Skylight Installation in St. Petersburg, FL
A properly installed skylight transforms a room. Natural light floods spaces that previously needed lamps during the day. Vented skylights provide passive ventilation that reduces cooling costs. The room feels larger, more open, and more connected to the outdoors. The reason most homeowners hesitate isn't whether they want a skylight — it's whether they trust the installation.
Duralast Roofing and Construction installs skylights properly. We've been doing it for over 35 years across St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Clearwater, Largo, Seminole, and Pinellas County. We're BBB accredited, fully licensed (CCC1332588, CBC1265788), and we install Velux, Solatube, and other major skylight brands using techniques designed to keep them leak-free for decades.
If you've been wanting a skylight but hesitating because of leak fears, we can address that directly. If you have a leaking skylight that needs repair or replacement, we can fix it. And if you've been told you can't have a skylight in Florida because of hurricanes, that's outdated information — modern hurricane-rated impact skylights solve that problem.
Why Properly Installed Skylights Don't Leak
The reason skylights have a reputation for leaking is simple: many of them are installed badly. Florida's heat, humidity, hurricane winds, and torrential rain expose every flaw in skylight installation. A skylight that would be fine in a milder climate fails here.
The good news is that proper installation produces skylights that don't leak, even in Florida conditions. The keys are:
The right skylight for the application. Different roof types and conditions call for different skylight designs. Using the wrong product is the first step toward failure.
Proper flashing. Skylight flashing kits from quality manufacturers are designed correctly. The installer has to use them correctly. Cutting corners on flashing is the most common cause of leaks.
Proper integration with roofing. The skylight has to be integrated with the surrounding roofing material correctly. Bad integration creates water paths.
Proper sealing without over-sealing. Counterintuitively, too much sealant is often worse than too little, because excess sealant prevents proper drainage. Quality installations use sealant precisely where needed.
Quality manufacturer products. Velux and Solatube have engineered their products to handle environmental stress when installed per their specifications. Cheap skylight products from lesser manufacturers often fail regardless of installation quality.
We do all of this routinely because we've been installing skylights for decades and we've seen what fails. Our installations don't leak.
Types of Skylights We Install
Different needs call for different skylight types.
Fixed Skylights
The classic skylight: a rectangular opening with glass that doesn't open. Provides natural light without ventilation.
Best for: Rooms where you want light but don't need ventilation; rooms where the skylight is hard to reach (high ceilings)
Pros: Most affordable skylight option; fewer mechanical components mean less to fail
Cons: No ventilation function; can contribute to heat gain in summer
Vented Skylights
Skylights that open, either manually or via electric/solar motor. Provide both light and ventilation.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms where moisture removal is valuable; rooms where natural ventilation is desired
Pros: Ventilation function reduces cooling costs and improves air quality; create a "chimney effect" that pulls hot air out
Cons: More complex installation; mechanical components require occasional maintenance
We install Velux solar-powered vented skylights that operate on integrated solar panels with rain sensors that automatically close them when rain starts. They qualify for federal solar tax credits.
Solar-Powered Skylights
Vented skylights with solar-powered operation. Velux is the leading brand. Run on integrated solar panels, no electrical work required, qualify for federal solar tax credits, and include rain sensors that automatically close the skylight when rain starts.
Best for: Anywhere a vented skylight makes sense; particularly attractive due to the tax credits and zero electrical work
Note: Federal solar tax credits as of 2026 cover 30% of the skylight cost when properly documented. Confirm current credits before installation.
Solar Tubes (Tubular Skylights)
Smaller daylighting devices that capture sunlight on the roof and channel it through a reflective tube into the room below. Solatube is the leading brand.
Best for: Bathrooms, hallways, closets, and small spaces; situations where a full skylight isn't practical
Pros: Far less expensive than full skylights; far easier to install; provide excellent daylighting in small spaces
Cons: Smaller area of light delivery; no ventilation function; no view of sky
Hurricane Impact Skylights
Skylights specifically engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds and impact from windborne debris. Required in some Florida coastal areas; recommended for any Florida skylight installation.
Best for: Florida residential and commercial properties; required for properties in some hurricane wind zones
Pros: Code-compliant for hurricane requirements; significantly more durable than standard skylights; may qualify for insurance discounts
Cons: Higher cost than non-impact skylights
We walk through these decisions during your free consultation, taking into account your specific situation rather than pushing the most expensive option.
Our Skylight Installation Process
Free consultation. We come to your home, assess the proposed location(s), discuss skylight types and options, and provide a written quote. Most quotes are returned within 24 to 48 hours.
Roof assessment. We assess the roof condition where the skylight will be installed. Older roofs sometimes need surrounding repair work before skylight installation makes sense.
Material ordering. Skylights are typically ordered after contract signing. Most arrive within 1 to 2 weeks; some specialty products take longer.
Permitting. We pull required Florida permits.
Installation. Most skylight installations are completed in 1 to 2 days. The process involves cutting the roof opening, framing the rough opening, installing the skylight unit per manufacturer specifications, properly flashing the skylight, integrating with surrounding roofing, and finishing the interior light shaft (when applicable).
Final inspection. Code inspection by the local jurisdiction.
Walkthrough. We walk the completed installation with you, explain operation (especially for vented or solar-operated units), and provide warranty documentation.
Skylight Replacement and Repair
Existing skylights often need replacement or repair. Common reasons:
Active leaks that resist sealing
Failed seals between glass panes (visible condensation between layers)
Cracked or damaged glass from impact or age
Failed motors or controls on operable units
End-of-life for older skylights (most have 20 to 30 year design lives)
We assess existing skylights honestly. Some can be repaired; others need replacement. The age of the skylight, the type of failure, and the cost of repair vs. replacement all factor into the recommendation. For skylights over 20 years old, replacement usually makes more sense than repair, since older skylights are approaching end-of-life and continued problems are likely.
Why Choose Duralast for Skylight Installation
35+ years of Florida roofing experience — skylight installation is roofing work, and we know roofs
BBB Accredited with current Florida licenses
Velux and Solatube Installer — major manufacturer products
Hurricane impact skylight expertise for Florida coastal conditions
Proper flashing technique — the difference between leaking and not
Workmanship warranty plus full manufacturer warranty
Solar division through Duralast Roofing and Solar for solar-powered skylights with tax credits
Honest recommendations — right skylight for your situation, not the most expensive
Skylight FAQs
Do skylights leak? Properly installed skylights from quality manufacturers don't leak. Cheap products poorly installed do leak. The reputation for leaking comes from bad installations, not from skylights as a category.
Can skylights handle Florida hurricanes? Yes, when impact-rated skylights are used. Modern hurricane-rated skylights meet Florida wind code requirements.
How much does skylight installation cost? Solar tubes typically run $800 to $1,800 installed. Standard fixed skylights typically $1,500 to $3,500. Vented skylights $2,500 to $5,000. Solar-powered vented Velux skylights $3,000 to $6,000+. Hurricane-rated impact skylights add 20-30% to costs. Specific quotes depend on your situation.
Will skylights save energy? They can. Vented skylights reduce cooling costs through passive ventilation. Skylights also reduce daytime lighting electricity use. Solar tubes are particularly cost-effective for daylighting.
Do skylights add home value? Generally yes, especially well-installed quality skylights in spaces that benefit from natural light.
Will my HOA allow a skylight? Most HOAs allow skylights but require approval. We can help with documentation if needed.
Can you install a skylight on my existing roof? Yes. Skylight installation doesn't require roof replacement. We work on existing roofs routinely.
How long do skylights last? Quality skylights from major manufacturers typically have 20 to 30 year design lives. Solar tubes often last similar timeframes.
Can you replace just the glass on my old skylight? Sometimes, depending on the model. For older skylights, replacement of the entire unit is usually more cost-effective than glass replacement.
Do solar-powered skylights qualify for tax credits? As of 2026, Velux solar-powered skylights and solar blinds qualify for the federal solar tax credit (currently 30% of the product and installation cost). We provide documentation to support your tax filing.
How long does installation take? Most skylight installations are completed in 1 to 2 days.
Do you serve my area? We serve all of Pinellas County. See our Areas We Serve page for specific information on St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Clearwater, Largo, and Seminole.
Schedule a Skylight Consultation
Whether you're considering your first skylight or need replacement of an aging existing skylight, call (727) 584-8400 or email info@duralastroofs.com for a free consultation and quote.
We're located at 12952 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL 33774, and we serve all of Pinellas County.