How do you replace a plastic skylight cover, and will insurance pay for it?
Short answer. A plastic skylight dome on a curb mounted unit can usually be replaced by itself: measure the outside of the curb, order a matching acrylic or polycarbonate dome, and fasten and seal it to the curb. If hail cracked it, it belongs in your storm claim; if sun and age made it yellow and brittle, it is maintenance.
Replacing just the dome
- Identify the type. Plastic bubble domes sit on a raised curb, either a site built wood curb or a curb that is part of the unit. Flat glass skylights with integrated flashing are a different product.
- Measure the curb, outside edge to outside edge, and note whether the dome is single wall or double wall and how it is fastened.
- Match the material. Acrylic is clear and common; polycarbonate is tougher against impact. Double wall domes insulate better.
- Swap and seal. Remove the fasteners and old dome, clean the curb, set the new dome on fresh gasket or sealant, and refasten. Work from a stable position; a fall through a skylight opening is a serious hazard.
When to replace the whole unit
If the curb is rotted, the flashing is rusted or the roof is being replaced, replace the skylight too. Reusing an old unit on a new roof saves little and often becomes the first leak. Georgia Roof Guide covers that decision in replacing skylights with the roof.
When insurance pays
Hail is the classic cause. A fresh crack with a clear impact point, especially alongside hail hits on the shingles and dents on vents, is storm damage and is part of the roof claim. Gradual yellowing, crazing and brittleness from UV exposure are wear and are excluded. Photograph the dome and the roof around it, and ask the adjuster to include it. See hail size and roof damage and what adjusters look for.