Let the Light In: Why Upgrading Skylights During a Roof Replacement is a Bright Idea

A new roof is one of the most significant investments you'll make in protecting your home. It shields you from the elements, enhances curb appeal, and provides peace of mind. But while you're focused on shingles and durability, it's easy to overlook the features already on your roof—like your skylights. If you have older skylights, the single best time to upgrade them is during your shingle roof replacement. It’s a strategic move that saves you money, prevents future headaches, and dramatically improves your home's comfort and energy efficiency. For homeowners across Ottawa, bundling these two projects is one of the smartest decisions you can make for the long-term health of your home.

A bright, modern living room with a vaulted ceiling. A large, new skylight floods the space with natural, warm sunlight, highlighting the clean lines of the room and a comfortable sofa. The mood is airy, peaceful, and inviting.

The Perfect Timing: Why Bundling Makes Sense

Timing is everything, especially in home renovations. Tackling a skylight replacement as a standalone project involves significant labor and cost. However, when you pair it with a roof replacement, the process becomes far more efficient and secure.

A Seamless, Leak-Proof Seal

One of the biggest concerns with any roof penetration is the risk of leaks. Installing a new skylight on an old roof can be tricky, but installing it with a new roof allows for a perfectly integrated, factory-fresh seal. During a full replacement, we can lay a continuous membrane of premium ice and water shield from the roof deck directly up to the skylight curb. This creates a single, unbroken barrier against moisture. This is especially critical for preventing issues like ice damming, a common problem during Ottawa's harsh freeze-thaw cycles. By creating this flawless seal from the start, you eliminate one of the most common sources of future water damage and the need for a leak inspection.

Cost-Effectiveness and Efficiency

From a logistical standpoint, it just makes sense. The roofing materials are already removed, our crew is on-site, and the work area is prepped. The labour overlap is significant, meaning the cost to add a skylight installation to your roofing project is a fraction of what it would cost to do it separately. Doing it later would mean paying a crew to come back, remove brand-new shingles, and then reinstall them—a costly and disruptive process that can compromise your new roof's integrity.

A close-up, detailed shot of a certified roofer carefully installing a new VELUX skylight on a roof with architectural shingles. The image focuses on the roofer's hands as they secure the metal flashing and ice and water shield, showcasing precision and quality craftsmanship.

Beyond the View: The Benefits of Modern Skylights

Skylight technology has come a long way in the last 15-20 years. An older, builder-grade skylight might be letting in light, but it could also be letting in drafts and harmful UV rays while letting your expensive heated or cooled air escape. Upgrading opens up a world of new benefits.

Superior Energy Efficiency

Modern skylights, like the VELUX models we recommend, feature advanced glass coatings (such as Energy i89) that offer incredible thermal performance. They are designed with double or triple panes, argon gas fills, and low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings that work together to:

Block UV Rays: Protect your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading.
Improve Insulation: Keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, leading to noticeable savings on your energy bills.
Reduce Condensation: Better insulation means less chance of interior condensation forming.

Enhanced Comfort and Functionality

Today's skylights do more than just provide a view of the sky. You can choose models that actively improve your home's environment. Solar-powered "Fresh Air" venting skylights, for example, can be opened with a remote control to release hot, stale air and improve your home's natural air circulation. This can be a game-changer for kitchens and bathrooms, helping to vent moisture and odours. Many models also come with pre-installed, solar-powered blinds, giving you complete control over the amount of light entering the room at the touch of a button.

The Aquila Process: Ensuring a Flawless Installation

Combining a roof and skylight replacement is only a smart move if the work is done correctly. At Aquila Roofing, we ensure every installation is perfect, protecting your investment for decades to come. Our commitment to quality is built on a few core principles that set us apart.

First, our installers are CertainTeed Shingle Master certified, and our entire team undergoes yearly manufacturer training on the latest products and installation best practices. We never use subcontractors, so the team working on your home consists of our dedicated, full-time employees. Most importantly, an owner is always on-site to supervise every project. This hands-on approach guarantees that every detail, from securing the ice and water shield to fitting the final piece of flashing, is done to the highest standard.

This meticulous process ensures that both your new roof and your new skylights are covered by their full manufacturer warranties, giving you complete peace of mind.

Make the Bright Choice for Your Home

Replacing your roof is a necessary project, but it's also an opportunity to make a lasting improvement to your home's comfort, value, and energy efficiency. Upgrading your skylights at the same time is the most logical, secure, and cost-effective way to bring more natural light and fresh air into your life, without worrying about future leaks or problems.

If you're planning a roof replacement for your home in the Ottawa area, don't overlook your skylights. Contact Aquila Roofing and Construction today for a free, comprehensive quote on your shingle roof replacement and skylight installation project. Let us show you how a modern skylight can transform your home.