At a glance: Completed 2026-08-07: skylight replacement on a steep roof on Ginger Crest Drive, Glen Carbon, IL 62034. Office: St. Louis, 314-429-6000.
When resealing a skylight is not enough
Some skylight leaks are just a failed seal around the frame, and a careful reflash fixes them. Others come from the unit itself: a fogged or cracked lens, a warped frame or gaskets that have hardened after twenty-plus years in the sun. On Ginger Crest Drive, the skylight had reached that point. Resealing it again would have bought a season at most, so the homeowner chose to replace it.
Working safely on a steep two-story roof
This roof is steep enough that walking on it without protection is not an option. The crew set up roof jacks, planks and fall protection before starting. That extra setup takes time, but it is the only safe way to work on a high, steep pitch, and it also protects the shingles from foot traffic.
Removing the old unit
The shingles around the skylight were removed, then the old step flashing, head flashing and sill flashing were pulled. The skylight was unfastened and lifted out. With the opening exposed, the crew checked the curb and the decking around it. Years of slow leaks had softened part of the curb, so it was rebuilt with new lumber so the new unit sits on solid, square framing.
Ice and water shield around the curb
Before the new skylight went in, ice and water shield was wrapped up the sides of the curb and onto the deck around it. This self-adhering membrane is the hidden layer that keeps water out if anything above it ever lets a little through. On skylights, where water and snow collect at the uphill side, it is essential.
New skylight and flashing kit
The new skylight was set on the curb and fastened. A manufacturer-matched flashing kit was installed: sill flashing at the bottom, step flashing up each side interwoven with the shingles, and a head flashing at the top that sends water around the unit. Using the kit made for that skylight, rather than hand-bent pieces, gives the best fit and keeps the unit's own warranty valid.
Driftwood shingles woven back in
The crew wove Owens Corning Duration shingles in Driftwood back in around the new flashing, tying into the existing roof. Each side shingle overlaps a piece of step flashing so water always runs on top. From the street, the skylight looks new and the roof around it looks untouched.
Interior finishing
Because the old skylight had been leaking, the interior well had some staining. Once the new unit was in, the opening was checked from inside to make sure the light shaft was sealed tight and ready for the homeowner's painter.
Skylights in Glen Carbon homes
Many two-story homes built in Glen Carbon and Edwardsville in the 1990s and early 2000s came with skylights over great rooms and stairways. Those original units are now reaching the end of their life. If yours has foggy glass, a stain around the well, or drips in heavy rain, it may be time to consider replacement, especially if the roof itself still has years left.
Roofer near me in Glen Carbon, 62034
If you are searching roofer near me in Glen Carbon, our crews serve 62034, 62025 Edwardsville, 62294 Troy and 62062 Maryville. Call our St. Louis office at 314-429-6000 or 1-800-564-6232 at any hour.
Lifetime workmanship warranty
Our workmanship on Ginger Crest Drive is covered for life, and the skylight carries its own manufacturer warranty.
Signs a skylight needs replacing
Condensation trapped between the panes, a lens that has turned cloudy or yellow, cracks in the dome, or a frame that feels loose are all signs the unit itself is failing. Drips that show up only in heavy, wind-driven rain usually point to flashing. Drips in light rain, or water on the inside of the glass, usually point to the unit. A stain that keeps growing around the well after more than one repair attempt is another strong sign it is time to replace instead of reseal.
Replacing during the life of the roof
The best time to replace a skylight is when the roof around it still has plenty of life left, or when the whole roof is being replaced. Swapping it out mid-life, as on Ginger Crest Drive, is fine as long as the new flashing is woven into the existing shingles correctly and matching shingles are available. Driftwood is still made, so the patch blends in.
Energy and comfort benefits
Older skylights often have single or early double-pane glass that lets heat pour in during summer and escape in winter. A modern unit with better glazing keeps the room under it more comfortable and cuts the glare and heat that faded furniture and floors. On a great room or stairway that gets afternoon sun, homeowners notice the difference right away.
Keeping your new skylight leak-free
Keep the uphill side of the skylight clear of leaves, sticks and seeds, especially from the oaks and maples common in Glen Carbon subdivisions. In winter, heavy snow can pile against the head flashing; it will usually melt off, but if you see ice building up there, give us a call. A quick look at the ceiling around the well after big storms is all the maintenance most homeowners need.
What to expect on replacement day
The crew arrives in the morning, protects landscaping and the driveway, and sets up safety gear. The old unit usually comes out before lunch, and the new skylight, flashing and shingles are finished by afternoon. Inside, expect some dust in the room below while the curb is opened, so moving furniture away from the well helps.
What the crew did, step by step
- Set up roof jacks, planks and fall protection on the steep two-story roof.
- Removed shingles and all flashing around the old skylight.
- Removed the old skylight unit.
- Rebuilt the softened curb with new lumber.
- Wrapped the curb and surrounding deck with ice and water shield.
- Installed the new skylight with a manufacturer-matched flashing kit.
- Wove Owens Corning Duration Driftwood shingles back in around the unit.
- Checked the interior well and cleaned up all debris.
Questions homeowners in Glen Carbon ask about this repair
When should a skylight be replaced instead of resealed?
When the lens is fogged or cracked, the frame is warped or the gaskets have failed. Resealing only fixes a bad perimeter seal.
How long does skylight replacement take?
Most are done in one day, weather permitting.
Do you use a flashing kit?
Yes. A manufacturer-matched kit gives the best fit and keeps the skylight warranty valid.
Can you match Owens Corning Driftwood?
Yes. Driftwood is a current Duration color.
Do you replace skylights in Glen Carbon, IL?
Yes. Call our St. Louis office at 314-429-6000.
Is a steep roof more expensive to work on?
It takes extra safety setup, which adds some time, but we price it upfront.