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5 Reasons to Replace Your Skylights When You Replace Your Roof

There will come a day when you’ll need to replace the roof of your commercial building. Fortunately, hiring a professional to do so will simplify the process and minimize the number of complications that you encounter.

However, it’s not always obvious if you should replace your skylight while you replace your roof. 

Not sure where to start? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the benefits of skylight replacement.

1. Future Value 

One of the most important benefits to consider when it comes to replacing your building’s skylight when you’re already replacing the roof is its impact on the future value of your building.

For instance, let’s assume that decide to sell your building a year or so after you replace your life. If your skylight is also due for a replacement, the allure of a new roof is suddenly not as attractive.

The thought of having to deal with the nuances associated with roof construction could even deter a buyer from wanting to purchase the property entirely.

So, keep this in mind if you feel you may sell your building shortly after making repairs to your roof. The money you invest into repairing the skylight at the same time you repair your roof is greatly outweighed by the extra money you’ll miss out on.

2. Consider The Lifespan of The Skylight

Whether you want to prioritize the replacement of your skylight or not, you’re going to need to the lifespan of it in mind while making repairs to your roof. As skylights age, they become warped and often experience defects.

In general, you’ll find that the glass bubbles or even possibly cracks. This could affect its heat control capabilities.

In certain scenarios, the skylight may even warp, which can directly impact its structural integrity.

Since the skylight will need to be replaced eventually, it won’t make much sense for you to replace the entire roof to your building and then replace the skylight a few months later. In some circumstances, this can drastically reduce the productivity of those who work in your building.

For instance, the contractors you hire to replace your roof could leave some areas of your building difficult to access. Depending on how long the project takes, this could prove to be a detriment to your tenants.

Now, imagine the complications that could arise if both your roof and skylight are repaired within months of each other.

3. Avoid Leak-Related Complications

Unfortunately, it’s entirely possible that having old skylights installed within a new roof could result in the presence of leaks. Those who live in regions with a particularly rainy climate (such as Seattle, Washington) will quickly find this to be a major issue.

Even locations with rainy seasons could still experience complications.

Leaks also come with the risk of damaging property within the building. In some scenarios, heavy leaks from an old skylight can also become a safety hazard for those within your building. Given that slip and fall injuries are some of the most common reasons for personal injury lawsuits, it’s best to prevent this scenario as best as you can.

Luckily, though, this situation can be avoided entirely by replacing your roof’s skylight at the same time you replace your roof. Although it can be financially stressful to spend money on including both in the same project, the amount of liability you’ll save yourself from is easily worth it.

4. Cost Efficiency

Although this benefit is often readily apparent, many building owners fail to consider the cost efficiency of completing both projects simultaneously. This is a direct result of the difficulty associated with replacing a skylight without damaging your newly-installed roof.

Depending on the scenario, it may even be impossible to replace an old skylight without roof-related structural issues arising. This concern can grow exponentially if your building’s roof has a large number of skylights installed.

You’ll end up saving yourself money in the future by taking care of every repair at once.

5. Prevent Seal Failure

As if the risk of leaks wasn’t bad enough, it’s possible that you encounter issues with your skylight’s seals. If this occurs, you’ll have to make extensive repairs to the shingles around the skylight.

Unfortunately, this can prove to be just as inconvenient as replacing the skylight itself. You’ll experience all the complications associated with the repair, such as debris, the presence of contractors in the building, ongoing work, etc.

You can tell if your skylight’s seal is damaged by observing the appearance of the glass. If it begins to take on a foggy or hazy appearance, it’s likely there are issues that you’ll need to take care of as soon as possible.

In extreme scenarios, the glass may even begin to crack. Once again, this could easily pose a safety hazard for those within your building.

It’s better to prevent this complication altogether by replacing your skylights along with the roof of your building. 

Skylight Replacement Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be. 

With the above information about skylight replacement in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward making the decision that’s best for you.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.