Skylight Installation & Replacement Hempstead - R&M Roofers LLC
Sarah from West Hempstead called us last spring with an interesting request. “My kitchen feels like a cave,” she said. “I have to turn on lights at noon just to see what I’m cooking. My neighbor installed skylights and now her whole house feels different. Can you do the same thing for me?”
Six weeks later, Sarah sent us photos of her transformed kitchen. Three Velux skylights had completely changed how her home felt. “I can’t believe how much brighter everything is,” she told us. “And my electric bill went down because I barely use lights during the day anymore.”
After installing over 300 skylights across Nassau County, we’ve seen how these simple additions can transform dark Long Island homes into bright, welcoming spaces. But here’s what most homeowners don’t realize – skylight performance depends entirely on proper installation. Do it wrong, and you’ll have leaks, drafts, and condensation problems. Do it right, and you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
At R&M Roofers LLC, we’ve been installing and replacing skylights in Hempstead since 2013. We’re certified installers for Velux, FAKRO, and other major brands, which means we know exactly how to integrate these units with your roof system for years of trouble-free performance.
Skylight Installation Process
Installing a skylight isn’t just cutting a hole in your roof and dropping in a window. It requires careful planning, precise measurements, and detailed knowledge of roofing systems, flashing techniques, and interior finishing work.
We start every skylight installation by evaluating your roof structure and attic space. Not every location works for skylights – we need adequate rafter spacing, proper slope, and clear paths for light to reach living spaces below. We also check for electrical lines, plumbing, and HVAC ducts that might complicate installation.
The actual installation involves cutting through roofing materials, roof decking, insulation, and ceiling materials. Each layer requires different tools and techniques. We use laser levels to ensure perfect alignment between the roof opening and ceiling opening – even small misalignments can cause major problems later.
Flashing is where most skylight leaks start. We use step flashing, continuous flashing, and specialized skylight flashing kits designed specifically for each brand. Every piece gets sealed with high-quality roofing cement and integrated with your existing roof drainage system.
Interior work includes framing the light shaft, installing drywall, and finishing with trim that matches your existing interior. For vaulted ceilings, the skylight sits flush with the ceiling. For standard 8-foot ceilings, we build a light shaft that carries natural light down into the room.
Skylight Replacement Services
Old skylights cause more problems than they solve. We replace dozens of failing skylights every year – units that leak when it rains, fog up in winter, or have cracked glass from age and weather exposure.
The biggest issue with older skylights is outdated flashing systems. Skylights from the 80s and 90s often used flashing techniques that worked okay when new but fail after 15-20 years. Modern flashing systems are much more reliable and come with longer warranties.
Another common problem is single-pane glass that creates condensation issues. When warm, humid air from your house hits cold glass in winter, water droplets form and drip onto furniture or floors. Modern skylights use double or triple-pane glass with low-E coatings that prevent condensation problems.
We can usually replace old skylights with new units that fit the same roof opening. This saves time and money compared to complete reinstallation. However, if the original installation was done poorly, we might recommend starting over with proper framing and flashing.
Velux Skylights Installation
Velux makes the skylights we install most often in Nassau County homes. They’ve been around since 1941, and their current models solve all the problems that made older skylights frustrating to own.
Their “No Leak” warranty is backed by proper installation using their specific flashing kits. Each skylight size has its own flashing system designed to work with different roofing materials. We stock flashing kits for asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, slate, and metal roofing.
Velux skylights come in fixed, venting, and solar-powered models. Fixed units are the most affordable and work great for bringing light into dark spaces. Venting skylights open for fresh air circulation – perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and stuffy upstairs bedrooms. Solar-powered units open and close automatically based on weather conditions and can be controlled from your smartphone.
The installation process for Velux skylights follows their detailed instructions exactly. We’re certified installers, which means we’ve completed their training programs and use only approved installation techniques. This protects your warranty and ensures long-term performance.
FAKRO Skylights Installation
FAKRO offers excellent value for homeowners who want quality skylights without premium pricing. These Polish-manufactured units perform well in Long Island’s climate and come with solid warranties on both materials and installation.
We’ve installed hundreds of FAKRO skylights in developments across Nassau County where builders wanted good performance at reasonable prices. The quality is impressive – double-pane glass, proper weatherstripping, and flashing systems that prevent leaks when installed correctly.
FAKRO specializes in deck-mounted skylights that sit on top of your roof surface. This makes installation easier and creates a clean, finished appearance. Their flashing kits integrate well with standard asphalt shingle roofing used on most Long Island homes.
For homeowners interested in smart home integration, FAKRO offers electric and solar-powered models that can be controlled remotely. Rain sensors automatically close venting skylights when weather conditions change.
Tubular Skylight Installation
Not every room needs a full-size skylight. For hallways, closets, bathrooms, and other small spaces, tubular skylights provide natural light without major structural modifications.
These units capture sunlight through a small roof dome and channel it down through a reflective tube to a ceiling diffuser. The result looks like a bright ceiling light fixture, but it’s actually natural daylight from outside.
Installation is much simpler than traditional skylights because the roof opening is only 10-14 inches in diameter. We can usually complete tubular skylight installations in 2-3 hours with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Tubular skylights work especially well in single-story homes and areas directly under the roof line. For longer runs through attics or around obstacles, the light output decreases, but they still provide useful illumination for dark interior spaces.
Skylight Repair Services
Sometimes skylights can be repaired instead of replaced. We fix leaking flashing, replace damaged glass, repair operating mechanisms on venting units, and update weatherstripping on older skylights.
Flashing leaks are the most common repair we handle. Often, the skylight itself is fine, but the flashing has deteriorated or wasn’t installed properly originally. We can usually fix flashing issues without disturbing the skylight unit itself.
Glass replacement is possible on some skylight models, but it often costs almost as much as complete replacement. When glass is cracked or fogged between panes, we typically recommend upgrading to a new unit with better performance features.
Operating problems on venting skylights – handles that won’t turn, units that won’t stay open, or automatic openers that don’t work – can often be fixed with replacement parts. We stock common repair parts for major brands and can source specialized components when needed.
Skylight Benefits for Long Island Homes
Natural light makes any space feel larger, more welcoming, and more valuable. Real estate agents tell us that homes with well-placed skylights sell faster and for higher prices than similar homes without natural lighting upgrades.
The energy savings are real too. During daylight hours, skylights can eliminate the need for electric lighting in many rooms. Over a year, this adds up to significant savings on your electric bill. Modern skylights also provide solar heat gain in winter, reducing heating costs.
For rooms with limited wall space for windows – like bathrooms, hallways, and walk-in closets – skylights are often the only way to add natural light. This is especially valuable in older Long Island homes where small rooms and narrow lots limit window placement options.
Venting skylights help with indoor air quality by providing natural ventilation. This is particularly useful in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture and odors can be problematic. Fresh air circulation also reduces the load on your HVAC system
Planning Your Skylight Project
The best skylight installations start with careful planning. We visit your home to evaluate potential locations, discuss your goals, and explain what’s possible within your budget.
Room usage affects skylight selection. Bedrooms need different considerations than kitchens or bathrooms. We talk through how much light you want, whether ventilation is important, and how the skylight will integrate with your existing decor.
Roof orientation matters for skylight performance. South-facing units provide the most light year-round but can create heat gain issues in summer. North-facing skylights give steady, indirect light without temperature problems. East and west orientations provide morning or afternoon light that changes throughout the day.
We also discuss interior finishing options. Simple drywall shafts keep costs down, while custom millwork and trim create more elegant presentations. The choice depends on your budget and how prominent you want the skylight to be in the room’s design.
Seasonal Installation Considerations
Long Island weather affects when we can install skylights safely and effectively. Spring and fall are ideal because temperatures are moderate and we have longer periods of dry weather for exterior work.
Summer installations are possible but require more scheduling flexibility around heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter installations are challenging because of cold temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and unpredictable weather patterns.
We typically schedule skylight installations 2-4 weeks in advance during busy seasons. Emergency replacement of leaking units can often be handled within a few days, but planned installations work best when we have adequate time for preparation and proper weather conditions.
Why Choose R&M Roofers LLC
We’ve been installing skylights since 2013, and we’ve learned what works in Long Island’s challenging climate. Our certified installer status with major manufacturers means we stay current on the latest products and installation techniques.
Every skylight installation includes a detailed warranty covering both materials and labor. Manufacturer warranties protect against product defects, while our installation warranty covers any issues related to our workmanship. Most customers never need warranty service, but it’s there if problems develop.
We handle all aspects of skylight installation from initial consultation through final interior finishing. This single-source approach means better coordination, clearer communication, and one company responsible for the entire project.
Service Areas
We install and replace skylights throughout Hempstead and surrounding Nassau County communities, including Baldwin, Garden City, West Hempstead, Uniondale, Franklin Square, and Levittown. Our crews are experienced with the architectural styles and roofing materials common in each area.
Getting Started
Ready to bring more natural light into your home? The first step is a free consultation where we’ll evaluate your space, discuss your options, and provide a detailed estimate with no hidden costs.
Most skylight installations can be scheduled within 2-3 weeks of approval, weather permitting. We handle all permits and inspections required by local building codes.
Call us today at (516) 233-9506 to schedule your free skylight consultation. We’ll show you how strategic skylight placement can transform dark spaces into bright, welcoming areas that you’ll enjoy every day.
OFFICES
At R & M Roofers LLC, we’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Hempstead and the greater Long Island area. Whether you need a quick roof repair, a full replacement, or exterior upgrades, our team is here to help—professional service, honest pricing, and lasting results.
- 90 Grove St #9, Hempstead, NY 11550
- +1 (516) 233-9506
- info@randmroofersllc.com