the surrounding roof.
Replacing a skylight is not a job for the determined DIYer, as it’s an involved and dangerous process. Since the process requires access to the roof and handling delicate glass and a heavy frame, it's best to leave this to the professionals. Replacing a skylight will only take a couple of hours for a professional unless they need to make repairs to the surrounding roof.
