When should you replace skylights?
Skylights are exposed to wind, weather, and UV radiation for many years. Over time, glazing can age, seals can wear out, and the demands placed on energy efficiency, comfort, or safety can increase. For contractors and specialist dealers, this raises an important question: is a repair sufficient, or is replacement the more cost-effective solution?
Typical reasons for replacement
Replacing skylights is particularly worthwhile if:
- eaks or moisture damage occur
- glazing is damaged or discoloured
- significant heat loss is experienced
- opening or ventilation functions no longer operate reliably
- current requirements for energy efficiency or safety need to be met
- work is already scheduled as part of a broader roof refurbishment
Particularly in existing buildings, replacing outdated rooflights offers the opportunity to significantly improve the performance. Modern Skylights from LAMILUX not only provide more daylight but also reduce energy consumption and enhance user comfort.
Repair or complete replacement?
Minor damage to seals or fittings can frequently be repaired. However, if the glazing, thermal insulation, or the structure itself has reached the end of its service life, replacement is often the more sustainable solution.
For contractors, it is worthwhile considering the total costs rather than merely the initial investment. Multiple repairs can prove more expensive overall than a modernisation. Furthermore, modern LAMILUX skylights facilitate efficient refurbishment solutions, allowing the existing upstands to be retained, depending on their condition. This reduces installation effort, interventions in the roof structure, and downtime on site.
For specialist dealers, this presents the opportunity to offer customers not just a repair, but a long-term solution delivering greater energy efficiency, safety, and comfort.
Replacing or refurbishing skylights? Options for existing buildings
When a skylight needs to be modernised, there are fundamentally two approaches: replacing the existing system or conducting a complete refurbishment.
Replacing the existing rooflight
If the existing upstand remains in good condition, simply replacing the upper section is often sufficient. This significantly reduces installation effort, interventions in the roof structure, and downtime.
For such cases, LAMILUX offers specialist refurbishment frames. They facilitate the manufacturer-independent replacement of existing flat roof windows and rooflights, providing a straightforward means of bringing older systems up to the latest technological standards.
Refurbishment of the entire skylight
If the upstand, connections, or insulation are damaged or technically obsolete, replacing the entire system is advisable. This entails replacing both the upper section and the upstand.
In this context, it is crucial to select a system that can be flexibly adapted to the existing structural conditions. LAMILUX provides various upstand solutions for this purpose, enabling a secure connection to the existing roof whilst simultaneously establishing the foundation for high energy efficiency, durable watertightness, and rapid installation. Whether GRP or steel upstands, PVC connecting rails, or thermally insulated or folded base flanges, the right solution is available for any refurbishment scenario.
Aufsatzkranz richtig wählen - Die Basis für langlebige Oberlichter
Der Aufsatzkranz ist das Fundament jedes Oberlichts und sorgt für optimale Dämmung, Stabilität und eine sichere Montage. Erfahren Sie mehr über die verschiedenen Materialien, Funktionen und Vorteile!
Der Aufsatzkranz ist das Fundament jedes Oberlichts und sorgt für optimale Dämmung, Stabilität und eine sichere Montage. Erfahren Sie mehr über die verschiedenen Materialien, Funktionen und Vorteile!
Challenges when replacing old rooflights
The replacement of rooflights and roof windows is frequently more complex than in a new build. Differing existing structures, requirements for roof waterproofing, and current safety standards must be considered right from the planning stage.
Initial survey and dimensions: Prior to replacement, the dimensions, installation height, and condition of the existing system should be accurately recorded. Particularly with older rooflights, dimensions and structural details frequently deviate from modern standards.
Connection to the roof waterproofing: A durably secure connection to the roof waterproofing is crucial for the watertightness of the system. In refurbishment projects, skylights and upstands should be tailored to the existing roof structure.
Avoiding thermal bridges: Old rooflights frequently no longer meet current requirements for thermal insulation. A replacement offers the opportunity to reduce heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of the building in the long term.
Ensuring fall-through protection: Safety on the roof also plays a vital role in refurbishment projects. Modern skylights can help to meet current fall-through protection requirements and enhance occupational safety on the roof.
How to replace the skylight
To ensure that the replacement of a roof window or skylight proceeds smoothly, roofers and contractors should adopt a structural approach. From the initial survey through to final functional testing, every step in the process contributes to the quality and longevity of the finished solution.
1. Initial survey and measurement
To begin with, the existing structure, the dimensions of the rooflight, and the condition of the upstand and roof connections are assessed. This initial survey forms the basis for selecting the appropriate refurbishment solution.
2. Selecting the appropriate replacement system
Subsequently, a decision is made as to whether the existing upper section can be replaced or whether a complete renewal of the system is advisable. For this purpose, LAMILUX offers both refurbishment frames for replacing existing rooflights and complete skylight systems for modernising the entire roof structure.
3. Removal of the existing product
After securing the work area, the existing rooflight is removed. Attention should be paid to the condition of the connections and the surrounding roof waterproofing.
4. Installation of the new rooflight
The new system is secured and aligned on the existing or newly installed upstand. Pre-assembled LAMILUX skylights can significantly reduce the installation effort and facilitate rapid implementation on site.
5. Connection to the roof waterproofing and functional testing
Finally, the new system is professionally connected to the roof waterproofing is conducted. Following this, all functions, such as ventilation, smoke extraction, or electrical drives, are evaluated. The refurbishment is only considered complete once watertightness and functionality have been ensured.
Why modern skylights are worthwhile for replacements
Replacing an old skylight does more than merely rectify existing damage. A replacement simultaneously offers the opportunity to enhance the building’s technical and energy performance. Today, modern skylights deliver significantly more than their predecessors, creating tangible added value for building operators, users, and contractors alike.
More daylight in the building
Many older rooflights no longer achieve their original daylight performance due to discoloured plastic domes, aged glazing, or inefficient structural designs. Modern skylights bring significantly more natural light into the building and ensure bright, pleasant interior spaces. Rooflights provide a particularly important level of daylight from above and can introduce up to three times more daylight into a building than façade windows.
Improved energy efficiency
In addition to daylight intake, energy efficiency plays a significant role. Modern flat roof windows, such as those from LAMILUX, feature high-quality insulating glazing and thermally optimised frame profiles, which can reduce heat loss and lower the building’s energy requirements. Particularly in the case of older rooflights, a replacement can therefore make a vital contribution to energy-focused modernisation.
Enhanced ventilation and fire protection functions
Modern rooflights can do far more than simply bring daylight into the building. Openable systems facilitate natural ventilation, while integrated smoke and heat exhaust functions perform crucial roles in preventative fire protection. This allows daylight provision, comfort, and safety to be combined within a single system.
Reduced maintenance requirements
New skylights impress with durable materials, precise manufacturing, and modern sealing concepts. This reduces maintenance efforts and repair costs compared to many older existing solutions. At the same time, operators benefit from long-term, reliable functionality and enhanced investment security.
LAMILUX solutions for the replacement of existing rooflights
Those wishing to replace existing rooflights require solutions that can be flexibly adapted to the specific conditions of the building. For this purpose, LAMILUX provides various refurbishment and replacement concepts that enable the cost-effective modernisation of existing roofs.
Manufacturer-independent replacement
It is not always necessary to replace the entire system. If existing upstands remain intact, new LAMILUX Skylights can be installed onto existing structures using appropriate refurbishment frames. This allows existing roof openings to continue to be used and significantly reduces the installation effort.
Rapid installation via pre-assembled systems
Time is a crucial factor on any construction site. Therefore, LAMILUX supplies its skylights as completely pre-assembled units comprising the upper section and upstand. This reduces the number of installation steps on the roof and minimises potential sources of error during installation. For contractors, this means shorter installation times, more straightforward processing, and fewer errors on site.
Safety and watertightness right from the start
Particularly in refurbishment projects, a reliable connection to the existing roof structure is essential. For this purpose, LAMILUX relies on thermally insulated GRP upstands, which facilitate a durable and secure connection to the roof waterproofing. Simultaneously, they help to prevent thermal bridges and ensure the long-term watertightness of the system.
Skylights as an energy upgrade
The LAMILUX Glass Skylights FE and F100 are particularly suitable for the replacement of existing roof windows. Both systems are available in diverse designs and can be adapted to the specific requirements of the building. In doing so, they combine an excellent daylight performance, modern thermal insulation, and certified safety within a durable daylight solution.
How much does it cost to replace a roof window?
The costs for replacing a roof window or rooflight can vary significantly depending on the project. A blanket statement is therefore impossible, as various technical and structural factors must be considered.
Factors influencing the costs
The key factors include:
- size of the roof window
- type of glazing
- opening and ventilation functions
- replacement of the upper section or the complete system
- adaptations to the roof structure and waterproofing
- equirements for fire protection or fall-through protection
As a rule, the more complex the requirements, the higher the costs for materials and installation.
Why the cheapest solution is not always the most economical
In refurbishment projects, the initial purchase price should not be the sole consideration. In the long term, modern skylights can lower energy costs, reduce maintenance requirements, and extend the lifespan of the system. At the same time, appropriate refurbishment solutions can minimise installation times and operational disruptions. An economical solution therefore considers not only the initial investment today, but the total costs over the entire service life.
Funding opportunities also come into play when replacing roof windows with energy-efficient products, thereby reducing costs.
Replacing skylights and permanently upgrading existing buildings
Replacing old roof windows and skylights offers far more than merely rectifying wear and tear or damage. Modern skylights improve daylight provision, increase energy efficiency, and create additional safety and comfort functions.
Thanks to flexible refurbishment solutions, many existing roofs can be modernised economically without the need for extensive interventions in the roof structure. With refurbishment frames, modern skylights, and comprehensive refurbishment expertise, LAMILUX supports contractors, specialist dealers, and building operators in future-proofing their existing rooflights.
