Skylight Installation in South Brunswick, NJ

What Skylight Installation Involves

Skylight installation is more than cutting a hole and dropping in glass. It starts with a careful assessment of your roof structure—rafters, decking, and slope—to confirm the opening can be framed safely. We use self-adhered ice and water shield around the curb, then layer step flashing and a counter-flashing pan to direct water away. The unit itself is typically a low-E, argon-filled double pane that meets ENERGY STAR ratings for our climate.

We install three main types: fixed skylights (no vent), vented skylights (crank or motorized), and tubular skylights (a reflective tube for tight spaces). For a South Brunswick colonial with a 6/12 pitch, a fixed 22-by-46-inch unit runs $1,200 to $2,500 installed. A vented unit with a rain sensor runs $1,800 to $3,200. Tubular units start around $800. These prices include the curb, flashing, drywall patching, and a 10-year workmanship warranty.

We never use an overlay when a skylight is involved—the roof must be opened to the deck. That means a clean, square cut, new plywood if the old decking shows rot or sag, and ring-shank nails for the flashing. The field course around the skylight is hand-set, not nailed tight, to avoid buckling in summer heat.

Signs You Need a New Skylight

If your current skylight is leaking, fogging, or letting in drafts, replacement is often smarter than repair. Water that seeps past old flashing can wick into the decking and erode the wood over time. You might see a damp spot on the ceiling, a musty smell, or peeling paint around the frame. In winter, condensation that flakes off the glass is a sign the seal has failed.

Our climate makes this worse. Hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms stress the sealant. Nor'easters drive rain sideways, testing every lap of flashing. Snow and ice accumulation can create an ice dam that backs water up under the shingles. If your skylight is more than 15 years old and shows any of these signs, it's time to replace it before the damage spreads.

Our Installation Process

Here's how we work, step by step:

1. Inspection and framing: We open the ceiling, check the rafter spacing, and cut the rough opening. If the decking shows rot, we replace that section.
2. Flashing and waterproofing: We install a self-adhered membrane over the curb, then step flashing that interlocks with the shingle courses above.
3. Set the unit: The skylight is lifted into place, leveled, and secured with stainless steel screws. We seal the glass-to-frame joint with butyl tape.
4. Shingle and counter-flash: We re-lay the shingles around the unit, then install a counter-flashing pan that covers the top edge. This is the critical detail that stops leaks.
5. Interior finish: We drywall the shaft, install trim, and caulk the interior seams. For vented units, we wire the motor and test the rain sensor.
6. Cleanup and inspection: We haul away all debris, run a water test on the flashing, and walk you through the warranty paperwork.

Most installations take one day. A complex roof with multiple skylights or a steep pitch might take two. We work around your schedule and protect your landscaping with tarps.

Cost and Warranty in South Brunswick

Skylight installation costs $1,200 to $3,200 in South Brunswick, depending on size, type, and roof complexity. A flat roof with a curb-mounted unit runs less than a steep sloped roof where scaffolding is needed. We provide a free, itemized estimate before any work begins—no surprises.

Every installation includes a 10-year workmanship warranty. The skylight itself carries a 20-year manufacturer warranty on the glass and seal. We're a GAF Master Elite certified contractor, which means you get the full manufacturer warranty without the fine-print loopholes. We're also fully licensed and insured in New Jersey, so you're protected from the moment we start.

Why Choose South Brunswick Roofing Pros

We've serviced roofs across Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, Dayton, Franklin Park, and Kingston since 2009. We've seen what decades of freeze-thaw cycles and summer storms do to flashing. We use only self-adhered membranes and stainless steel fasteners—no shortcuts. Our crew is trained on the latest skylight technology, including solar-powered venting and low-E glass that cuts UV fade on your furniture.

We also handle the roof repair and replacement that often goes hand-in-hand with skylight work. If your shingles are at end-of-life wear, we'll tell you before we cut the hole, so you don't pay twice. That's the kind of straight talk you get from a local expert.

Ready to brighten your home? Call (732) 384-1596 for a free estimate. We'll walk you through the options and give you a price you can trust.