How Much Does Skylight Replacement Cost in Atlanta, GA?

A skylight can be a beautiful addition to any home, flooding a room with natural light and offering a glimpse of the sky.

However, when a skylight begins to show its age through leaks, cracks, or fogging, it can quickly become a source of concern for homeowners. If you’re an Atlanta resident facing this issue, you’re likely wondering about the process and, more importantly, the cost of a skylight replacement.

This is a significant consideration, as it’s not just about swapping out a window but also ensuring the integrity of your roof. The good news is that with a professional approach, a skylight replacement can restore the beauty and functionality of this unique feature of your home, and understanding the potential costs is the first step in this process.

Signs It’s Time for Skylight Replacement

Not sure if you need a simple repair or a full-on replacement? Your home often sends clear signals. Ignoring them can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

Here are the tell-tale signs that it’s time to consider a professional skylight replacement.

1. Leaks or Water Stains on Ceilings Near Skylight

This is the most urgent and obvious sign. If you see brownish water stains, peeling paint, or feel dampness on the drywall around your skylight, you have a leak. While sometimes the issue is with the roof flashing (the metal strips that seal the skylight to the roof), on an older unit, the skylight’s own seals may have failed.

A persistent leak can lead to serious issues like wood rot in your roof deck and attic, damaged insulation, and even mold growth, which can be a health concern. The best long-term solution is often a complete roof skylight replacement to ensure a perfect, water-tight seal for years to come.

2. Fogging or Condensation Between Panes

Do you have a double-paned skylight that always looks foggy or hazy, no matter how much you clean it? That fog you can’t wipe away is a sure sign the seal between the glass panes has failed. This allows moisture-filled air to get trapped inside, causing condensation.

When this happens, the insulating gas (usually argon) has escaped, and your skylight has lost most of its energy efficiency. While a skylight glass replacement might seem like an option, it’s often more practical and cost-effective to replace the entire unit, especially if it’s over 10-15 years old.

3. Cracked, Yellowed, or Brittle Domes

Many older homes in areas like Woodstock and Kennesaw have acrylic or polycarbonate “bubble” domes. Over years of exposure to Georgia’s sun and weather, this plastic can become yellow, hazy, and brittle.

A yellowed dome casts a dingy light into your home, and brittle plastic is prone to cracking during a hailstorm or from falling debris. A crack is an open invitation for water to pour in. Upgrading to a modern, impact-resistant glass model or a new skylight replacement dome made with advanced, UV-coated materials will not only look better but also provide far superior durability.

4. Drafts and Poor Insulation

If you can feel a draft when standing under your skylight or if the room is noticeably hotter in the summer and colder in the winter, your skylight is likely a major source of energy loss. Older models, especially single-pane units, offer very little insulation. This means your HVAC system has to work overtime to keep you comfortable, driving up your utility bills.

An energy-efficient skylight replacement with features like Low-E coatings and argon gas-filled panes can make a huge difference. According to ENERGY STAR®, replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR-certified models can save homeowners a significant amount on their annual energy costs.

5. Outdated Style Affecting Curb Appeal

Sometimes, a skylight just looks dated. A bulky, bubble-style dome from the 1980s might clash with your newly renovated kitchen or modern roof. Aesthetics matter, both for your enjoyment of the home and for its resale value.

A new, low-profile glass skylight can instantly modernize the look of your home from the inside and the outside, enhancing its overall curb appeal. A full skylight replacement is an investment that can refresh your home’s entire look and feel.

Skylight Replacement Cost in Atlanta

Alright, let’s get down to the question on every Atlanta homeowner’s mind: what is this actually going to cost? The truth is, there’s no single price tag for a skylight replacement.

The final cost depends entirely on the model, features, and the labor involved. However, we can break down the major factors to give you a clear and realistic budget range for your project in the metro Atlanta area.

Factors Influencing Skylight Replacement Cost

Several key variables will determine the final quote for your project. Understanding them will help you see where your money is going and make informed decisions.

1. Type (Glass vs. Dome vs. Custom): A simple acrylic or polycarbonate skylight dome replacement is typically the most budget-friendly option. Glass skylights are the standard for residential homes, offering superior clarity, longevity, and energy efficiency. Custom skylights will naturally be at the higher end of the cost spectrum.
2. Size: The larger the skylight, the more it will cost in both materials and labor. For example, a standard 24×24 skylight dome replacement will be significantly less expensive than replacing a large 4×6 foot skylight that lets light into a vaulted living room.
3. Material and Features: Within glass skylights, there are more choices. You can opt for standard double-pane glass or upgrade to high-performance glass from brands like VELUX. This Velux skylight glass often includes features like Low-E coatings to block UV rays, argon gas fills for insulation, and even laminated panes for safety and noise reduction.

Labor Costs in Atlanta and Surrounding Areas

Labor is a significant portion of the skylight replacement cost, and for good reason. The job involves skilled roofing work to ensure the new unit is installed perfectly and is completely watertight. Labor costs in areas like Roswell, Acworth, and Canton can vary based on:

• Roof Pitch and Height: A steep, two-story roof is more difficult and dangerous to work on than a low-slope, single-story roof.
• Accessibility: How easy is it to get materials and equipment to the work area?
• Existing Damage: If the old skylight caused water damage to the roof deck or drywall, those repairs will add to the labor time and overall cost.

Average Skylight Replacement Cost Range

To give you a ballpark idea, we’ve put together a table of average costs in the Atlanta area.

Disclaimer: These are general estimates for 2025 and can vary widely based on the factors mentioned above.

Skylight Window Replacement Cost vs. Skylight Glass Replacement Cost Comparison

You might be wondering if you can save money by just replacing the glass. A skylight glass replacement involves swapping out only the glass pane (the IGU, or Insulated Glass Unit) while leaving the existing frame and flashing in place. A full skylight window replacement means removing the entire unit, including frame, glass, flashing, and installing a brand new one.

While a glass-only replacement is cheaper upfront, it’s rarely the best solution. Leaks and seal failures are often caused by the aging frame and flashing, not just the glass. Putting new glass into a failing frame is a temporary fix that can lead to the same problem recurring down the road.

A full replacement ensures all components are new, perfectly integrated, and covered by a comprehensive warranty, giving you lasting peace of mind.

Types of Skylight Replacement Options

Once you’ve decided to move forward, the next step is understanding what kind of skylight replacement you actually need. It’s not a one-size-fits-all job. The right approach depends on the age of your skylight, the type of damage, and the structure it’s installed on.

Here’s a breakdown of the common replacement options we handle for homeowners across Atlanta.

1. Skylight Window Replacement

A full skylight window replacement involves removing the entire old unit, including the glass, the frame (also called the sash), and the surrounding metal flashing. We then install a brand-new, fully integrated skylight system.

This is the best course of action when the old skylight’s seals and structure are failing, you’re experiencing persistent leaks, or the unit is simply old and inefficient. It ensures every component is new, perfectly sealed, and covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.

2. Skylight Glass Replacement

In some specific cases, you might only need a skylight glass replacement. This is an option when the frame and flashing of your skylight are still in excellent condition, but the glass itself has failed, typically seen as heavy fogging between the panes or a single, isolated crack from an impact.

We can replace the insulated glass unit (IGU) with a new one, offering options like energy-efficient double or even triple-pane glass. However, we generally recommend this only for newer skylights, as putting new glass in an old frame can be a short-term fix if the frame itself fails a year or two later.

3. Skylight Dome Replacement

If your home has one of those classic “bubble” or dome-shaped skylights, you’re looking at a skylight dome replacement. These are typically made from acrylic or polycarbonate. Over time, the sun’s UV rays can make them yellow, hazy, and brittle. We can replace just the dome, matching the existing curb (the raised frame on the roof).

We often handle standard sizes like 24×24 skylight dome replacement units and even round skylight dome replacement models. Upgrading to modern replacement polycarbonate skylight domes with UV protection offers much better clarity and durability than the older acrylic versions.

4. Roof Skylight Replacement

Sometimes, the skylight itself isn’t the primary problem but the way it was integrated into the roof. A roof skylight replacement focuses heavily on the flashing, the layers of metal that create a watertight seal between the skylight’s frame and your shingles.

If the flashing has failed due to improper installation, storm damage, or age, a full replacement is the only way to permanently stop leaks. This is where true roofing expertise is non-negotiable. It requires a deep understanding of roofing systems to ensure the new skylight won’t compromise the integrity of your roof.

5. Specialty Skylight Replacement

Skylights aren’t just for traditional homes! We have experience with a wide variety of specialty applications:

• Camper Skylight Replacement: Designed for RVs and travel trailers, these replacements use lightweight, UV-protected plastic domes to restore interior light while keeping rain out.
• Travel Trailer & Motorhome Skylight Replacement: Similar to camper replacements, these options improve ventilation and light inside recreational vehicles.
• Rubbermaid Shed Skylight Replacement & Lifetime Shed Skylight Replacement: These small skylights help maintain brightness inside outdoor storage spaces. Over time, the plastic can fade or crack. Simple replacements can make them look new again.
• Mobile Home Skylight Replacement: Mobile homes often use compact skylights that can be easily upgraded to modern, more energy-efficient options without major roof modification.

Skylight Repair and Replacement: Which Do You Need?

When you have a problem with your skylight, the immediate question is whether you need a quick fix or a complete overhaul. It’s a classic homeowner’s dilemma: balancing the immediate cost of a repair against the long-term value and security of a replacement. The right choice depends on the age of your skylight and the specific nature of the problem.

When Repair is Enough

A repair can be a perfectly good solution for minor issues on a skylight that is otherwise in good shape. Here are a couple of scenarios where a repair might be all you need:

• Resealing: If your skylight is relatively new (say, under 10 years old) and you notice a small leak, the problem may not be the skylight itself but the flashing seal around it. A professional roofer can often fix this by removing the old sealant and applying a new, high-grade sealant to make it watertight again.
• Replacing the Skylight Cover: If a stray branch or hailstorm cracks the dome or glass but the frame and seals remain intact and undamaged, a simple skylight cover replacement might be possible. This saves you the cost of a full installation.

When Replacement Is The Better Investment

While a repair can be tempting for your wallet, it can sometimes be like putting a bandage on a problem that needs stitches. A full skylight replacement is the smarter, more permanent solution in these situations:

• Structural Damage: If the frame of the skylight is cracked, warped, or showing signs of rot, a repair is not an option. The structural integrity is compromised, and the entire unit must be replaced.
• Major or Persistent Leaks: A significant leak often indicates a catastrophic failure of the skylight’s built-in seals or the surrounding flashing. Patching it up is risky and likely won’t last.
• Efficiency Issues: If your skylight is fogged up with condensation between the panes, its insulating seal has failed permanently. No amount of repair can fix this, so the only solution is a skylight replacement to restore its energy efficiency and clarity.

Skylight Cover Replacement vs. Skylight Seal Replacement

It’s easy to get these two terms mixed up, but they refer to very different jobs.

1. A skylight cover replacement involves swapping out only the transparent part of the unit, the acrylic dome or the glass pane. It addresses physical damage to the cover itself.
2. A skylight seal replacement, or more accurately, resealing, refers to work done on the outside of the unit, where the skylight’s flashing meets your roof. This addresses leaks caused by a breakdown in the external weatherproofing.

The key takeaway is that if the problem is cosmetic (a crack in the dome) or external (a leak at the flashing), a repair might work. If the problem is integral to the skylight’s structure or performance (a failed glass seal, a warped frame), a full skylight repair and replacement, meaning a complete new unit, is the only reliable path forward.

Choosing the Right Replacement Skylight

Okay, so you’ve determined that a full skylight replacement is the way to go. Now comes the more enjoyable part: picking a new one!

But with so many options, how do you choose the right one for your home in the Atlanta area?

Factors to Consider

Before you fall in love with a particular style, let’s cover the practical considerations. These factors will have the biggest impact on your long-term satisfaction.

• Energy Efficiency: Look for models with an ENERGY STAR® rating. Key features include Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings, which reflect infrared and UV rays, and argon gas fills between the panes, which provide superior insulation.
• Glass vs. Dome: While acrylic domes are a budget-friendly option, modern glass skylights offer far better performance. They provide clearer views, won’t yellow over time, and offer significantly better insulation and soundproofing from rain. For most Atlanta homes, a high-quality glass skylight is a superior long-term investment.

Style & Fit for Atlanta Homes

Your new skylight should complement your home’s architecture. Low-profile glass skylights offer a sleek, modern look that fits seamlessly with almost any roofline, from a traditional ranch in Roswell to a contemporary home in Canton.

You can choose from fixed models (which don’t open) or venting models that open to release warm, moist air, which is a fantastic feature for kitchens and bathrooms.

Best Skylight Replacement Windows for the Georgia Climate

Georgia’s climate, with its hot, humid summers and occasional chilly winters, demands specific features from a skylight. Here’s a quick guide to what you should look for:

Commercial Skylight Replacement

Skylights are a powerful asset for more than just residential homes. For business owners and property managers in Atlanta, they are a key feature in creating brighter, more energy-efficient commercial spaces.

However, when these units fail, they can disrupt business operations and lead to costly damages. That’s why a professional approach to commercial skylight replacement is so critical.

Commercial Skylights In Offices, Retail, And Warehouses

In a commercial setting, skylights do more than just add aesthetic appeal.

• In Offices: Natural light is proven to boost employee morale and productivity. Skylights can transform a workspace, making it more open and inviting.
• In Retail Spaces: Bright, natural light makes products look their best and creates a more pleasant shopping experience for customers.
• In Warehouses: Large skylights can drastically reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, leading to significant energy savings and a safer, more visible work environment.

Cost And Durability Considerations

Replacing a commercial skylight is a different ballgame than a residential job. The stakes are higher, and the requirements are more stringent.

• Cost: The commercial skylight replacement cost is often calculated based on the number of units, their size, and the type of roof. Projects can range from replacing a single dome to retrofitting an entire warehouse roof with dozens of new skylights.
• Durability: Commercial skylights, especially on flat or low-slope roofs, need to withstand pooling water, heavy rain, and meet specific building codes and safety standards, such as those set by OSHA regarding fall protection. Materials like high-impact polycarbonate are often favored for their durability and safety ratings.

Why Mr. Roofer Is Trusted For Commercial Skylight Replacement In Atlanta

Business owners and property managers across Atlanta trust Mr. Roofer for their commercial skylight needs for a few key reasons. We understand that a commercial project requires a unique level of expertise and professionalism.

We have extensive experience working with various commercial roofing systems, from TPO flat roofs to standing seam metal. We know the local building codes inside and out, ensuring your skylight replacement is fully compliant.

Most importantly, we recognize that your business needs to keep running. Our team works efficiently and safely to minimize disruption to your employees, customers, and daily operations, delivering a durable, watertight solution that protects your investment.

Conclusion

A well-installed skylight can completely transform your home or business by adding natural light, improving ventilation, and boosting energy efficiency. But when leaks, cracks, or fogging start to appear, a timely skylight replacement can save you from bigger roofing problems down the road.

Whether you’re replacing a simple dome skylight, upgrading to an energy-efficient glass model, or planning a full commercial skylight replacement, it pays to work with professionals who understand the unique needs of Georgia’s homes and businesses.

At Mr. Roofer of Atlanta, we specialize in skylight installation and replacement across Acworth, Kennesaw, Woodstock, Canton, Roswell, and the greater Atlanta area. Our team combines craftsmanship, premium materials, and local expertise to deliver skylights that are both beautiful and built to last.

If you’re noticing leaks, drafts, or fading skylight glass, don’t wait! Contact us today for a free inspection and honest estimate. Let us help you bring more light, efficiency, and peace of mind back into your home or business.