Is your old skylight leaking, foggy, or hard to open? Skylight replacement has become one of the most requested services in UK, as 1990s-2000s skylights reach end of life. Here’s everything you need to know about costs, options, and whether to repair or replace.
💰 Skylight Replacement Costs UK 2025
Quick Cost Summary
| Skylight Size | Supply Only | Fully Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small (55x78cm) | £350-£600 | £800-£1,300 |
| Medium (78x98cm) | £450-£800 | £1,000-£1,600 |
| Large (94x140cm) | £600-£1,200 | £1,400-£2,200 |
| Extra Large (114x140cm) | £900-£1,500 | £1,800-£2,800 |
Prices include standard centre-pivot window, flashing kit, and installation
Get exact quote for your skylight →
🏷️ Brand Comparison: Velux vs Fakro vs Budget
Velux (Market Leader)
Pros:
- ✅ Industry-leading quality
- ✅ Best warranties (up to 20 years glazing)
- ✅ Huge accessory range
- ✅ Easy to source replacement parts
- ✅ Highest resale value
Cons:
- ❌ Most expensive
- ❌ Premium for brand name
Price: £400-£1,200+ per window
Fakro (Best Value)
Pros:
- ✅ 15-20% cheaper than Velux
- ✅ Excellent quality
- ✅ Good warranty (10-15 years)
- ✅ Compatible with Velux sizes
- ✅ Polish manufacturing, EU standards
Cons:
- ❌ Smaller accessory range
- ❌ Less brand recognition
Price: £300-£1,000 per window
Budget Brands (RoofLite, Dakea, etc.)
Pros:
- ✅ 30-40% cheaper than Velux
- ✅ Adequate for basic use
- ✅ Good for rentals/outbuildings
Cons:
- ❌ Shorter warranties (5-10 years)
- ❌ Harder to source parts later
- ❌ Lower quality glazing
- ❌ May affect property value
Price: £200-£600 per window
Our Recommendation
For your main home: Velux or Fakro—the quality difference is worth it over 20+ years.
For garages/sheds: Budget brands are fine.
🔧 Repair vs Replace: Decision Guide
When to REnvironment AgencyIR Your Skylight
| Issue | Repair Cost | Repair Viable? |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber seal worn | £100-£200 | ✅ Yes |
| Flashing leak | £200-£400 | ✅ Yes |
| Handle broken | £50-£150 | ✅ Yes |
| Hinge stiff | £100-£200 | ✅ Yes |
| Minor condensation | £150-£300 | ✅ Maybe |
When to REPLACE Your Skylight
| Issue | Why Replace |
|---|---|
| Double glazing failed (foggy between panes) | Seal cannot be repaired |
| Frame rotting (wooden skylights) | Structural issue |
| 15+ years old | Technology has improved dramatically |
| Major water damage | Often more cost-effective |
| Upgrading insulation | Old skylights undermine new insulation |
Rule of thumb: If repair costs exceed 40-50% of replacement, replace it.
⬆️ Upgrade Options: Worth the Extra Cost?
Glazing Upgrades
| Glazing Type | Extra Cost | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Triple glazing | +£150-£300 | 40% better insulation |
| Self-cleaning glass | +£100-£200 | Reduced maintenance |
| Solar control | +£100-£200 | Reduces summer heat |
| Privacy glass | +£150-£300 | Obscured for bathrooms |
| Noise reduction | +£100-£200 | 35dB+ reduction |
Operation Upgrades
| Feature | Extra Cost | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Electric opening | +£300-£500 | Remote control, rain sensors |
| Solar powered | +£400-£600 | No wiring needed |
| Smart home integration | +£100-£200 | App control, automation |
Our Top Upgrade: Triple Glazing
Why? Triple-glazed skylights:
- Reduce heat loss by 40%
- Eliminate condensation
- Reduce noise significantly
- Qualify for better EPC ratings
Payback: 5-7 years through energy savings
📏 Installation Process: What to Expect
Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Quote & survey | Same day |
| Order skylights | 3-7 days |
| Installation | 3-5 hours per skylight |
| Total process | 1-2 weeks |
Installation Steps
- Remove old skylight and flashing
- Check frame condition (repair if needed)
- Install new flashing kit (weatherproofing)
- Fit new skylight with proper sealing
- Internal finishing (plasterboard, painting)
- Test operation and waterproofing
- Cleanup and debris removal
What’s Included in Installation Cost?
✅ Removal and disposal of old skylight ✅ New flashing kit installation ✅ Internal and external sealing ✅ Basic plasterboard making good ✅ Testing and adjustment ✅ Debris cleanup
❌ Usually extra: Major plasterboard repair, painting, electrical work
🌧️ Common Skylight Problems in UK
1. Leaking Around Frame
Cause: Failed flashing or sealant Solution: Reflash or reseal (£200-£400)
2. Condensation Between Panes
Cause: Sealed unit failure Solution: Replace (repair not possible)
3. Difficult to Open/Close
Cause: Hinge wear, swelling, debris Solution: Service & adjust (£100-£200) or replace hinges
4. Drafty When Closed
Cause: Worn rubber seals Solution: Replace seals (£100-£200)
5. Water Running Inside
Cause: Condensation from humid air Solution: Improve ventilation, upgrade to triple glazing
📋 Choosing the Right Skylight Size
Size Guide by Room
| Room Type | Recommended Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 55x78cm or 66x98cm | Privacy glass option |
| Bedroom | 78x98cm or 78x118cm | Good light, blackout blind compatible |
| Kitchen | 94x140cm | Maximum natural light |
| Loft conversion | 78x140cm or larger | Building regs require 10% floor area |
| Landing/hallway | 55x98cm | Smaller space |
Planning Permission?
Not needed for most skylight replacements (like-for-like).
May be needed if:
- Significant size increase
- Listed building
- Changing roof profile
- Conservation area
🏆 Top 5 Skylights for British Homes 2025
1. Velux GGU Centre-Pivot (White Polyurethane)
- Best for: Wet rooms, kitchens
- Why: Moisture resistant, easy clean
- Price: £500-£700
2. Velux GPL Top-Hung (Pine)
- Best for: Loft conversions, bedrooms
- Why: Opens outward, maximum ventilation
- Price: £550-£750
3. Fakro FTT Triple-Glazed
- Best for: Energy efficiency priority
- Why: Excellent U-value, great value
- Price: £450-£650
4. Velux INTEGRA Electric
- Best for: High or hard-to-reach positions
- Why: Remote control, rain sensor
- Price: £800-£1,100
5. Velux Solar-Powered SSL
- Best for: No mains power available
- Why: Solar panel, completely wireless
- Price: £900-£1,200
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- Replace multiple at once - Scaffolding/access is biggest cost
- Order same size - Avoids structural alterations
- Consider Fakro - 20% cheaper, same quality
- Skip solar control in north-facing - Not needed
- Ask about end-of-line discounts - Merchants clear old stock
📞 Get Your Free Skylight Quote
Thinking about skylight replacement?
- ✓ Free on-site survey
- ✓ All major brands supplied
- ✓ 10-year workmanship guarantee
- ✓ Competitive pricing
📞 Call: +44 89 981 9675
Related Guides
- Velux Installation Cost Guide - Detailed Velux pricing
- Skylights vs Roof Windows - Which is right?
- Skylight Installation Service - Our services
- Flat Roof Skylights - Flat roof options
Tags:
Need Professional Roofing Services?
Our expert team is ready to help with all your roofing needs across UK.
Get Your Free Quote