Skylight repair, replacement and installation in Pasadena
Most of our Pasadena calls are about skylights that already exist: a leak over the kitchen after the first big storm, a dome that’s gone yellow and brittle, or a fogged glass unit that’s lost its seal. We also add new skylights to Craftsman bungalows and build custom glass skylights for larger homes. We’ve been doing this work in Pasadena and around Los Angeles for 12 years.
Leak repair on tile and shingle roofs
Pasadena has a lot of clay tile, and tile roofs are where poorly flashed skylights show up. If a skylight was installed with sealant in place of proper step and head flashing, it usually starts leaking a few years later. Our fix is to lift the tile around the skylight, install proper flashing, and reset the tile. Often the skylight itself is fine and doesn’t need replacing. On shingle roofs over bungalows, the problems are more often worn flashing or a cracked dome. See skylight repair and why skylights leak.
Replacing old skylights
Many Pasadena skylights date from the 1970s to the 1990s. Acrylic domes go cloudy and crack, and older glass units fog when their seals fail. If the curb is sound, a replacement goes in the same opening with minimal roof work. Upgrading from a plastic dome to glass gets you clearer light and a longer life. See skylight replacement and dome replacement.
New skylights for Craftsman and Spanish homes
Bungalow Heaven, Madison Heights and the streets around the Arroyo are full of 1910s and 1920s Craftsman houses with dark center kitchens and hallways. A low-profile glass skylight between the rafters brings light in without changing the look from the street. Where there’s no room for a full skylight, a sun tunnel is a good option. On Spanish and period homes with tile, new openings take longer because of the tile work, and we tell you up front if old tile is likely to break.
Custom glass for larger homes
For larger homes in areas like Linda Vista, San Rafael and the upper Arroyo, some openings call for a custom glass skylight: a pyramid over a stair hall, a ridge skylight over a long room, or a replacement for an original custom unit that no standard size fits.
Pasadena permits and historic districts
Pasadena has its own building department, separate from LADBS, and we handle permit applications, plan check and inspections there. In Pasadena’s landmark districts, including Bungalow Heaven, exterior changes visible from the street generally need a Certificate of Appropriateness before the building permit. A skylight on a rear slope usually isn’t visible and avoids that step. We check the address first.
Pasadena skylight FAQ
My skylight leaks only in heavy rain. Do I need a new one?
Often not. On tile roofs especially, the flashing is the usual cause.
Can you match a custom skylight on an older home?
Usually. We measure the opening and build a replacement to fit.
Will a skylight on my Craftsman need historic approval?
Only if the house is designated or in a landmark district and the skylight is visible from the street.
What does it cost?
A standard replacement is roughly $800 to $900; a new opening is roughly $4,000; custom glass starts around $2,500 to $3,000. See the cost guide.
Call us at (213) 334-3947 for a free Pasadena skylight estimate.
Nearby areas: Altadena · Glendale · Highland Park & Eagle Rock
Related reading: Skylight repair · Residential skylights · All service areas