How much does skylight installation cost?

Skylight installation costs $900–$2,500 per skylight installed (unit + labor). Fixed skylights run $900–$1,600 installed. Vented manual skylights cost $1,200–$2,000. Electric vented skylights cost $1,500–$3,000. Tubular sun tunnels cost $500–$1,200 installed. Multiple skylights get quantity discounts.

How long do skylights last?

Quality skylights last 20–30 years. Velux and FAKRO skylights carry 10-year product warranties and 20-year glass warranties. The flashing kit (which prevents leaks) is the most critical component — high-quality flashing kits are worth the extra cost. Skylights should be replaced when the surrounding roof is replaced for best results.

What is a tubular skylight and how much does it cost?

A tubular skylight (sun tunnel) is a small dome on the roof connected by a reflective tube to a diffuser in the ceiling. It costs $500–$1,200 installed. It brings natural light to interior rooms with no roof window or wall space. Much cheaper and easier to install than traditional skylights — no structural modification needed for most installations.

Are skylights worth the cost?

Skylights add natural light, reduce daytime lighting costs, and improve mood and wellbeing. Vented skylights also improve ventilation and can cool homes naturally. They add resale value in most markets. The main risks are leaks (use flashing kits, not just sealant) and heat gain in hot climates (choose low-e glass). Overall ROI is positive when properly installed.

Home / Roofing Calculators / Skylight Installation Cost Calculator

☀️ Skylight Installation Cost Calculator

Estimate skylight installation cost by type, size, and quantity — fixed, vented, electric, and tubular sun tunnels

Who Should Use This

Homeowners wanting more natural light, those adding skylights during a roof replacement, or anyone budgeting a skylight project before getting contractor quotes.

Purpose

Calculate total skylight installation cost including unit price, flashing kit, labor, interior finishing (drywall/trim), and electrical for powered units.

Example

Installing 2 medium (2×4 ft) fixed skylights in a bathroom and hallway typically costs $2,200–$3,800 total — about $1,100–$1,900 per skylight including all work.

Skylight Details

💡 Pro Tip: Install skylights during roof replacement to save $300–$500 per unit — the roofer is already on the roof and can integrate the flashing without a separate mobilization fee.

Skylight Cost Estimate

Total Project Cost

$— – $—

— skylights total

Cost Per Skylight (Installed)

$— – $—

Unit + flashing + labor + finishing

Cost Breakdown (Total)

Skylight Unit(s)$—

Flashing Kit(s)$—

Installation Labor$—

Interior Finishing$—

Glazing Upgrade$—

How It Works

4 Steps to Your Skylight Estimate

Choose Type & Quantity

Select fixed, vented, electric, or tubular — and how many skylights you want.

Pick Size & Glazing

Choose your skylight size and glass upgrade (low-e recommended for energy efficiency).

Set Roof & Interior

Specify roof material and interior finishing level for accurate total cost.

Get Your Estimate

See total cost per skylight and project total — ready to compare contractor quotes.

Skylight Types Explained

Fixed skylights are the most affordable and leak-resistant. They bring in light but don't open, so they don't provide ventilation. Best for hallways, stairwells, and rooms where a ventilation option isn't needed or wanted.

Vented skylights open to allow hot air to escape, which is particularly valuable in kitchens, bathrooms, and any room prone to condensation. Manual vented skylights use a crank pole. Electric skylights (like Velux VSE) use a motor — solar-powered versions need no electrical wiring and often qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

Tubular skylights (sun tunnels) are the budget-friendly option. The dome on the roof is only 10–14 inches in diameter, and a reflective tube channels light to a diffuser in the ceiling. Ideal for closets, hallways, and rooms under another floor where a traditional skylight isn't possible.

Skylight Shopping Tips

Brand matters: Velux and FAKRO are the top brands — avoid cheap no-name skylights that fail quickly
Flashing is critical: Always use a pre-formed flashing kit designed for your specific skylight and roof material. Avoid "universal" flashing and sealant-only installations — both leak eventually.
Low-e glass: Reduces heat gain by 40–70% — essential in hot climates. Look for ENERGY STAR certification.
Size rule: Skylight area should be no more than 5% of room floor area (or 15% for skylight-only lit rooms)
North-facing skylights: Provide consistent, diffuse light year-round without summer heat gain
South-facing skylights: Maximum solar gain — great for passive heating in cold climates

Skylight Guide

Skylight Planning Essentials

Placement, energy performance, and installation tips

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Energy Performance

Look for U-factor below 0.35 (insulation) and SHGC appropriate for your climate: below 0.25 in cooling climates, above 0.35 in heating climates. ENERGY STAR skylights qualify for a 30% federal tax credit (max $600/year). Electric vented skylights also qualify.

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Preventing Leaks

The #1 cause of skylight leaks is improper flashing. Use manufacturer-specific flashing kits. In cold climates, install self-adhered ice and water shield under the flashing. Avoid placing skylights at the bottom of a roof valley — water concentrates there and increases leak risk dramatically.

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Best Room Placement

Best skylight locations: north-facing for uniform natural light, bathroom ceilings for ventilation and light, dark hallways and stairwells, home offices (diffuse north light is ideal for screens), and vaulted ceilings where wall windows aren't possible.

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Structural Considerations

Most skylights require cutting between 2 adjacent rafters and adding a header — minor structural work a licensed contractor handles. Larger skylights (over 4×4 ft) may require removing a full rafter with a structural header — engineering review recommended. Never cut a hip or valley rafter without engineering sign-off.

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Accessories Worth Adding

Blinds/shades: manual $150–$300, motorized $300–$600 per unit — essential for south-facing skylights and bedrooms. Condensation drip rail: collects condensation on cold days. Bug screen for vented skylights: $30–$80. Rain sensor for electric skylights: automatically closes when rain detected — excellent feature.

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Best Time to Install

Install skylights during dry weather — the roof opening must be protected. Best months: April–June and September–October. Avoid winter installations when tarping is required and sealants don't cure properly. The best value is during a full roof replacement — amortize the mobilization cost across both projects.

Common Questions

Skylight FAQ

Poorly specified skylights can, but modern products address this well:

Summer heat: Low-e glazing with SHGC below 0.25 blocks 75%+ of solar heat. External blinds are more effective than internal for heat control. North-facing skylights have minimal heat gain.
Winter heat loss: U-factor below 0.35 is recommended. Double or triple-pane with argon fill dramatically reduces heat loss vs single-pane.
Condensation: A warm-edge spacer and good interior ventilation minimize condensation. Condensation on glass is normal in humid climates — it's not a leak.

Interior: clean glass with standard glass cleaner (no abrasives). Interior frames: damp cloth with mild soap.

Exterior: most can be cleaned from inside for vented skylights by opening the sash. Fixed skylights require cleaning from the roof — use a telescoping squeegee from the gutter or hire a window cleaner. Clean 1–2 times per year to maintain light transmission.

Velux: The global market leader. Excellent quality, wide accessory range, good warranty, extensive certified installer network. Best for most residential applications.
FAKRO: Excellent quality at 10–15% lower price than Velux. Growing installer network. Good for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise quality.
Sun-Tek: Good mid-range fixed skylights, popular with roofing contractors.
ODL: Entry-level, suitable for simple fixed installations.
Avoid: Generic brand skylights without established warranties or flashing kit systems.

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