Skylights are a bit of a gamble, honestly. I put one in during a reno about ten years ago—loved the extra light, but it did end up leaking after a few winters. Had to get it reflashed and sealed, which wasn’t cheap. If you go that route, make sure whoever installs it really knows what they’re doing. On the insulation front, totally agree—it’s not flashy, but man, it makes a difference in how the house feels. Sometimes comfort is worth more than saving a few bucks on the bill.
Title: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
- Skylights are tricky, no doubt. I’ve seen even high-end ones fail if the install’s not spot-on. Flashing is key, but it’s also about how the roof is pitched and what kind of weather you get. Sometimes, I’ve advised folks to skip skylights altogether if they’re in a spot with heavy snow or wind-driven rain—just not worth the headache.
- Insulation’s one of those things people don’t get excited about, but you feel it every day. I always push for upgrading it during a roof job, even if it bumps the budget a bit. The payoff in comfort (and fewer drafts) is real.
- Curious—what’s the current roof structure? Rafters or trusses? Sometimes older homes have odd framing that makes adding insulation or skylights more complicated than folks expect.
- Also, what’s your climate like? That can totally change what materials make sense. Some roofs just don’t play well with certain types of skylights or insulation.
Had a client once who insisted on a huge skylight over their kitchen in a cold climate... looked great for two years, then came the ice dams. Learned that lesson the hard way.
I get where you’re coming from about skipping skylights in tough climates, but I’d push back a bit—there are some really advanced options out now that handle snow and rain way better than the old ones did. Triple-glazed, low-profile models with integrated flashing kits can be surprisingly resilient, even in places with wild weather. The key is definitely the install, but also making sure the roof’s slope and water management are dialed in.
If you love natural light or want that “wow” factor, I wouldn’t write off skylights altogether. It’s more about picking the right style and making sure your contractor is meticulous. I’ve seen some luxury homes in mountain regions pull it off beautifully with heated flashing and proper insulation around the curb. It’s a splurge, but if you’re already redoing the roof, it can be worth it for both comfort and resale value.
Just my two cents—sometimes those dream features are possible with the right planning (and budget).
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
You nailed it about the newer skylight tech—triple glazing and heated flashing are game changers. I used to be firmly in the “no skylights in snow country” camp, but after seeing a neighbor’s install last winter (and zero leaks, even with three feet of snow), I’m rethinking things. The install really is everything, though. If your contractor’s not detail-obsessed, even the fanciest skylight won’t save you from headaches. But when it’s done right? That natural light is hard to beat, especially on those gloomy days.
The install really is everything, though. If your contractor’s not detail-obsessed, even the fanciest skylight won’t save you from headaches.
That’s the part that always makes me nervous. I’ve seen too many “high-end” installs go sideways because someone rushed the flashing or skipped a step. I mean, triple glazing and heated flashing sound great on paper, but what happens when the snow starts melting and refreezing around the seams? Anyone actually seen how those heated flashings hold up after a couple seasons? Or is it just another thing to break down the line?
I get the appeal of more light—my place feels like a cave half the year—but I’m still haunted by the memory of a buddy’s living room turning into a wading pool thanks to a “premium” skylight. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I’d want to see a few years of leak-free winters before I trust any new tech up there.
Curious if anyone’s had to deal with ice dams around these newer skylights, or if that’s less of a thing now.
