What skylight means
A skylight is a window set into the roof. It comes as a fixed, vented or tubular unit and sits on a curb or flashes directly to the deck.
Where it matters on a roofing job
Most skylight leaks come from the flashing kit, not the glass. Replacing the flashing kit during a reroof costs little and avoids a callback. Glass overhead has its own safety glazing rules, so use units built and labeled for the purpose.
What the model code says
- Unit skylights flashed per the maker's instructions may go in without a cricket. (IRC 2021, Chapter 9)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for skylight before you quote.
What it costs
Jobs that involve skylight are priced in the skylight installation cost guide: about $1,500 typical, usually $1,050 to $2,000. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price. The skylight installation cost calculator prices a job line by line.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Skylight installation cost calculator
- Cost guide: Skylight installation cost
- Licensing: Roofing license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free roofing resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 9, Roof Assemblies (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.