Skylights change how a home feels. Done right, they bring daylight to the darkest corners, lift the mood in winter, and trim the need for artificial lighting. Done poorly, they can add heat in July, leak during a thaw, or fog up when the temperature swings. If you live in Burlington and are weighing skylight installation, the first fork in the road is simple to say but not always simple to decide: fixed skylights or venting skylights.
I have installed, repaired, and replaced hundreds of skylights during roof projects from the North Shore to the escarpment. The right choice depends on your roof, the room, our climate, and how you live in the space. This guide walks through the practical differences, what matters for Burlington’s weather, and how to integrate skylights into roof repair Burlington or roof replacement Burlington without headaches later.
What Burlington’s Climate Means for Skylights
The lake moderates our winters compared to the interior, but Burlington still sees freeze-thaw cycles, lake-effect snow, spring downpours, and muggy stretches in July and August. That combination exposes skylights to three big stressors: water, wind, and condensation.
Water finds weak points during storms and thaws. A skylight flashed well with an ice and water membrane lapped correctly beneath the shingles stands up to meltwater and wind-driven rain. Flash it casually with only step flashing and you gamble with long wet stains on drywall and a call for roof leak repair Burlington. Venting skylights add another variable: moving parts and seals. Quality brands use durable gaskets and anodized frames, but more mechanics mean more places that can age.
Wind off the lake pushes rain uphill on a roof. This is where curb height and the direction of the skylight matter. Low-profile units with shallow curbs can let water jump the frame, especially on low-slope roofs. Local roofing contractors Burlington often prefer a 4 to 6 inch curb height on low slopes, sometimes higher for flat roofing Burlington built with EPDM roofing Burlington or TPO roofing Burlington. On pitched roofs with asphalt shingle roofing Burlington, factory-integrated flashing kits matched to the shingle profile perform best, especially when combined with ice and water shield at least 18 inches upslope of the unit.
Condensation is the quiet culprit. Warm, moist indoor air rises and meets the colder pane. If the skylight has single glazing or the attic insulation around the shaft is thin, water will bead, then drip, mimicking a leak. That is why roof ventilation Burlington and proper attic insulation Burlington go hand-in-hand with skylight Certified Roofing Experts Hamilton installation Burlington. When someone calls with a “leak,” half the time I find condensation from showers or a kitchen running without a range hood, not a flashing failure.
Fixed vs. Venting Skylights, in Plain Terms
A fixed skylight is a sealed window in your roof that never opens. It delivers daylight and views with the simplest construction, and it typically has a better thermal performance because there are fewer seals to break down.
A venting skylight opens for fresh air. You can get manual crank models, electric ones with wall switches, or solar-powered openers with rain sensors. The ventilation is a game-changer in stuffy rooms, but you need to respect the added complexity.
The rule of thumb I use: if the room lacks another operable window or tends to trap moisture or heat, consider venting. If the space already breathes well or is vulnerable to water exposure, fixed is usually smarter.
Where Each Type Excels
Kitchens reward venting models. Boiling water and simmering sauces load the air with moisture. Pair a venting skylight with a good range hood and you cut lingering humidity. I have swapped fixed units for vents above island cooktops, and the difference is immediate. No more fogged eyeglasses while stirring risotto. Use insect screens and keep them clean, because grease will find them.
Bathrooms need care. In a second-floor bath with a vaulted ceiling, a venting skylight clears steam quickly. In a flat roof bathroom over living space, I still favor a venting unit, but only when the curb is tall, the flashing is meticulous, and the exhaust fan is vented outdoors, not into the attic. If you cannot guarantee those, go fixed and rely on a well-sized exhaust fan with a humidity sensor.
Bedrooms are a personality choice. Some homeowners love a venting skylight to invite lake breezes on June nights. Others want silence and absolute darkness at 5:30 a.m. in July. Either way, invest in room-darkening blinds, ideally integrated within the glazing cavity. Add solar-powered blinds if you dislike dangling cords.
Hallways and stairwells are perfect for fixed units. You want light, not airflow, and the shafts are often long. The fewer moving parts, the better. I have brightened many gloomy center-hall homes in Burlington with a pair of 21 by 45 inch fixed units aligned over the stairs, transforming the heart of the layout without changing a single wall.
Attics and lofts become livable with venting models placed high on the slope to leverage the stack effect. Heat rises, exits the top vent, and draws cooler air in from lower windows. In a converted attic, it can shave 2 to 4 degrees on summer afternoons without touching the thermostat.
Laundry rooms or mudrooms might not need operable skylights. Fixed glass with low solar heat gain keeps the space bright for sorting and folding without overheating.
Glass, Coatings, and Heat Gain
Not all glass is created equal. Burlington’s mix of cold snaps and hot sun means you want a balance: low U-factor to keep winter heat in, moderate solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) to welcome winter sun but avoid summer spikes. Typical good ranges for our climate are U-factors around 0.30 to 0.45 for skylights, with SHGC from 0.25 to 0.45 depending on where the skylight faces and whether you have blinds.
Go for double-glazed, low-E coated, argon-filled glass at minimum. Triple glazing exists, but the weight climbs and the benefit for skylights is modest unless you are tackling a passive house. Laminated inner panes add safety and sound control. Tempered over laminated is my preferred stack for overhead glass. The laminated inner layer holds together if a branch falls during a storm damage roof repair Burlington situation.
Plastic domes have their place on some commercial roofing Burlington systems, especially in warehouses where weight and cost matter. For residential roofing Burlington, quality glass wins for clarity, durability, and UV control. Plastic scratches and yellows in time, particularly on south-facing slopes.
Flashing, Underlayment, and Why Details Matter
The most common skylight failures I see happen at the shingles and flashing, not the glass. Flashing is the metal that bridges the skylight frame to the roofing. Good systems use a combination of head flashing, step flashing along the sides, and a wide sill flashing at the bottom, all integrated shingle by shingle.
Before the flashing, install an ice and water membrane. I run it up the sides and across the top, extending at least a foot beyond the skylight footprint. On roofs that have seen hail damage roof Burlington or prior leaks, I extend it further. The membrane should lap over the felt or synthetic underlayment below and under the skylight flange above, a shingled sequence that sheds water naturally.
On metal roofing Burlington, you do not rely on step flashing the same way. A curb-mounted skylight with a custom boot or pan that matches the panel profile is essential. Done wrong, water will chase the ribs and find a seam. If you are planning a roof replacement Burlington and considering metal, involve the skylight layout early so the panels, seams, and skylights align.
Flat roofing Burlington with EPDM or TPO uses different details. The skylight should be curb-mounted, and the membrane needs to run up and over the curb, then be counter-flashed with a metal cap. Solvent-welding TPO and EPDM around corners requires an experienced hand. I have corrected more than one DIY attempt where the membrane was simply glued to the skylight frame, which will peel and leak by the second season.
Venting Mechanisms, Power, and Controls
Manual venting skylights are simple, reliable, and dependable when the unit is within reach. A telescoping rod works well for ceiling heights up to about 12 feet. Beyond that, you will fight it.
Electric or solar openers suit high ceilings and modern living. Electric models tie into household power and integrate with wall switches and even smart home systems. Solar-powered openers avoid wiring, harvest power from a small panel, and usually include a rain sensor. I like rain sensors in Burlington where squalls arrive with little warning. The sensor closes the unit automatically, saving hardwood floors from sudden showers.
Screens keep insects out but can cut airflow and collect dust. Plan to remove and clean them twice per year, during spring and fall roof maintenance Burlington. If you already schedule a roof inspection Burlington with a local roofing company Burlington, add screen cleaning to the work order.
Energy Trade-offs and Real Savings
People often ask if a skylight will pay for itself. The most honest answer is that you install skylights for improved daylight and comfort first, then enjoy modest energy benefits. Reducing electric lighting during the day can trim usage, especially in deep-plan homes. Venting skylights can purge hot air, lowering air conditioner run time. On the flip side, any opening in the building envelope adds a path for heat loss at night in winter and heat gain on summer afternoons.
Proper size, placement, glazing, and shading control the trade-offs. A rule I use: skylight area should be roughly 3 to 5 percent of the floor area of the room you are lighting if the goal is balanced daylight. South-facing skylights deliver passive heat in winter but need blinds to manage summer. East-facing units flood a kitchen with gentle morning light but give up heat by afternoon. North-facing skylights offer stable, diffuse light with little heat gain, excellent over art studios or home offices.
Integrating Skylights with Roofing Projects
If you are already considering roof repair Burlington or a roof replacement Burlington, that is the perfect time to install or upgrade skylights. Shingles around the unit will be fresh, underlayments can be tied in properly, and the roofer can frame the opening and build a well-insulated light shaft without patchwork.
Homeowners sometimes ask to keep an old skylight during a new roof to save money. I advise against it unless the unit is nearly new. A 15-year-old skylight, even if leak-free today, rarely matches the lifespan of a new roof. You risk opening the roof later for a replacement, which costs more in labor and leaves you at the mercy of weather. If you are investing in asphalt shingle roofing Burlington with a roof warranty Burlington, confirm whether keeping old skylights affects the warranty language around water intrusion.
If your roof suffered hail or storm damage, ask about roof insurance claims Burlington and whether skylights are covered. Some policies include glass replacement after hail damage roof Burlington if the glass shows impact marks or cracking. Document with photos, and have licensed and insured roofers Burlington assess the seals and frames, not just the glass.
Light Shafts, Drywall, and Insulation
The skylight is only half the story. The shaft that channels light from the roof to the room can make or break the effect. A straight, flared shaft admits more light, reduces glare, and visually opens the ceiling. Paint it a matte white to bounce light evenly.
Insulate the shaft walls thoroughly. If it passes through an attic, wrap the exterior with rigid foam or high-density batts, then seal joints with foam or tape. Add a continuous air barrier with drywall or foil-faced foam to prevent warm, moist air from sneaking into the cavity and condensing. I burlington roofing have torn out shafts that looked fine inside but were moldy outside where warm air met cold roof deck during a freeze.
Air sealing is not optional. Caulk the drywall to the framing, foam the gaps at the skylight frame, and treat the shaft like a miniature wall system. Your future self will thank you on a February morning when there is no drip from condensation.
Maintenance and Lifespan
A well-installed, quality skylight should give 20 to 30 years of service on a shingle roof, sometimes longer on low-slope systems. Plan on a quick maintenance routine twice per year. Clear leaves and debris, check the flashing for lifted shingles or gaps, inspect the sealant at corners, and clean the glass. Do not pressure-wash; it can push water under shingles. During your roof inspection Burlington, have the technician look for hairline cracks in tempered glass and check that venting mechanisms operate smoothly.
If you notice fogging between panes, the insulating glass seal has failed. This is not an immediate emergency, but it will worsen energy performance and can drip when the desiccant saturates. Replacement sashes are available for many brands. If the skylight is older than 15 years and the roof is nearing replacement, consider a full unit swap instead.
Cost Expectations for Burlington Homes
Prices vary with size, glazing, and roof type. For a typical fixed skylight installed during a shingle roof replacement, many homeowners spend in the range of a few thousand dollars per unit, including shaft work and interior finishing. Venting models add several hundred to more than a thousand, depending on manual vs. electric vs. solar operation and blind packages. On flat roofing Burlington with curb construction and membrane work, costs trend higher because of custom flashing and labor.
If you are budgeting a full roof replacement, ask for a free roofing estimate Burlington that includes skylight options. A transparent quote from a local roofing company Burlington lays out the premium for low-E laminated glass, integrated blinds, insect screens, rain sensors, and finish carpentry. Factor in any gutter installation Burlington or soffit and fascia Burlington improvements at the same time, since the trades are already on site and can coordinate roof ventilation Burlington upgrades as well.
Common Mistakes I See, and How to Avoid Them
People oversize skylights. Bigger is not always better. A giant opening can create glare and summer heat pulses. I prefer multiple smaller units placed strategically. Two modest skylights at the edges of a room often outshine one big center unit.
They ignore roof pitch. Flashing kits are pitch-specific. Installing a kit designed for a 4:12 slope on a 2:12 roof invites trouble. If the roof is too shallow, choose curb-mounted units with tall curbs.
They skip blinds. Even north-facing units benefit from shades for nighttime privacy and temperature control. Integrated blinds or surface-mounted shades both work; integrated designs stay cleaner.
They ventilate bathrooms with skylights alone. A venting skylight helps, but you still need a dedicated exhaust fan vented outdoors. Venting into the soffit or attic is a recipe for mold and ice dams.
They trust caulk over flashing. Caulk is backup, not the primary defense. Water should shed naturally across metal and shingles. Sealant fails; proper layering endures.
Pairing Skylights with Attic and Roof Ventilation
Venting skylights can play nicely with a balanced roof ventilation system. In summer, opening a high venting unit while drawing air through low inlets moves heat and humidity out. In winter, keep venting skylights closed and rely on ridge and soffit vents to keep the roof deck cold, which helps prevent ice dams. If your attic ventilation is anemic, address it with soffit and fascia Burlington improvements and possibly a ridge vent during roof maintenance Burlington, not with skylights alone.
Special Considerations for Flat Roofs and Additions
Many Burlington homes have rear additions with low-slope or flat roofs. Natural light can be scarce here. Curb-mounted fixed skylights with laminated glass are dependable on EPDM or TPO membranes when installed by crews experienced with commercial roofing Burlington details. I tend to avoid venting units on dead-flat roofs unless the curb is tall and the site is sheltered from drifting snow. A better solution might be multiple smaller fixed units or even tubular daylight devices that deliver light through a reflective tube with minimal heat exchange.
Emergency Scenarios
If a branch cracks your skylight during a storm, do not climb up with a tarp in high wind. Call emergency roof repair Burlington. A crew can install a temporary cover safely and prevent further damage. Document everything for roof insurance claims Burlington, including interior damage. Once the weather clears, an assessment will determine whether a replacement sash or a full unit swap is needed. If the roof around the skylight is compromised, same-day roofing Burlington services sometimes can reflash or patch until a full repair is scheduled.
Working With a Qualified Contractor
Skylights sit at the intersection of roofing, framing, drywall, and occasionally electrical work. Choose roofing contractors Burlington who handle the entire scope, not just the hole in the roof. Ask about training with the skylight brand you prefer, glazing options for our climate, and warranty terms. Licensed and insured roofers Burlington should provide proof of insurance, references, and clear scheduling. If you are comparing bids, make sure each includes underlayment type, flashing kit brand, shaft insulation detail, interior finishing, and disposal.
Some local firms, such as Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair, handle not only roofing Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair but also eavestrough Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair and siding Custom Contracting Roofing & Eavestrough Repair work. Coordinating trades under one roof simplifies skylight integration with gutters, downspouts, and soffit upgrades. When you request a free roofing estimate Burlington, ask how the skylight ties into gutter installation Burlington and whether attic insulation Burlington will be improved around the new shaft. You can explore services on custom-contracting.ca roofing as well as custom-contracting.ca eavestrough or custom-contracting.ca siding if you are planning a larger exterior refresh.
Fixed vs. Venting: A Quick, Real-World Comparison
- Choose fixed skylights when the space already has fresh air through windows or fans, when the roof pitch is low or exposure is harsh, when you want the simplest, tightest thermal envelope, or when the shaft is long and complex. Choose venting skylights when the room traps heat or moisture, when ceilings are high and cross-breezes are scarce, when you want natural cooling on shoulder-season days, or when you can keep up with basic maintenance of screens and seals.
Planning Your Project
- Align skylight work with roof replacement Burlington to save labor and improve waterproofing. If your shingles are within 2 to 5 years of replacement, consider moving the skylight schedule up. Decide on controls early. Manual, wired electric, or solar power affects framing, electrical work, and costs. Rain sensors are worth the small premium in Burlington’s changeable weather.
With a clear plan, the right glazing, and careful flashing, skylights are low drama and high reward. They can turn a dim kitchen into the center of the home, make a stairwell safe without flipping a switch at noon, and give you the pleasure of stars from bed. Work with a local roofing company Burlington that treats skylight installation Burlington as a craft, not an afterthought. Ask good questions, insist on details in writing, and expect the crew to protect your floors and furniture during interior work.
If you are weighing new roof cost Burlington and wondering whether to add skylights, ask your estimator to mock up placements on the roof plan and to show you SHGC and U-factor numbers for each glass option. A thorough proposal will also note roof ventilation Burlington improvements, soffit and fascia Burlington updates if needed, and how the skylight warranty interacts with the roof warranty Burlington. Good planning upfront keeps surprises at bay and lets the light in where it belongs.