Spokane winters bring repeated freeze-thaw cycles and snow accumulation that push water under skylight flashing and degrade rubber gaskets within a few seasons. Homes built before 1990 in neighborhoods such as Browne's Addition and the South Hill often have original acrylic domes or single-pane units whose edges no longer seat tightly against asphalt shingles or metal roofing. A proper repair starts with removing the existing flashing, inspecting the curb for rot, and installing new step flashing that integrates with the existing roof courses rather than relying on caulk alone.
Edge cases appear when skylights sit on low-slope sections or near valleys where meltwater pools. In those locations we add an additional layer of ice-and-water membrane extending 18 inches up the curb and replace the skylight with a double-glazed, thermally broken unit rated for 40 psf snow load. Spokane building code requires permits for any skylight work that changes the roof opening size, so we pull the permit and schedule the inspection before the old unit is removed.
Homeowners sometimes attempt to stop leaks by adding more sealant around the existing frame. That approach fails once the underlying flashing has corroded or the curb has shifted from seasonal movement. We document every step with photos so the homeowner can see exactly which components were replaced and why the repair will hold through the next winter.
Technician insight
In Spokane the thing that catches most people out with skylight repair is the way heavy spring meltwater finds every gap created by winter expansion and contraction. Older South Hill homes with original curbs often have hidden rot that only shows once the flashing is pulled, turning what looked like a quick seal job into a half-day curb rebuild.
South Hill Skylight Leak After Heavy Snow
A homeowner on Spokane's South Hill noticed water stains below a 1980s skylight following a week of freeze-thaw cycles. We found corroded step flashing and a soft curb edge. We replaced the flashing, rebuilt the curb section, and installed new butyl seals. The leak stopped and the homeowner reported no further staining after the next snow event.
Skylight Repair Services We Offer
✓Flashing and Seal Replacement
Remove deteriorated step flashing and install new metal flashing with fresh butyl tape seals to stop water entry around the skylight curb.
✓Skylight Glass or Dome Replacement
Swap cracked acrylic domes or failed insulated glass units with impact-rated polycarbonate or tempered glass matched to the existing curb dimensions.
✓Curb and Frame Repair
Inspect and rebuild rotted wooden curbs, then reinstall the skylight with new underlayment and counter flashing integrated into the roof plane.
✓Leak Detection and Dye Testing
Use water hose testing and UV dye to trace active leak paths through skylight edges before any disassembly begins.
✓Skylight Removal and Roof Restoration
Remove unused skylights entirely, frame in the opening, and match the surrounding roofing material so the roof surface is continuous again.
Skylight Repair Cost in Spokane, WA
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing and Seal Repair | $350–$650 | Price rises with roof pitch and number of courses that must be lifted. |
| Glass or Dome Replacement | $450–$850 | Depends on unit size and whether custom tempered glass is needed. |
| Curb Rebuild | $600–$1,100 | Includes new framing lumber and membrane when rot is present. |
| Full Skylight Removal and Patching | $700–$1,200 | Varies by roofing material and whether structural sistering is required. |
Ranges are typical for Spokane, WA and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Site Assessment
We arrive during business hours, photograph the skylight from inside and out, and check for rot in the surrounding decking.
- 2
Material Selection
We match the existing curb size and roof type, then order flashing kits and glazing rated for Spokane snow loads.
- 3
Removal and Preparation
Old flashing and sealant are stripped, the curb is dried and treated, and new ice-and-water membrane is applied.
- 4
Installation and Integration
New flashing is woven into the shingles, the skylight is set, and all seams receive manufacturer-approved tape and sealant.
- 5
Final Inspection
We perform a water test, take post-repair photos, and walk the homeowner through the completed work.
Pricing
Most skylight repairs in Spokane fall between a few hundred dollars for seal work and over a thousand when curb repair or glass replacement is required.