Does homeowners insurance cover skylight replacement?
When the skylight itself is replaced
- Hail cracked or crazed an acrylic dome, or broke glass.
- A limb shattered the glazing or bent the frame.
- Wind damaged the frame or curb.
Photograph cracks from inside and outside. Hail damage to domes can be subtle, so look closely in good light after a storm.
Skylights during a roof replacement
When shingles are replaced, the skylight must be reflashed. A proper estimate includes removing and resetting or reflashing each skylight, usually with a manufacturer flashing kit. If the old unit was damaged in the storm, it should be written for replacement. If it was not, the estimate typically covers flashing only, and swapping in a new unit is your choice and cost.
Should you upgrade an old skylight with the roof?
Often, yes. Skylights in Georgia commonly start fogging, yellowing or failing at the seals after many years in the sun. A new roof can last decades, and replacing an old skylight later means disturbing new shingles. Paying the difference now is usually cheaper.
If it was left off the estimate
A missing skylight flashing line or a damaged unit not written for replacement can be added through a supplement with photos. For hail thresholds, see hail size and roof damage, and to read the estimate lines, see the Xactimate guide.