Skylights, unfortunately, do not last forever. Like most everything else that goes into making a home, the hustle and bustle of everyday life start to wear on skylights until eventually, they need to be replaced.
Convincing homeowners they need to replace their skylights, on the other hand, can be tricky.
The Lifespan of Skylights
When it comes to a skylight's lifespan, there are a few factors that determine how long it'll last. With typical wear and tear from years on a roof, VELUX skylights can last up to 20-30 years. If the homeowner isn't experiencing any issues with the skylight after this long, it's still best to replace after about 30 years to keep up with new codes and technologies. Just think about the skylights we have today compared to the ones from 30 years ago. After all that time and change, doesn't your homeowner deserve an upgrade?
While it's not rare for VELUX skylights to last 30 years, there's one major occurrence that can cut that lifespan in half: replacing the roof. When the old roof is removed and a new one's put down, the skylight naturally gets jostled among all the movement, which more often than not leads to leaking.
The Best Time to Replace Skylights
And that's why the best time to replace skylights is when you re-roof. Unfortunately, homeowners are usually hesitant to add more costs to an already expensive project. Explaining to them how the skylight will bang around in the frame during construction - which will cause issues down the line - can help persuade them. You can also remind them that, while you might not charge for the consultation addressing the skylight's new issue, they would still have to pay for a new skylight. On top of that, they'll have to pay for and schedule another day of construction.
Replacing skylights when you re-roof also saves you time by avoiding that follow-up and smaller job. And since surrounding roofing materials need replacing when you replace the skylight, you're working smarter, not harder, when you knock out both at one time.
