Skylight Repair Calgary
Leaking, fogged, or cracked? Kristian fixes it right.
A leaking skylight during Calgary's spring melt demands professional repair, the problem worsens with every freeze-thaw cycle. Same goes for fog between the panes or a crack from last summer's hailstorm. Honest diagnosis, then the right fix.
- Projects
- 700+
- Years
- 15+
- Owner-Run
- 100%
Why Skylights Leak in Calgary
It's almost never the glass, it's the flashing
Calgary's climate punishes skylights harder than almost any other city in Canada. Chinook winds accelerate flashing damage by triggering rapid freeze-thaw cycling that breaks down sealant joints. Hail cracks glazing. Snowmelt pools at the curb. And attic rain, Calgary's unique condensation problem, often masquerades as a skylight leak.
Kristian inspects the flashing, glazing seals, and interior ceiling condition to pinpoint the root cause before recommending any work, preventing you from paying for a flashing rebuild when the real problem is attic rain condensation, or vice versa.
Common Skylight Problems
From a small drip to a full replacement
Leaking Around the Frame
Deteriorated step flashing and counter-flashing let snowmelt pool around the curb. Chinook freeze-thaw cycling breaks sealant joints down.
Fogged or Cloudy Glass
IGU seal failure lets moisture in between the panes. Skylight still works, but thermal performance drops and condensation becomes permanent.
Cracked or Shattered Glazing
Calgary averages 3–5 significant hail events per year. A single storm can crack acrylic domes or chip laminated glass.
Attic Rain Staining
Warm moist air condensing on cold sheathing often shows up as stains around skylights, mimicking a leak when the skylight is fine.
Persistent Drafts
Worn weatherstripping on vented Velux units (VSE/VSS) lets cold air pour through during -30°C cold snaps.
Full Replacement
Skylights over 20 years, warped frames, or 3+ repairs in 5 years, time for a new unit. Velux and Columbia installed.
Repair, Don't Replace
When a fix is all you need
Kristian won't upsell you on a $2,500 new unit when a $400 repair solves the issue for another 10 years.
Flashing rebuild
Remove surrounding shingles, install new ice-and-water shield, rebuild step and counter-flashing, tie back into the roof system. Skylight unit stays.
IGU replacement
Velux sells replacement glass units for most models. Kristian swaps the failed IGU without touching the frame, flashing, or interior finish.
Weatherstrip/gasket replacement
Vented Velux models (VSE and VSS) use replaceable gaskets. New kit eliminates drafts and restores the watertight seal.
Sealant & caulking renewal
Sometimes the fix is that simple. Reseal the curb-to-deck junction and reapply high-grade roofing sealant where old material cracked.
When to Replace
When repair isn't the smartest move
Kristian recommends full replacement when:
- The skylight exceeds 20 years, beyond typical lifespan in Calgary's climate.
- The frame shows visible warping, rot (on wood-frame models), or structural cracking.
- Patched 3+ times in 5 years, signals a structural defect no surface repair will resolve.
- You're already replacing your roof, install a brand-new unit for marginal added cost and fresh 10-year warranty.
Economics tilt toward replacement when repair cost exceeds 40–50% of a new unit's installed price.
Brands We Install
Velux & Columbia Skylights
Kristian recommends the right brand for the right job, not the one with the higher margin.
Velux
Danish manufacturer, global residential market leader. Fixed (FCM), electric-vented (VSE), solar-vented (VSS), and Solar Star tubular skylights. Engineered flashing kits simplify install and reduce leak risk.
Columbia Skylights
Manufactured in Surrey, BC, built for Canadian conditions. Larger custom sizing and heavier-duty glazing. Better fit for non-standard sizes or units rated for higher snow loads.
Hail-Resistant Options
Impact-rated laminated glass skylights hold together when struck, similar to automotive windshield glass. Pair them with a Class 4 hail-resistant roof for full storm protection.
Our Process
From assessment to warranty
Free On-Site Assessment
Kristian inspects the skylight, surrounding flashing, and roof condition. 30–45 minutes.
Honest Recommendation
Repair, replace, or leave it alone. Written quote within 24 hours.
Scheduled Work
Most repairs complete in a single day. New installs take 1–2 days depending on light shaft work.
Final Walkthrough
Kristian shows you the flashing integration and answers every question.
Workmanship Warranty
Top Star labour warranty plus stacked manufacturer warranty on the skylight and glazing.
Finished Calgary Skylights
Tied in, watertight, and clean
1,500+ roofing and skylight projects completed across Calgary.
FAQs
Skylight repair Calgary, common questions
How much does skylight repair cost in Calgary?
Skylight repair costs in Calgary typically range from $300 to $800 depending on the issue. Flashing repairs and sealant renewal fall on the lower end, while IGU (insulated glass unit) replacements cost more. Kristian provides a written quote after on-site assessment so you know the exact price before any work begins.
How do I know if my skylight needs repair or full replacement?
Kristian recommends repair when the frame is structurally sound and the issue is limited to failed flashing, worn weatherstripping, or a fogged IGU. Replacement makes more sense when the skylight exceeds 20 years of age, the frame shows warping or cracking, or repair costs exceed 40–50% of a new unit's installed price.
What skylight brands does Top Star Roofing install?
Top Star installs Velux (Danish manufacturer and global market leader) and Columbia Skylights (Canadian manufacturer based in Surrey, BC). Kristian selects the right brand based on sizing, roof pitch, budget, and performance needs, not brand loyalty.
Are there hail-resistant skylights available for Calgary homes?
Yes. Kristian installs impact-rated laminated glass skylights that resist cracking under hailstone impact. Laminated glazing holds together even when struck, preventing water intrusion. These units pair well with hail-resistant Class 4 roofing systems for comprehensive storm protection.
How long does a skylight installation take?
Most skylight repairs complete in a single day. New skylight installations, roof cutting, framing, flashing integration, and interior light shaft work, typically take 1–2 days depending on complexity.
Can I replace my skylight during a roof replacement?
Absolutely, and Kristian recommends it. During a reroof, the flashing is already exposed and surrounding shingles removed. Installing a new skylight at this stage adds minimal labour cost compared to a standalone install and ensures the flashing integrates perfectly with your new roof.
Is my leaking skylight covered by insurance?
Skylights damaged by a specific event, like a hailstorm, are typically covered under homeowner insurance in Calgary. Leaks from gradual wear, aging sealant, or improper installation usually fall outside coverage. Kristian can document storm damage during the assessment to support your claim.
Free Estimate
Skylight leaking? We'll find the source, not just patch the symptom.
Free Calgary skylight assessment. Most repairs done in a single visit.