Velux install · Cricket flashing
Skylights. Natural light. Done right.
A skylight transforms dark rooms, cuts daytime electricity use, and adds real value to your home. But only when it is installed by a roofer, not a window company. Econo Roofing installs, repairs, and replaces skylights with full flashing setup, so your roof stays watertight.
How It Works
Four steps to a leak-free skylight.
Roof Assessment
We inspect your roof structure, measure pitch, and check rafter spacing. Not every location is suitable for a skylight. We will tell you exactly which spots work and which do not, before any cutting begins.
Precision Framing
We cut the roof opening to exact specs, frame the curb with treated lumber, and reinforce the surrounding structure. For cathedral ceilings, the light shaft is framed directly. For attic installs, we build a light well from roof to ceiling.
Integrated Flashing
This is where most skylight leaks originate. We install step flashing that integrates with your existing roofing system, counterflashing at the head, and ice-and-water shield membrane around the entire opening. The skylight is sealed as part of your roof, not bolted on top of it.
Final Seal and Inspection
We perform a water test on every skylight install before leaving. Interior trim is finished, condensation channels are verified, and you get a full walkthrough of operation and maintenance.
Skylight Types
Which skylight fits your home.
Fixed Skylights
Sealed, non-opening units. Best for hallways, closets, and rooms where ventilation is handled by HVAC. Lower cost, fewer moving parts, longer seal life. Available in flat or domed profiles.
Vented Skylights
Open manually or with a motorized system. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas in the Central Valley where summer heat push past 100 degrees. Vented skylights let hot air escape through the highest point in the room.
Tubular Skylights
Small-diameter light tubes that channel sunlight through a reflective shaft. Work in tight spaces where a full skylight cannot fit: interior bathrooms, laundry rooms, walk-in closets. Quick install with minimal structural change.
Why Econo Roofing
Skylights installed by roofers. Not window companies.
Flashing Expertise
Most skylight leaks are flashing failures, not glass failures. As roofing specialists with 30+ years of know-how, we integrate every skylight into the roofing system the same way we flash chimneys, vents, and valleys. Window installers treat the roof as an afterthought.
Combine with Roof Work
Adding skylights during a roof replacement is significantly less expensive than retrofitting later. The roof is already open, flashing is part of the new system, and labor is consolidated into one project.
Central Valley Climate Knowledge
Our 100+ degree summers and Tule fog winters create specific demands. We suggest Low-E glazing to block UV heat gain, vented units for passive cooling, and condensation channels for winter water. Generic installers overlook these regional factors.
When to Call
Signs your skylight needs attention.
Skylight problems do not fix themselves. Catching issues early prevents interior water damage and structural rot.
Water stains around the skylight
Brown rings or discoloration on the ceiling near the skylight usually means flashing has failed or the seal is damaged.
Condensation between glass panes
Fog between the glass layers means the insulated glass unit seal has broken. The skylight needs replacement, not repair.
Cracked or yellowed dome
UV exposure in the Central Valley degrades acrylic domes faster than in milder climates. Yellowed plastic blocks less light and is structurally weaker.
Skylight is 15+ years old
Older skylights lack Low-E coating and new sealing technology. Replacing them improves energy savings and eliminates the highest-risk leak point on your roof.
Not sure if it is the skylight or the roof? Start with a free roof inspection. We will pinpoint the source. Already leaking? See our skylight leak repair guide.
Comprehensive Resource:Complete Guide to Roofing in Central Valley — everything you need to know about roofing in this climate.
Frequently asked
About skylights.
Do skylights leak?
Properly installed skylights from quality makers (Velux, Fakro, VTI) almost never leak. Skylight leaks are 95% install issues — bad flashing, missing cricket flashing on uphill sides, or worn rubber gaskets after 25+ years.
What does skylight installation cost?
Standard fixed skylight install: $1,500–$3,500. Vented (operable) skylights: $2,500–$5,500. Solar tube ("sun tunnel") installs: $1,200–$2,200. Cost varies with cricket flashing rules and roof access.
How long do skylights last?
Quality skylights (Velux, Fakro) last 25–35 years with proper install. Cheap units fail in 10–15 years. The price difference between budget and premium is small — the lifecycle cost difference is huge.
What's a sun tunnel and how is it different?
A sun tunnel is a 10–14 inch flexible reflective tube that brings natural light from the roof to a ceiling diffuser. Cheaper and easier than a traditional skylight, smaller light footprint, no operable opening. Good for hallways, closets, and bathrooms.
Will a skylight increase my energy costs?
New Energy Star skylights with low-E coating have minimal energy impact. A 2x4 ft skylight usually adds less than $30/year in heating/cooling cost — offset by reduced lighting use during the day.
Can you replace an existing skylight?
Yes. Replacement needs a roof inspection to assess curb condition and surrounding flashing. Most replacements take 1 day, often combined with adjacent shingle replacement around the curb.
A note from Mario
How we approach skylights.
A skylight is a hole in your roof. Done right, it's a feature for 30 years. Done wrong, it's the leak that defines the house.
Get started
Ready for your skylights estimate?
Free inspection. Flat-rate written estimate. Zero obligation. We confirm every appointment within one business day.
Or call (209) 668-6222