Protecting Skylights During Roof Repair Projects

You protect skylights by covering them with 3/4-inch plywood and heavy tarps before any tear-off starts, then re-seal the flashing with high-temp caulk rated for 10-15 years. This keeps debris and rain from hitting the glass or frame during the 2-5 day job most Dallas homes need.

How Do You Cover Skylights Before Tear-Off Starts?

I start every job in Uptown Dallas or Deep Ellum by laying plywood sheets over the skylight and screwing them into the deck on three sides only. That leaves one edge open for airflow but stops falling shingles and tools from smashing the glass. In our humid subtropical climate the plywood also blocks the afternoon sun that can warp plastic skylight domes in hot summers. Skip the big-box sealant on the edges because it melts and runs in 95-degree days and leaves a sticky mess on the roof. Instead I use a 40-year silicone that stays flexible through mild winters and costs about $18 a tube.

What Happens If You Skip Protection In Dallas Heat?

One summer I saw a skylight in East Dallas crack from a dropped hammer during shingle removal and water poured in for three days before the owner noticed. The leak ruined drywall in the kitchen below and the insurance claim took six weeks. Dallas homes in Lake Highlands often have older skylights that are already 12-18 years old, so one hit can finish them. The humid air here makes any small crack grow fast once moisture gets behind the frame. I now add a second layer of 6-mil plastic under the plywood on every job because it catches the fine dust that otherwise works its way inside.

What Does Skylight Protection Cost During Roof Repair?

Basic plywood and tarp setup runs $150-$300 on a standard asphalt roof. If the skylight needs new flashing or we pull the unit to inspect the curb, add $400-$750. In North Dallas neighborhoods with tile roofs the price climbs to $600-$1,200 because the heavier material takes longer to work around. These numbers cover labor and materials for a one-story home; two-story jobs add 30 percent. You can see full ranges broken down by area in the cost guide for roof repair in Dallas neighborhoods.

When Should You Handle Skylight Protection Yourself?

Homeowners can tape plastic over a skylight on a flat section if the roof is only one story and the work is just missing shingle replacement. That job stays safe as long as you stay off the steep pitch and do not cut into any flashing. Once the repair involves removing more than ten squares or the house sits in a permit-required zone like Downtown Dallas, stop and call a pro. Code work around skylights means the city may inspect the curb height and we carry the right insurance to cover that. Anything past a simple tarp crosses into safety and code lines where mistakes cost more than the service call.

We also offer skylight leak repair when the damage is already done. Call the shop at 5124 Sharp St, Dallas, TX 75247 if the job needs 24/7 emergency service.