Florida Homeowners: Transform Your Leaky Skylight Into a Storm-Ready Asset with Professional Glass Replacement
Florida’s unique climate presents both opportunities and challenges for homeowners with skylights. While these beautiful architectural features flood homes with natural light year-round, they’re also vulnerable to the state’s intense weather patterns, from daily thunderstorms to hurricane-force winds. Skylights installed in Florida by building code have to be impact resistant, making proper glass replacement not just a repair issue, but a critical safety upgrade.
Understanding Skylight Leak Issues in Florida
Worn weatherstripping, holes around the flashing and older skylights that have started to fail are all common causes of leaks. However, not every perceived leak is actually a structural problem. Because skylights are installed on roofs, it’s common for condensation to form when the warm air rises in your home and meets the cooler glass. This gives the appearance that you have a leaking skylight, but in reality, it’s simply built-up condensation.
True skylight leaks in Florida homes typically stem from several sources:
- Improper installation is one of the primary culprits, leading to immediate or delayed leaks as the flashing deteriorates over time. Damaged flashing is another frequent cause of leaks
- Cracked glass, often resulting from external impacts like hailstorms, can also cause significant leaks
- Damaged weather seals can lead to leaks, especially as they age or peel due to sun exposure
If your skylight leaks, don’t wait to fix it. A small leak could indicate water collecting around the skylight, which could rot the roof decking. Professional intervention is crucial, as you could actually cause even more damage that costs more to repair than the original leak with DIY attempts.
Florida’s Impact-Resistant Glass Requirements
Florida’s building codes mandate specific safety standards for skylights, particularly regarding impact resistance. In many cases, skylights in Florida must be made from impact-resistant materials and engineered and tested to provide the safety required by the most current building codes. Manufacturers must obtain a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from specific regulating agencies in Florida to indicate their products have undergone and passed testing.
The requirements vary by elevation and location:
- According to the code, large missile resistance is a requirement for any elevation below 30 feet. Anything above 30 feet must pass small missile testing
- According to FBC 2017, the version currently being enforced in our state, all glazed (window or glass) openings within a structure need to either be impact-resistant or use impact coverings, like accordion shutters or hurricane panels
The skylight is made with tempered glass, and it’s important to know that tempered glass is laminated to prevent breakage or penetration from projectiles such as hail or wind-borne debris. However, it’s laminated, so it doesn’t leak, indent, come through, or fall apart. The lamination keeps the tempered cracked glass together so it continues to perform even if it cracks.
Professional Glass Replacement: Your Best Investment
When facing skylight issues, professional glass replacement offers superior value compared to temporary fixes or full window replacement. Skylight glass replacement averages between $150 and $600, depending on size and type, while a skylight replacement in 2025 costs anywhere from $2,000 to $5,300.
The benefits of professional glass replacement include:
- Brand new panels custom-cut for your existing frames. You get the strength of fresh glass without the massive expense and disruption of total window replacement
- Compliance with Florida’s impact-resistance requirements
- Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient skylight with double- or triple-pane glass
- Professional installation ensuring proper sealing and flashing
Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Impact Glass
Compliance with both, for the most part, can be achieved by using laminated or impact LoE3 glass with a .30 SHGC or lower. The LoE technology enables glass to achieve the .30 SHGC required and the inside laminated glass pane meets a critical code specified for safety for any glass skylight where any portion of the skylight is 12 feet or higher in residences or the impact glass for windborne debris zones.
Modern impact-resistant glass offers multiple advantages:
- Enhanced protection against hurricane-force winds and debris
- Improved energy efficiency reducing cooling costs
- UV protection preventing interior fading
- Noise reduction from outside elements
- Potential insurance premium reductions
Choosing the Right Glass Replacement Service
For Florida homeowners seeking reliable skylight glass replacement, selecting an experienced local provider is essential. Express Glass & Door, operating as samedayglassrepairs.com, exemplifies the quality service homeowners need. They offer same-day glass repair in Pinellas County for homes & businesses and serve residential and business clients throughout Pinellas County.
They handle all residential window and door glass repair, including single-pane, double-pane, sliding patio doors, French doors, and hurricane impact glass. They also work with specialty glass like textured privacy panels, tempered safety glass, and custom sizes for older homes. Whether you need glass replacement st. pete beach or anywhere throughout central Pinellas County, their commitment to quality service ensures your skylight upgrade meets Florida’s stringent requirements.
Their team is courteous, efficient, and committed to keeping your space clean. Non-emergency jobs are scheduled at your convenience to avoid disruption, making the upgrade process seamless for busy homeowners.
When to Act: Signs You Need Skylight Glass Replacement
Several indicators suggest it’s time for professional skylight glass replacement:
- Visible cracks or chips in the glass
- Persistent leaks despite repairs
- Foggy or cloudy glass between panes
- Skylights typically last 15–20 years. If yours is near the end of its lifespan, replacement is more cost-effective in the long run. Signs: Frequent repairs, discoloration, or poor energy efficiency
- Non-compliance with current Florida building codes
Don’t wait for the next storm season to address skylight issues. Recognizing the early signs of a leaking skylight can save you from extensive damage and costly repairs. Look out for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling or walls around the skylight, as these are clear indicators of water intrusion.
Professional skylight glass replacement transforms a potential liability into a valuable home asset. With Florida’s demanding weather conditions and strict building codes, investing in quality impact-resistant glass installation ensures your home remains safe, efficient, and compliant for years to come. Contact experienced professionals today to evaluate your skylight needs and explore upgrade options that protect your investment while enhancing your home’s natural lighting.