What is skylight replacement?
Skylight replacement means taking out an old rooflight — a yellowed dome, a misted glass unit, a leaking roof window — and fitting a modern unit, usually into the same opening and often onto a rebuilt upstand.
Old rooflights lose light, leak and let heat out. A replacement can also change the type: dome to flat glass, fixed to opening, or a larger opening where the structure allows.
We check the upstand and surrounding roof first, because a new unit on a failing kerb will not last.
- Scope
- Dome, glass rooflight or roof window
- Opening
- Same size or enlarged after a structural check
- Upstand
- Reused if sound, otherwise rebuilt
- Finish
- Internal reveal made good
- Fitting time
- Usually one day
- Typical lead time
- 2–4 weeks from order
Why choose skylight replacement?
- Clearer view and more light
- Better thermal performance
- Cures most chronic leaks
- Option to add opening and rain sensor
- Often reuses the existing opening
- Usually done in a day
What options are there?
- Like-for-like size replacement
- Dome to flat glass upgrade
- Fixed to electric opening
- Upstand rebuild and insulation
- Roof window replacement in pitched roofs
- Misted glass unit replacement only
What should you check before you order?
- Upstand and roof condition decide the scope
- A replacement is a chance to meet current thermal standards
- Enlarging the opening changes the structure and may need approval
- Old glass and domes are disposed of responsibly
Planning and building-regulation rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our planning guide and building regulations guide set out each nation's position.
How much does skylight replacement cost?
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement with upstand rebuild and opening unit | £2,995 – £4,795 | £2,495 – £3,995 |
| Dome to flat glass upgrade Typical | £1,915 – £2,995 | £1,595 – £2,495 |
| Like-for-like glass rooflight | £1,555 – £2,155 | £1,295 – £1,795 |
Guide prices per rooflight, supplied and fitted including removal. Your fixed price follows a free survey for new installations.
Skylight replacement: common questions
Can you replace only the misted glass?
Sometimes, if the frame is sound and the maker supplies replacement units. Often a complete new rooflight costs little more and performs better.
Can I go bigger when replacing?
Possibly. Enlarging the opening means trimming joists, so we check the structure first.
Do I need building regulations approval to replace a rooflight?
Replacements in existing homes generally need to meet current thermal standards and may need notification or approval. We advise on the route for your job.
How long does a replacement take?
Usually a day for a standard rooflight on a sound upstand.
Will it mess up my ceiling?
We protect the room and make good the reveal. Minor decoration may be needed afterwards.
What do you do with the old unit?
We remove it from site and recycle what can be recycled.
