Skylights are a popular type of window that can bring in natural light and provide a connection to the outdoors. Installing and upgrading skylight windows makes an attractive and functional addition to any home. It can even help you save energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
If you’re considering installing a skylight in your home, it’s important to understand the various factors that can impact the project’s cost. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of skylights available, the factors that affect their cost, and provide an overview of average costs to help you budget for your project.
How Much Does A Skylight Cost In New Jersey?
The skylight replacement cost differs from state to state, depending on the contractors available, and the climate. For example, the replacement cost will be higher in states that witness regular seasons of harsh weather. The skylight cost in New Jersey ranges anywhere from $500 to $1,500, or more, for a standard skylight installation.
Average Skylight Installation Cost
The cost to install a skylight can range from $1,000 to $3,000, whereas the average cost of skylight installation is $1800. However, large, or more complex installations could cost significantly more. It’s always a good idea to get multiple estimates from different contractors to ensure you get the best price on a project. The cost may depend on several factors, and we’ll discuss these factors in detail in the following section.
Different Types Of Skylights
To know how much a skylight installation project will cost, you need to first consider the type of skylight you want to install on your roof. Over the years, skylight manufacturers have developed many innovative products.
Several types of skylights are available, each with unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of skylights:
Fixed Skylights:
Fixed Skylights are the most common type of skylight you can install in your home. These are stationary windows that allow light to enter a room but do not open. So typically, these are the fixed windows for your roof.
Fixed skylights are a good choice for areas that are not easily accessible, such as high ceilings or pitched roofs. Fixed skylights come in various sizes and shapes, including rectangular, square, round, and oval. They can be installed on multiple roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal, and tile.
Cost Of Fixed Skylights
On average, a fixed skylight can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,500, or more, depending on the abovementioned factors.
Vented Skylights
A vented skylight is a type of skylight that you can open to allow for ventilation. It typically has a crank handle or motorized mechanism that allows you to open and close the skylight. Vented skylights can be a great way to bring natural light and fresh air into a room or space, and they can also be beneficial in other areas of your home, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas.
Cost Of Vented Skylights
The cost of a vented skylight will depend on the size and type of skylight, as well as the location and accessibility of the installation site. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $1,300, or more, for a standard vented skylight installation. However, large, or more complex installations could cost significantly more.
Tubular Skylight
A tubular skylight, also known as a solar tube or sun tunnel, is a small, circular skylight installed on the roof of a home or building. It consists of a clear dome on the roof, a reflective tube that runs through the roof and ceiling, and a diffuser on the ceiling that spreads the light into the room. Tubular skylights can bring natural light into spaces without windows or limited window access, such as bathrooms, closets, and hallways.
Cost Of Tubular Skylights
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,600, or more, for a standard tubular skylight installation.
Factors Affecting The Skylight Cost
Not only does the type and shape of the skylight affect the final cost, but there are also a lot of different factors that you need to consider before installation. Some of the factors that can impact the cost of a skylight installation include the following:
Size Of The Skylight
The size of the skylight refers to the dimensions of the opening in the roof or ceiling through which the contractor will install the skylight. Larger skylights will require more materials and may be more complex to install, which can increase the cost.
Here are different skylight sizes and their cost (sizes are in inches).
16” x 16” $250 – $1,200
16” x 24” $360 – $1,750
24” x 24” $400 – $1,350
24’’x 48’’: $300 – $1200
48’’x 48’’: $1000-$3,500
Why The Optimal Size Is Important
It’s crucial to consider the size of the skylight in relation to the size of the room, or area where you wish to install it. A skylight that is too small may not provide enough natural light, while a skylight that is too large may let in too much light or heat, which can be uncomfortable. If you don’t know the skylight size that would be suitable for your roof, you should contact a professional roofing contractor for help.
Accessibility Of The Roof
Accessibility is another critical factor that can affect the skylight cost. If the roof is difficult to access or requires special equipment to reach it, the cost of installing a skylight may be higher. This is because the contractor may need to spend more time and resources ensuring they install the skylight safely and effectively.
Frame Of The Skylight
A skylight frame is a structure that holds the skylight in place and supports its weight. It is usually made of metal, wood, or a combination of both materials. The frame is usually mounted to the roof and the surrounding wall or ceiling.
Wood:
Wood skylight frames can be made from a variety of wood types, such as pine, oak, or cedar. Wood frames are strong and durable, but may require more maintenance than other materials.
Metal:
Metal skylight frames are available in aluminum, steel, or copper. Metal frames are strong and durable and resistant to rot and insect damage. They also last longer than other frame materials.
Plastic:
Plastic skylight frames can be made from PVC or acrylic. Plastic frames are lightweight and easy to install, but they may not be as durable as metal or wood frames.
Shape Of The Skylight
As we’ve already mentioned earlier, the best manufacturers are developing more effective and innovative skylight styles to provide you with the best skylight possible.
Standard:
Standard skylights have a square or rectangular shape and are the most common type of skylight. They can be installed on flat or pitched roofs, and come in various sizes. The cost to install skylights of this kind is affordable when compared to other windows. These skylights cost around $150-$2,000.
Circular:
Circular skylights are round in shape and are often used to bring light into a room with a high ceiling. They can be installed on both flat or pitched roofs. Circular skylights cost around $400-$1,000.
Pyramid:
Pyramid skylights are shaped like a pyramid with a frame that slopes down to meet the roof at an angle. They are often used to bring light into a room with a high ceiling. These are the most expensive type of skylight due to their uniqueness. They can cost around $500-$1,000.
Brand Of Skylight
The quality of the skylight you install depends largely on the company that manufactures it. Some of the famous names in the skylight industry are Velux, Fakro, and Sun-Tek.
Velux:
Velux is a leading manufacturer of skylights and roof windows. They offer a wide range of skylights in various sizes, shapes, and materials, including fixed, manual, and electric models. Do check out our blog on the best Velux Skylights to know more.
Sun-Tek
Sun-Tek has been a pioneer in the home building industry, making quality natural lighting products for more than 30 years. They offer various skylight models at a practical price range. Some popular offerings include glass skylights, polycarbonate skylights, and tubular skylights.
Fakro
Fakro USA is a manufacturer of skylights and roof windows. They offer a range of skylights in various sizes, shapes, and materials, including fixed, manual, and electric models. Fakro skylights are designed to be energy-efficient and can help to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Looking To Install Skylights? We Can Help!
Now you should have a better idea of the cost you will incur for your skylight installation project. You will need to hire a professional skylight installer to ensure the skylight is installed correctly.
Looking to install a skylight? All you need to do is to contact the team of Northkit Roofing. We are the best skylight installation company in New Jersey and have installed hundreds of skylights in Cedar Grove and surrounding areas. We cannot wait to help you! Contact us at, (973) 396-7416, to learn more about our services.
