Edmonton Skylight Specialist | This Skylight Mistake Almost Ruined Their Home!
Real Stories About Skylight Repairs and Replacements
Welcome back to the Alberta Skylights YouTube channel! My name is Trevor, and I’m here with Ryan, the owner, operator, and Velux Edmonton skylight specialist of Alberta Skylights. Today, we’re diving into some real-life skylight issues, solutions, and stories that highlight why professional installation and repairs matter.
A Skylight Nightmare: The Kitchen and Pantry Disaster
Trevor: So, Ryan, you were telling me about a job you did recently. Can you walk us through the problem the client was facing and how you saved the day?
Ryan: Absolutely. This week, we worked on a home where the homeowner had two old skylights that were causing issues. About two and a half years ago, she hired roofers to replace them. These roofers started taking things apart, got the glass off the skylights, and realized they didn’t know what they were doing. Instead of fixing the problem, they covered the openings with plywood, tarped it off, and left.
Trevor: For two and a half years?
Ryan: Yep. Her kitchen and pantry were sitting in darkness with plywood over the skylight openings. She didn’t know who to call to fix it until she found us.
The Extent of the Damage
Trevor: What did you find when you got up on the roof?
Ryan: The roof itself wasn’t in terrible shape, though we did some minor repairs while we were there. The real issue was the skylight area—there was rotted wood everywhere.
Trevor: What does replacing a skylight system entail for people who might not be familiar?
Ryan: Skylights come in two types:
- Curb-Mounted Skylights: These sit on a wooden box, or “curb,” that stays on the roof permanently.
2. Deck-Mounted Skylights: These are sleeker, more energy-efficient, and the skylight itself acts as the curb.
In this case, the homeowner had deck-mounted skylights, but the roofers didn’t know the difference. They removed the glass, thinking that’s how to dismantle it, and panicked when they realized their mistake.
The Repair Process
Trevor: So what did you do to fix the issue?
Ryan: We had to:
- Remove all the shingles and inspect the wood underneath.
- Replace the rotted wood.
- Take out the old skylights entirely.
- Install brand-new skylights with wood grain finishes to match her cedar ceiling.
The new skylights took about six weeks to arrive, but they were worth the wait. They fit perfectly with the existing design, and we didn’t need to redo any of the interior finishes. It looked like a seamless, finished product from the start.
Trevor: How did the client feel once everything was done?
Ryan: She was ecstatic! Her comment was, “I forgot how much light these skylights bring in.” After living in darkness for two years, her home was bright and open again.
Skylight Repairs and Replacements
Trevor: Let’s talk about the problems you solve for customers. You mentioned this client’s skylights were leaking before. Do you handle repairs as well as replacements?
Ryan: Absolutely. We can repair or replace skylights depending on the issue. Repairs might involve fixing the roofing, addressing insulation problems in the skylight well, or dealing with minor damage.
However, if the skylight is too old or damaged, replacement is often the best option.
Warranty and Guarantees
Trevor: What kind of warranties do you offer for your work?
Ryan: For replacements, we provide:
- 5-Year Workmanship Warranty on the installation.
- 5-Year Warranty on electronic components, like venting systems or blinds.
- 10-Year Hail Breakage Warranty on the laminated tempered glass.
- 20-Year Warranty on the seals of the skylights.
For repairs, the warranty depends on the condition of the existing skylight. Repairs are often a temporary solution, especially for older systems.
Trevor: So replacing an old skylight is usually the smarter long-term choice?
Ryan: Exactly. Older skylights often have compounding issues. If you’re replacing your roof, it’s the perfect time to replace the skylight as well.
A Unique Skylight Problem: Bats in the House
Trevor: Do you have any other interesting stories from this week?
Ryan: We went out to Pigeon Lake to look at a skylight where the homeowner was dealing with bats getting into her house!
Trevor: Bats? Through a skylight?
Ryan: Yep. The roofing contractor had replaced the roof five years ago but didn’t rebuild the skylight curb properly. The new skylight was about three inches larger than the old one, leaving gaps all around it. You could literally reach your hand up through the opening.
Trevor: How did you fix that?
Ryan: It was a quick job—just a 20-minute fix. I removed the improperly installed skylight, replaced it with the correct size, and secured it properly. She had been dealing with this issue for five years, and it was such a simple fix.
Why Choose a Skylight Specialist?
Trevor: How do problems like this happen, especially with reputable roofing contractors?
Ryan: Many roofing contractors subcontract their work. By the time instructions get down to the person doing the job, things can get lost in translation. Most roofers aren’t trained to handle skylights properly.
Trevor: Lucky for you, though—you have a business because of these mistakes!
Ryan: That’s true! If roofers knew how to handle skylights correctly, I wouldn’t have as much work.
Do Skylights Always Leak?
Trevor: So, do skylights always leak?
Ryan: Only if they’re installed incorrectly. A properly installed skylight will not leak.
Looking Ahead
Trevor: Thanks for sharing these stories, Ryan. I think people will feel more confident knowing their skylights can be fixed or replaced properly.
Ryan: Thanks, Trevor. It’s always great to help homeowners get the most out of their skylights.
Trevor: Stay tuned for more videos from Alberta Skylights. Who knows? Next week, we might be talking about ducks or geese crashing through skylights. See you then!
Contact Ryan the Edmonton skylight specialist with Alberta Skylights for all your skylight repair and replacement needs in Edmonton and surrounding areas.