COST GUIDES
How much does skylight repair cost in 2026?
Updated 07/26
Fast Facts
Typical repair costs: £50–£850, depending on the repair required
New installation or full replacement: £1,000–£2,500
Biggest cost drivers: The repair required, glazing specification and roof access
Whether you've spotted a leak around your skylight, noticed condensation between the panes or found cracked glass after bad weather, repairing the problem quickly can help prevent more extensive damage to your roof and ceiling.
Many skylight problems can be repaired without replacing the entire unit. However, older skylights or those with significant damage may be more cost-effective to replace.
This guide explains typical skylight repair costs, what affects the price and when it's worth repairing rather than replacing your skylight.
Skylight repair costs
Repair costs vary depending on the type of skylight, the extent of the damage and how easy it is to access the roof.
Minor repairs, such as replacing worn seals, are relatively inexpensive
More extensive work involving glazing or flashing will naturally cost more
Installing a completely new skylight is the most expensive option
| Cost provided item | Unit | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Leaky skylight repair | Labour & materials | £150-£850 |
| New installation or full replacement | Labour & materials | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Existing skylight removal | Labour & materials | £100-£200 |
| Seal replacement | Labour & materials | £50–£150 |
| Flashing or frame repair or replacement | Labour & materials | £175–£400 |
| Glass repair or replacement | Labour & materials | £250–£850 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
These figures generally include labour and the main repair materials.
Scaffolding, specialist replacement parts, internal making good and VAT may be charged separately, so always check exactly what's included in your quote.
Get quotes from checked skylight repair specialists
The easiest way to understand what your repair is likely to cost is to compare quotes from a selection of checked skylight repair specialists working in your area.
When requesting quotes, explain the problem clearly and include photos if possible.
Let the tradesperson know the approximate size and age of the skylight, along with any details about roof access, as this can help them provide a more accurate estimate before visiting.
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Cost by repair type
Leaking skylight repairs
Repairing a leaking skylight typically costs between £150-£850, depending on the cause of the leak.
Minor sealing work sits at the lower end of the range, while more extensive repairs involving flashing, glazing or surrounding roof materials will usually cost more.
Seal replacement
If worn or damaged seals are allowing water or draughts into your home, replacing them typically costs £50–£150.
Repairing damaged seals promptly can often prevent more expensive repairs later.
Flashing or frame repairs
Damaged flashing or minor frame repairs generally cost £175–£400, depending on the extent of the work required.
If water is entering around the edge of the skylight rather than through the glazing itself, faulty flashing is often the cause.
Glass repair or replacement
Repairing or replacing damaged glazing usually costs £250–£850.
The final price depends on the size of the skylight, the type of glazing and whether specialist or bespoke glass is required.
Existing skylight removal
Removing an existing skylight before replacement typically costs £100-£200 when charged as a separate item.
If you're having a new skylight installed, removal of the old unit is often included in the overall quote. It's worth checking this before work begins.
New skylight installation or full replacement
Installing a new skylight or carrying out a full replacement generally costs £1,000–£2,500, including supply and installation.
The final price depends on the size of the skylight, the glazing specification, roof access and whether any alterations to the existing roof opening are required.
What affects skylight repair costs?
Several factors influence the final cost of repairing a skylight.
Type of repair: Replacing worn seals is usually much less expensive than repairing damaged glazing or installing a completely new skylight
Skylight size and type: Larger skylights require more materials and labour. Costs also vary depending on whether you have a standard roof window, roof lantern or another style of skylight
Glazing specification: Toughened, laminated or specialist energy-efficient glazing costs more than standard glass
Roof access: Steep roofs, difficult access or work requiring scaffolding will increase the overall cost
Age of the skylight: Replacement parts for older skylights can sometimes be difficult to source, making repairs more expensive than replacing the unit altogether
Location: Labour costs are generally higher in London and the South East than in many other parts of the UK
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Additional skylight repair costs
Some skylight repairs involve more than fixing the obvious problem. Once a roofer has inspected the area, they may discover damaged flashing, roof tiles or surrounding timbers that also need attention.
Therefore, depending on your project, you may also need to budget for:
Scaffolding: If your skylight can't be safely reached from a ladder, scaffolding may be needed. For more substantial access, expect to pay around £650–£1,100, although smaller scaffold towers or limited access equipment may cost less
Roof inspection: After a leak, a roofer may recommend inspecting the surrounding roof covering and timbers. A standalone roof inspection typically costs around £250, although some roofers include a visual assessment as part of their quotation
Replacement parts: Specialist glazing, flashing kits and replacement seals may not always be included in a labour-only quote. Check exactly what's included before work begins
If you're having a new skylight installed, ask whether removal and disposal of the existing unit is included in the quotation, as this is often covered within the installation cost.
Is it worth repairing or replacing a skylight?
In many cases, repairing a skylight is the most cost-effective option, particularly if the frame is still in good condition and the problem is limited to the seals, flashing or glazing.
However, replacement may offer better long-term value if:
The frame is cracked, warped or badly damaged
The double glazed unit has failed
The skylight is more than 20–25 years old
The same problem has already been repaired but continues to return
A new skylight installation or full replacement typically costs £1,000–£2,500, but modern units are generally more energy efficient and usually come with a manufacturer's warranty.
If you're considering replacing your skylight, our skylight installation cost guide explains typical installation costs and the different options available.
How long does skylight repair take?
Many skylight repairs can be completed within half a day to one day, depending on the type of repair and how easy it is to access the roof.
As a general guide:
Seal replacement: around 2–4 hours
Flashing repairs: around 2–4 hours
Glass repair or replacement: typically up to a full day
More extensive leak repairs: up to a full day
If specialist glazing or replacement parts need to be ordered, the overall project may take longer. Less common skylights can sometimes require one to two weeks for replacement parts to arrive.
Skylight repair cost calculator
The calculator below provides a guide price based on previous Checkatrade jobs.
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only. For a more accurate estimate, compare quotes from a selection of checked skylight repair specialists working in your area.
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Can you repair a skylight yourself?
Some basic maintenance can be carried out yourself if it's safe to do so.
For example, you may be able to:
Clean debris from around the skylight
Check for obvious gaps around accessible internal seals
Clean the glazing to improve visibility
However, repairs involving the roof covering, flashing, glazing or the skylight frame are usually best left to a professional.
Working at height carries significant risks, and incorrectly repairing a leaking skylight can allow further water damage or reduce the effectiveness of the repair.
If you're unsure whether the leak is coming from the skylight itself or the surrounding roof, ask a roofer to inspect the area before any repair work begins. The visible leak isn't always the source of the problem.
Why fixing a skylight promptly saves money
Water from a leaking skylight doesn't stay put. It soaks into roof timbers, damages insulation, and stains or collapses ceiling plasterwork. Mould can begin to develop within days in damp conditions.
A seal repair at £50–£150 is far cheaper than replacing rotted rafters or replastering a ceiling. Getting on top of the problem early is the lower-cost option in almost every case. A properly sealed skylight also keeps your home warmer and reduces draughts.
At Checkatrade, you can find checked and reviewed skylight repair specialists and Velux window repair specialists. All committed to quality work.
Skylight repair checklist
Before requesting quotes:
Find a checked skylight repair specialist near you
An experienced roofer or skylight specialist can identify the source of the problem, recommend the most appropriate repair and help prevent further water damage.
When comparing tradespeople:
Read verified customer reviews
Compare itemised quotes from a selection of checked specialists
Ask whether replacement parts are included
Check what guarantee is offered on the repair
Confirm whether scaffolding or access equipment is included
Ask how soon the repair can be completed if the leak is urgent
Providing photos and a clear description of the problem will often help specialists prepare a more accurate quote before visiting your property.
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Skylight repair cost FAQs
Most skylight repairs cost between £150 and £850, depending on the type of repair. Minor seal replacement is usually less expensive, while glazing repairs and more extensive leak repairs cost more.
In many cases, yes. Repairs are often much cheaper than replacing the entire skylight, particularly when the frame remains in good condition. If the skylight is older or has extensive damage, replacement may offer better long-term value.
A new skylight installation or full replacement typically costs £1,000–£2,500, depending on the size of the skylight, glazing specification and roof access.
Many well-maintained skylights last 20–30 years, although seals, glazing and flashing may require repairs during that time.
You may be able to carry out simple maintenance from inside your home, such as cleaning around the skylight or checking for obvious gaps. However, repairs involving the roof or glazing are generally safest and most effective when carried out by a professional.
Yes, most roofers repair and fit skylights from all the main brands, including Velux, Fakro, and Keylite. Some specialist glazing contractors focus on roof lights only for complex installations. Always check the roofer has experience with your specific unit type.
A standard replacement costs £1,000 to £2,500 fitted. Whether that's expensive depends on what you're comparing it to: if you've already repaired the same skylight twice, replacement often works out cheaper over a five-year period.
Yes, for anything beyond a straightforward seal repair. Replacing a skylight means working at height, cutting into the roof structure, and creating a watertight seal, so it's not a job for most homeowners. A qualified roofer or skylight installer should carry out the work.
A standard window is cheaper to install than a skylight, since roof work is more involved than fitting a wall window. Skylights let in more natural light per square metre, though, which can make the extra cost worth it in rooms with limited wall space.
Clean the glass and frame twice a year. Check the seals and flashing for cracks or gaps each spring and autumn. Our Velux window servicing cost guide covers what regular maintenance involves and what it costs.
The most common leak points are the flashing around the frame, the seal between the glass and the frame, and the roof tiles immediately around the unit. A roofer can usually pinpoint the source on a first visit.
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