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Skylight Replacements — VELUX Certified Installation in Rhode Island

Skylight Replacements

The skylight on your roof won’t last forever. Eventually, even the most durable, professionally installed skylights will need to be replaced. 

There are definite signs to look for in determining if it is time for a new skylight. If you see fogged glass or signs of leaks these visual cues suggest it is time to call a professional to take a look.

Also, if your skylight is over 20 years old there are new efficient models with new solar-powered features.

Lastly, if you are replacing your roof we recommend the skylight be replaced at the same time.

Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights Skylight replacement

4 great reasons to replace existing skylights when you replace a roof

1) Save Money and Time

During a skylight replacement, Pinnacle Roofing removes the shingles around the skylight to re-flash and seal the window to the roof deck or curb. Therefore, the most ideal, cost-efficient time to replace a skylight is when we re-roof and are removing all the old shingles to lay down new ones anyway.

2) Coincide Warranties

VELUX is the only skylight company to implement three layers of protection to give you peace of mind against leaks. Their industry-first No Leak Warranty* covers your skylight and its installation against leaks for 10 years. If Pinnacle Roofing replaces your skylight when you re-roof, you can coincide your skylight warranty with your roof warranty for better overall protection.

3) Improved Energy Efficiency

VELUX continually develops and tests their skylights to ensure they maintain their high standard of design. Velux’s offer Clean, Quiet, & Safe Glass (with advanced LoE coating) that provides the best balance of daylight and heat control, improving the energy efficiency of your window.

4) 30% Federal Tax Credit

When you Go Solar, you can save big! By opting for solar-powered skylights or shades and your entire project – product and installation – becomes eligible for a 30% federal solar tax credit. Save big on both your home’s energy efficiency and in your pocket with VELUX solar-powered daylighting products.

Call Rhode Island’s Skylight Repalcement Experts

At Pinnacle Roofing, we take pride in our work as we understand how important natural light is to your home. We’ll take the time to let you know about all your options so we can intall the perfect skylight. We are a Velux Certified Installer, which means we have completed VELUX’s extensive certification program and have expert knowledge to assist customers in VELUX projects.. 

Pinnacle Roofing specializes in VELUX skylight products and give you peace of mind with our quality installation process. We are a VELUX Certified Installer you have our 10-Year No Leak Promise on VELUX skylights in the southern RI area. If you’re looking to replace an existing skylight or sun tunnel, give us a call today and schedule your free skylight consultation. 

Signs Your Skylight Needs Replacement

Skylights typically last 15–25 years depending on the product, installation quality, and exposure to weather. Rhode Island’s freeze-thaw cycles, coastal humidity, and nor’easters can shorten that lifespan. Here are the most common warning signs:

  • Condensation or fogging between panes — the seal has failed and the insulating gas layer is gone, reducing energy efficiency and clarity
  • Water stains or drips around the frame — flashing deterioration or cracked glazing allowing moisture intrusion
  • Cracked, yellowed, or discolored glazing — UV degradation that affects light transmission and structural integrity
  • Visible rust or corrosion on the frame — metal frame skylights are especially prone to this in coastal Rhode Island
  • Difficult or non-functional operation — venting skylights that won’t open or close properly
  • Your skylight is 20+ years old — even without visible damage, older skylights lack the energy efficiency, UV coatings, and leak protection of modern units

If you’re noticing any of these issues, a professional inspection can determine whether repair or full replacement is the better path. In most cases, once seals fail or frames corrode, replacement is more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

Our Skylight Replacement Process

At Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights, we follow a systematic replacement process designed to protect your home and ensure a watertight installation:

  1. Inspection & Assessment — We evaluate the existing skylight, surrounding flashing, roof deck condition, and interior light shaft to determine the full scope of work.
  2. Product Selection — We help you choose the right VELUX skylight based on your room’s needs — fixed or venting, manual or solar-powered, glass size, and glazing options.
  3. Removal & Deck Prep — The old skylight and surrounding shingles are carefully removed. We inspect and repair any damaged decking or framing before the new unit goes in.
  4. Installation with VELUX Flashing Kit — Every Pinnacle skylight installation uses a VELUX-engineered flashing kit matched to your roofing material. This three-layer protection system is what backs the VELUX No Leak Warranty.
  5. Roofing Integration — Shingles are woven back around the new flashing to create a seamless, watertight connection with your existing or new roof.
  6. Interior Finishing — We ensure the light shaft, trim, and any interior components are clean and properly sealed.

VELUX Skylight Options for Replacement

As a VELUX 5-Star Skylight Installer, Pinnacle exclusively installs VELUX products — the world’s leading skylight brand with over 80 years of engineering behind every unit. Here are the most popular replacement options:

Fixed Skylights (FCM / FS Models)

Non-opening skylights that flood rooms with natural light. Ideal for vaulted ceilings, hallways, stairwells, and any space where ventilation isn’t needed. Available with a variety of glazing options including laminated glass, tempered glass, and energy-efficient Low-E coatings.

Manual Venting Skylights (VS Models)

Operable skylights that open to allow fresh air circulation. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms where moisture control and airflow matter. Features a smooth crank handle for easy operation.

Solar-Powered Venting Skylights (VSS Models)

VELUX’s most advanced option — a solar-powered skylight with a built-in solar panel that charges an internal battery. Opens and closes with a remote control or can be programmed to vent automatically based on temperature and humidity. Eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Also includes a solar-powered blackout blind.

VELUX SUN TUNNEL™ Skylights

A compact, tube-style skylight that channels natural light through a reflective tunnel into interior rooms where a traditional skylight won’t fit — think closets, interior bathrooms, and hallways. Available in rigid (for short, direct runs) and flexible (for longer or angled paths) configurations.

Skylight Replacement Cost Considerations

The cost of a skylight replacement depends on several factors: the size and type of skylight you choose, your roof pitch and accessibility, the condition of the surrounding deck and flashing, and whether interior finishing is needed. We provide a detailed written estimate after our on-site assessment so there are no surprises.

Key cost insight: Replacing your skylight during a re-roof is almost always less expensive than a standalone replacement. When we’re already removing shingles and have the roof exposed, the labor to swap in a new skylight is significantly reduced. That’s why we recommend coordinating both projects whenever possible.

Why Choose Pinnacle for Skylight Replacement?

Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights holds VELUX 5-Star Installer certification — the highest tier in the VELUX installer network. This means every skylight we install is backed by the full VELUX No Leak Warranty and installed according to VELUX’s exact specifications.

Unlike general roofing contractors who occasionally install skylights, skylights are a core part of our business. We’ve replaced hundreds of skylights across Rhode Island since 2012, from single-unit bathroom replacements to multi-skylight whole-home upgrades. We understand the flashing details, deck preparation, and interior finishing that make the difference between a skylight that leaks in two years and one that performs flawlessly for decades.

Ready to replace your skylight? Call us at (401) 267-7663 or request a free assessment online. We’ll inspect your current skylight, recommend the best VELUX replacement, and provide a clear, detailed estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a skylight replacement cost in Rhode Island?

Skylight replacement costs in Rhode Island typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 per unit, depending on the model, size, glazing options, and roof accessibility. Solar-powered VELUX skylights qualify for a 30% federal tax credit, which can significantly reduce the net cost. Pinnacle provides free estimates that include product, installation, flashing, and interior finishing.

How do I know when my skylight needs to be replaced?

The most common signs include condensation or fogging between panes, water stains or drips around the frame, cracked or yellowed glazing, visible rust or corrosion on the frame, and difficulty opening or closing venting skylights. If your skylight is over 20 years old, modern replacements offer dramatically better energy efficiency, leak protection, and solar-powered features even without visible damage.

Can you replace a skylight without replacing the roof?

Yes, skylights can be replaced independently of a full roof replacement. However, the most cost-effective time to replace a skylight is during a re-roof, since shingles around the skylight must be removed to properly flash and seal the new unit. Replacing both at the same time saves labor costs and allows you to align your skylight and roof warranties.

What is the best skylight brand for Rhode Island homes?

Pinnacle Roofing exclusively installs VELUX skylights — the world’s leading skylight brand with over 80 years of engineering. VELUX skylights feature triple-pane glass options, advanced Low-E coatings, and the industry’s only No Leak Warranty backed by a three-layer flashing system. Their solar-powered models also qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

How long does a skylight replacement take?

Most single skylight replacements are completed in one day. The process includes removing the old unit, inspecting and repairing the roof deck if needed, installing the new VELUX skylight with a manufacturer-engineered flashing kit, integrating the surrounding shingles, and finishing the interior light shaft and trim.

Do VELUX skylights come with a warranty?

Yes. VELUX offers a 10-year No Leak Warranty on skylights and installation when installed with a VELUX flashing kit by a certified installer like Pinnacle Roofing. Additionally, VELUX provides a 20-year warranty on insulated glass units and a 10-year warranty on product components including blinds, controls, and solar panels.

Will replacing my skylight improve energy efficiency?

Significantly. Modern VELUX skylights feature advanced Low-E3 coatings that reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, plus argon gas between panes for superior insulation. Replacing a 20-year-old skylight with a current VELUX model can noticeably reduce heating and cooling costs while increasing natural light and comfort.