Is your old skylight leaking, foggy, or hard to open? Skylight replacement has become one of the most requested services in Ireland, as 1990s-2000s skylights reach end of life. Here’s everything you need to know about costs, options, and whether to repair or replace.
💰 Skylight Replacement Costs Ireland 2025
Quick Cost Summary
| Skylight Size | Supply Only | Fully Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small (55x78cm) | €350-€600 | €800-€1,300 |
| Medium (78x98cm) | €450-€800 | €1,000-€1,600 |
| Large (94x140cm) | €600-€1,200 | €1,400-€2,200 |
| Extra Large (114x140cm) | €900-€1,500 | €1,800-€2,800 |
Prices include standard centre-pivot window, flashing kit, and installation
Get exact quote for your skylight →
🏷️ Brand Comparison: Velux vs Fakro vs Budget
Velux (Market Leader)
Pros:
- ✅ Industry-leading quality
- ✅ Best warranties (up to 20 years glazing)
- ✅ Huge accessory range
- ✅ Easy to source replacement parts
- ✅ Highest resale value
Cons:
- ❌ Most expensive
- ❌ Premium for brand name
Price: €400-€1,200+ per window
Fakro (Best Value)
Pros:
- ✅ 15-20% cheaper than Velux
- ✅ Excellent quality
- ✅ Good warranty (10-15 years)
- ✅ Compatible with Velux sizes
- ✅ Polish manufacturing, EU standards
Cons:
- ❌ Smaller accessory range
- ❌ Less brand recognition
Price: €300-€1,000 per window
Budget Brands (RoofLite, Dakea, etc.)
Pros:
- ✅ 30-40% cheaper than Velux
- ✅ Adequate for basic use
- ✅ Good for rentals/outbuildings
Cons:
- ❌ Shorter warranties (5-10 years)
- ❌ Harder to source parts later
- ❌ Lower quality glazing
- ❌ May affect property value
Price: €200-€600 per window
Our Recommendation
For your main home: Velux or Fakro—the quality difference is worth it over 20+ years.
For garages/sheds: Budget brands are fine.
🔧 Repair vs Replace: Decision Guide
When to REPAIR Your Skylight
| Issue | Repair Cost | Repair Viable? |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber seal worn | €100-€200 | ✅ Yes |
| Flashing leak | €200-€400 | ✅ Yes |
| Handle broken | €50-€150 | ✅ Yes |
| Hinge stiff | €100-€200 | ✅ Yes |
| Minor condensation | €150-€300 | ✅ Maybe |
When to REPLACE Your Skylight
| Issue | Why Replace |
|---|---|
| Double glazing failed (foggy between panes) | Seal cannot be repaired |
| Frame rotting (wooden skylights) | Structural issue |
| 15+ years old | Technology has improved dramatically |
| Major water damage | Often more cost-effective |
| Upgrading insulation | Old skylights undermine new insulation |
Rule of thumb: If repair costs exceed 40-50% of replacement, replace it.
⬆️ Upgrade Options: Worth the Extra Cost?
Glazing Upgrades
| Glazing Type | Extra Cost | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Triple glazing | +€150-€300 | 40% better insulation |
| Self-cleaning glass | +€100-€200 | Reduced maintenance |
| Solar control | +€100-€200 | Reduces summer heat |
| Privacy glass | +€150-€300 | Obscured for bathrooms |
| Noise reduction | +€100-€200 | 35dB+ reduction |
Operation Upgrades
| Feature | Extra Cost | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Electric opening | +€300-€500 | Remote control, rain sensors |
| Solar powered | +€400-€600 | No wiring needed |
| Smart home integration | +€100-€200 | App control, automation |
Our Top Upgrade: Triple Glazing
Why? Triple-glazed skylights:
- Reduce heat loss by 40%
- Eliminate condensation
- Reduce noise significantly
- Qualify for better BER ratings
Payback: 5-7 years through energy savings
📏 Installation Process: What to Expect
Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Quote & survey | Same day |
| Order skylights | 3-7 days |
| Installation | 3-5 hours per skylight |
| Total process | 1-2 weeks |
Installation Steps
- Remove old skylight and flashing
- Check frame condition (repair if needed)
- Install new flashing kit (weatherproofing)
- Fit new skylight with proper sealing
- Internal finishing (plasterboard, painting)
- Test operation and waterproofing
- Cleanup and debris removal
What’s Included in Installation Cost?
✅ Removal and disposal of old skylight ✅ New flashing kit installation ✅ Internal and external sealing ✅ Basic plasterboard making good ✅ Testing and adjustment ✅ Debris cleanup
❌ Usually extra: Major plasterboard repair, painting, electrical work
🌧️ Common Skylight Problems in Ireland
1. Leaking Around Frame
Cause: Failed flashing or sealant Solution: Reflash or reseal (€200-€400)
2. Condensation Between Panes
Cause: Sealed unit failure Solution: Replace (repair not possible)
3. Difficult to Open/Close
Cause: Hinge wear, swelling, debris Solution: Service & adjust (€100-€200) or replace hinges
4. Drafty When Closed
Cause: Worn rubber seals Solution: Replace seals (€100-€200)
5. Water Running Inside
Cause: Condensation from humid air Solution: Improve ventilation, upgrade to triple glazing
📋 Choosing the Right Skylight Size
Size Guide by Room
| Room Type | Recommended Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 55x78cm or 66x98cm | Privacy glass option |
| Bedroom | 78x98cm or 78x118cm | Good light, blackout blind compatible |
| Kitchen | 94x140cm | Maximum natural light |
| Loft conversion | 78x140cm or larger | Building regs require 10% floor area |
| Landing/hallway | 55x98cm | Smaller space |
Planning Permission?
Not needed for most skylight replacements (like-for-like).
May be needed if:
- Significant size increase
- Listed building
- Changing roof profile
- Conservation area
🏆 Top 5 Skylights for Irish Homes 2025
1. Velux GGU Centre-Pivot (White Polyurethane)
- Best for: Wet rooms, kitchens
- Why: Moisture resistant, easy clean
- Price: €500-€700
2. Velux GPL Top-Hung (Pine)
- Best for: Loft conversions, bedrooms
- Why: Opens outward, maximum ventilation
- Price: €550-€750
3. Fakro FTT Triple-Glazed
- Best for: Energy efficiency priority
- Why: Excellent U-value, great value
- Price: €450-€650
4. Velux INTEGRA Electric
- Best for: High or hard-to-reach positions
- Why: Remote control, rain sensor
- Price: €800-€1,100
5. Velux Solar-Powered SSL
- Best for: No mains power available
- Why: Solar panel, completely wireless
- Price: €900-€1,200
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- Replace multiple at once - Scaffolding/access is biggest cost
- Order same size - Avoids structural alterations
- Consider Fakro - 20% cheaper, same quality
- Skip solar control in north-facing - Not needed
- Ask about end-of-line discounts - Merchants clear old stock
📞 Get Your Free Skylight Quote
Thinking about skylight replacement?
- ✓ Free on-site survey
- ✓ All major brands supplied
- ✓ 10-year workmanship guarantee
- ✓ Competitive pricing
📞 Call: +353 89 981 9675
Related Guides
- Velux Installation Cost Guide - Detailed Velux pricing
- Skylights vs Roof Windows - Which is right?
- Skylight Installation Service - Our services
- Flat Roof Skylights - Flat roof options
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