A skylight in good shape can often stay. However, an older or damaged unit would be easier to replace now than after the new shingles are on.
Why a reroof is a good time to decide
Your skylight’s age, condition, and connection to the roof decide the right answer. The roofing around a skylight comes off during a tear-off, so the opening is already exposed. VELUX, a skylight manufacturer, instructs roofers that the best time to replace a skylight is during a reroof (opens in a new tab). That’s true even if an older skylight isn’t leaking yet. The work jostles it. VELUX (opens in a new tab) adds that skylights older than 20 years are susceptible to frame damage during reroofing.
Keep in mind that this advice comes from a company that sells skylights, so treat the information as a starting point.
How to identify the skylight you have
Knowing the brand, model, and mounting type helps a contractor price the work accurately. VELUX says every VELUX skylight carries an ID tag:
- Deck-mounted skylights have the tag on the inside of the frame, which you may be able to see from the room below.
- Curb-mounted skylights have the ID stamped on the outside of the frame, so it usually takes roof access to read.
- If the tag is missing, VELUX says a Velterm number in the top right corner of the skylight’s space bar can help identify the unit.
A curb-mounted skylight sits on a raised frame built up from the roof. A deck-mounted skylight attaches directly to the roof deck. The difference changes how the unit is measured and flashed, so a quote should identify which type you have. If you cannot find a tag or the skylight is another brand, mention that when you request a quote. The roofer can identify and measure it on site, so you do not need to climb up yourself.
Keep, reflash, or replace
Once the contractor knows what you have, the choice usually falls into one of three paths.
| Option | Usually fits when | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the unit | Usually fits when The skylight is sound, opens and closes as it should, and shows no leaks or fogging between panes | What to ask How will it be connected to the new roof, and what will be done with the old flashing? |
| Reflash the existing unit | Usually fits when The skylight is sound, but the flashing around it is worn or does not fit the new roof | What to ask Which flashing kit or detail will be used, and does it suit the unit and roof pitch? |
| Replace the unit | Usually fits when The skylight is old, damaged, leaking, or no longer works the way you need | What to ask Which model will go in, and does the price include the flashing kit and any interior work? |
Whichever path you choose, the flashing deserves a closer look. VELUX says each of its skylights and flashing kits is engineered for specific roof pitch requirements, so the product needs to match the slope where it sits. VELUX’s Weathertight warranty also applies only to VELUX skylights installed with VELUX flashing, so if you want that coverage, ask whether the flashing being quoted qualifies. If old flashing is kept, the International Residential Code, a model code many areas adopt, does not allow pieces such as metal counterflashings and collars to be reinstalled where rusted, damaged, or deteriorated, according to the reroofing section published by the City of Plainview, Texas (opens in a new tab). Your local building department sets the version that applies. Our flashing guide covers that rule in more detail.
Plan for the room below
A new skylight can affect the inside of the room as well as the roof. For deck-mounted replacements, VELUX sizes the new unit partly from the finished drywall opening inside the room, so the interior finish can be part of the job. Trim, drywall patching, paint, blinds, and powered controls may all be touched. Ask which of those tasks are included and who handles the rest, so you can plan any other trades before the roof work starts.
How Remi handles skylights in a roof quote
Remi’s guaranteed price covers all required flashing replacements, so new flashing that the job needs is part of your quoted price. Not every job has a guaranteed price, and your quote says when it does. When it does, the price we quote is the price you pay. A few exclusions apply; see the guaranteed price page. Ask your Remi team how that would appear in your quote.
Remi’s quote process uses aerial imagery and property data to measure your roof. Mentioning your skylights, and whether any have leaked, when you request a quote helps make sure they are addressed in the scope. Remi also notes in its timeline that skylights add time to a job because each detail has to be cut, flashed, and sealed correctly.
From start to finish Remi was courteous, professional, responsive and clearly cared about the customer.
Mike describes one customer experience. Confirm the skylight, flashing and interior work in your own quote.
Skylights in your roof quote
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Tell us about your skylights and we’ll include them in your quote.
Questions homeowners ask
Not usually. VELUX’s replacement process fits the new skylight, flashing, and underlayment to the existing opening. Custom sizes or a change in mounting type can change that, so ask whether any framing work is planned.
Often, yes. VELUX offers products to replace an old sun tunnel as well as an old skylight. Ask whether your roofer handles sun tunnels, since the same questions about flashing and the room below apply.
Sources and further reading
- VELUX: Skylight Replacement (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-10-18)
- VELUX: Replacement Installation Process (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-10-18)
- City of Plainview, Texas: Residential Re-Roofing Requirements (IRC Section R907) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-10-22)
Product instructions, warranty terms and local requirements can change; use the documents that apply to your project.
