How to Know It’s Time for a Dome Skylight Replacement

A skylight is a window in a ceiling or a roof that brings sunlight, ventilation and a sky view to your space. A dome skylight enlightens a room when it provides views of the sunlight from all angles. Domes vary in shape, size, color and material. Skylights can change the whole ambiance of a room. However, like any window, skylights do not last forever. So how do you know when it’s time for a dome skylight replacement?

This article will teach you how to tell when you need a plastic dome skylight replacement, how to make your skylights last longer and how to replace them. For the DIY over-achiever, there are steps to take to replace skylight domes, although hiring a professional is always recommended.

Signs You Need Skylight Replacement Domes

Your dome skylights make your home unique. Unfortunately, all it takes is one fierce storm to damage them. Some signs that show it is time for a skylight dome replacement include:

The Acrylic Dome Skylight is Old

If it is more than ten years old, it may be time for a skylight replacement dome. Acrylic starts wearing down and becoming less effective at that age.

The Panes are Discoloring or Yellowing

Over time, your skylights may start looking dull and hazy or developing a yellowish tint, blocking out necessary light. The drywall surrounding the skylight may be peeling or bubbling.

There are Cracks In the Windows

The potential for rain and heat to enter is higher when there are cracks. It does not take long for a fracture to become a hole, so it’s best to get an acrylic dome skylight replacement at the first sign of cracking.

Leaks or Condensation Form Around the Panes

Leaks render an urgent call to a contractor to get a replacement dome skylight immediately. Take care of this as soon as possible to prevent water damage to the interior of your home.

If you notice mold, mildew, a musty smell or moisture in or around your panes, the domes are most likely leaking. Another cause could be condensation buildup around the panes because the sealant may be wearing down.

When the light cannot enter your home because there is damage to the panes and domes of your skylights, it is time for skylight acrylic dome replacement. Call in the professionals.

How to Avoid Dome Skylight Replacement

Skylights can last eight to fifteen years, depending on certain factors. High-quality materials in the skylights and routine maintenance will make them last longer to help you avoid needing a replacement dome. Skylights in healthy condition will keep your home looking and feeling nice.

Quality of Your Skylight

Be sure to invest in a skylight that will last longer. It should be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, outside temperatures and general wear and tear. When it starts to wear down, it is time to shop for skylight replacement domes.

Acrylic (or plexiglass) is the material of choice to tolerate strong winds, extreme heat or cold and other harsh conditions. Acrylic is more durable than glass and weighs less. If your location calls for optimal protection, modified acrylic and polycarbonate are more resilient.

Care of Your Skylight

With proper care for your skylight domes, replacement won’t be necessary until much later. Care helps determine how long they will last. If you can reach them, wash your panes from both sides to prevent dinginess. If you are unable to clean them yourself, contact a professional.

Frequently check for cracks, peeling and other signs of wear. Repair them immediately to avoid further damage. Call a professional for a skylight acrylic dome replacement if you need assistance.

Expedite Poor Installation and Repairs

If your skylight domes are not secured correctly during installation, they won’t work well, which means you will have to repair them or install a replacement skylight dome. This is not typically a DIY-type project. It takes skilled installers to know the proper position and angle of skylights.

Call a licensed roofer for your acrylic skylight dome replacement and avoid costly repairs or medical bills from falling off the roof. Your technician will know how to do the job.

How to Replace a Skylight Dome

It is better to hire a professional contractor to install new dome skylights. However, if you are a DIY guru or have some professional experience, there are steps to installing them. Below is one method of dome skylight replacement:

1. Unscrew the retainer frame.
2. Measure the length and width of your domes.
3. Order replacement domes for skylights from your contractor.
4. Remove the old retainer and domes.
5. Apply an appropriate adhesive to the edges of domes.
6. Place the new inner panels on the skylight frame.
7. Place outer panels on top of inner ones. (you need to put spacers back on top of the inner dome before placing the outer dome on)
8. Screw the retainer frames back in place