Protecting Skylights During Pittsburgh Roof Repairs

Protecting skylights starts with pulling the old flashing and fitting new boots that match the roof pitch, which adds 3–5 hours to a typical roof repair. Skip the big-box sealant because it cracks after two winters here. We check the curb, the step flashing, and the counter flashing every time we lift shingles around a skylight in Oakland or Shadyside.

How do Pittsburgh winters affect skylight flashing?

Our humid continental climate brings cold winters that make metal expand and contract fast. That movement cracks cheap caulk in 8–12 months on homes in Squirrel Hill and Lawrenceville. Warm summers then bake the same spots and pull them apart again. Ice dams form along the skylight curb when attic heat melts snow, so we add extra ice-and-water shield 3 feet up the sides. Allegheny County often requires a permit for any roof work that touches flashing, and inspectors look for proper step flashing on older row houses. We see failed skylights most often on 1920s homes where the original lead flashing has worn thin after 40 years.

What does skylight protection cost during roof repair?

Adding proper flashing and boot work runs $350–$650 on a standard asphalt shingle roof repair. The price jumps to $800–$1,200 if we have to sister new curb framing or replace a cracked skylight lens. Those numbers cover labor and materials for a 4×4 skylight. Storm damage roof repair jobs sometimes need the same work after wind lifts shingles around the unit. We quote the full amount upfront so homeowners know what they pay before we start.

When should I DIY and when do I call a pro?

You can clean leaves off the skylight glass and check for obvious gaps from a ladder on a calm day. Stop there. Once you start prying shingles or messing with flashing, you cross into code territory that needs a licensed roofer. Any leak that reaches the ceiling or shows dark streaks on the drywall means call us. We handle the permit paperwork and carry the insurance Allegheny County wants to see. DIY stops at the safety line because one slip on a wet roof in Mount Washington can send you to the hospital.

What mistakes show up on older Pittsburgh homes?

Crews often reuse the old step flashing instead of cutting new pieces that lock under the shingles. That shortcut fails first during the spring thaw in Bloomfield and East Liberty. Another common error is running sealant over the top of the skylight instead of under the counter flashing. We also find skylights installed without cricket flashing on the uphill side, which lets water pool and rot the decking. If a leak appears after the job, our skylight leak repair crew fixes it the same day. For more on spotting leaks early, read our guide on how to check for roof leaks during spring storms.

Stop by the shop at 2270 Roswell Dr if your skylight needs attention during a roof repair.