Will a skylight increase my energy bills in West Texas heat?

Not if it's properly specified and installed. Older or poorly insulated skylights can let in unwanted heat during our long, intense summers, but modern energy-efficient models use low-E glass and improved framing to block heat gain while still letting in natural light.

How do I know if I need a skylight repair or a full replacement?

Minor issues like small leaks around the flashing or seal are usually repairable. However, if your skylight is over 15 to 20 years old, has fogging between glass panes, or has been repaired multiple times already, replacement is typically the more cost-effective long-term solution. We inspect the frame, seals, and surrounding roof structure to give you an honest recommendation either way.

How long do skylights typically last?

Most quality skylights last 15 to 20 years before seals, flashing, or glazing begin to wear down. Proper installation and regular roof maintenance can help you get the most life out of your skylight, while harsh sun exposure and temperature swings common in West Texas can shorten that lifespan if materials aren't suited to the climate.

Can skylights withstand West Texas hail and wind?

Yes, when the right materials are used. We can recommend options built to hold up against the same storms that affect the rest of your roof. If your skylight has already been damaged by hail or wind, we'll inspect it and tell you whether a repair or a full replacement makes more sense.

Skylight Installation & Repair in Midland, TX

Fixed skylight with step flashing on an asphalt shingle roof

Why Skylights Need a Roofer

A skylight can brighten a room like nothing else, but it’s also one of the most common places a roof starts to leak. Roofs by Nicholas installs, repairs, and replaces skylights for homes and businesses in Midland, Odessa, and Big Spring. We’ve been roofing West Texas since 1988, so we treat every skylight as part of the roof, not just a window in it.

Skylight Installation

We install three main types of skylights:

Fixed skylights bring in light without opening. They’re a good fit for living rooms, hallways, and offices.
Vented skylights open manually or electrically to let out heat and moisture. They work well in kitchens and bathrooms.
Tubular skylights are a smaller, lower-cost option for closets, hallways, and interior rooms where a full skylight won’t fit.

In West Texas, the glass matters as much as the frame. We recommend low-E glazing to cut heat gain during our long summers, and we flash every skylight to match your roof so it stays watertight through wind and hail.

For retail, office, and warehouse buildings, skylights can cut daytime lighting costs. We plan commercial installs around your business hours so you can stay open while we work.

Skylight Repair

Most skylight leaks don’t start with the skylight itself. They start at the flashing and seals around it, which crack and dry out after years of sun, wind, and temperature swings. Common problems we fix include:

Leaks from cracked flashing or worn sealant
Water stains or moisture damage around the frame
Fogging or condensation between glass panes
Cracked or yellowed acrylic domes, often from hail

We find where the water is actually getting in, show you photos, and tell you whether a repair will hold or a replacement makes more sense. If water is coming in now, call 432-520-7348. Calls are answered 24/7.

Skylight Replacement

A skylight that’s 15 to 20 years old, has fogged glass, or has been patched more than once is usually better replaced than repaired again. Replacing it also lets you upgrade to better glass, add venting, or switch to a tubular model.

If you’re replacing your roof, that’s the best time to replace an older skylight too. The new skylight gets fresh flashing along with the new roof, and you won’t have to tear into new shingles later to fix a skylight leak.

Skylight Questions in Midland

Will a skylight increase my energy bills in West Texas heat?
Not if it's properly specified and installed. Older or poorly insulated skylights can let in unwanted heat during our long, intense summers, but modern energy-efficient models use low-E glass and improved framing to block heat gain while still letting in natural light.
How do I know if I need a skylight repair or a full replacement?
Minor issues like small leaks around the flashing or seal are usually repairable. However, if your skylight is over 15 to 20 years old, has fogging between glass panes, or has been repaired multiple times already, replacement is typically the more cost-effective long-term solution. We inspect the frame, seals, and surrounding roof structure to give you an honest recommendation either way.
How long do skylights typically last?
Most quality skylights last 15 to 20 years before seals, flashing, or glazing begin to wear down. Proper installation and regular roof maintenance can help you get the most life out of your skylight, while harsh sun exposure and temperature swings common in West Texas can shorten that lifespan if materials aren't suited to the climate.
Can skylights withstand West Texas hail and wind?
Yes, when the right materials are used. We can recommend options built to hold up against the same storms that affect the rest of your roof. If your skylight has already been damaged by hail or wind, we’ll inspect it and tell you whether a repair or a full replacement makes more sense.