Reroofing is a big project and a major investment in your home. It is also the perfect moment to take a hard look at any older skylights. If you want fewer headaches later, it pays to consider roof and skylight replacement solutions now, not after a subsequent leak.

What An Acrylic Dome Skylight Really Is

An acrylic dome skylight is a curved plastic bubble set into a metal frame. It sits above your roofline and lets in natural light. For many homes built years ago, this was the standard skylight choice.

Over time, the plastic dome weathers and dries out. Sun, ice, and temperature swings slowly make it more brittle. The clear surface can also get cloudy, scratched, and less attractive.

The metal frame and connections age, too. Sealants dry and crack, and small gaps open up. Those small flaws often lead to leaks.

Why Old Domes Are Prone To Leaks

Many homeowners blame leaks only on the flashing around the skylight. In reality, water often sneaks in through several weak spots at once. A quick fix to the flashing may hide the deeper problem for a short time.

The dome can develop hairline cracks that only open under stress. Wind, snow load, or a person stepping too close can bend the frame a little. When that happens, tiny cracks and seams let water in.

The gasket or seal between the dome and the frame can also fail. Once that rubber or foam breaks down, water can run inside the frame, not just around it. From there, it often shows up as stains on the ceiling or damp drywall.

Why Reroofing Is The Best Time To Decide

When your roof is being replaced, the area around the skylight is already exposed. Shingles, underlayment, and old flashing are coming off anyway. This makes access easier and the work more efficient.

Your roofer is also tying new materials into the skylight curb and frame. That curb is the raised box the unit sits on. If the skylight is old, you are building a new roof around the weakest link.

Choosing a new unit now keeps all the parts of your roof system on the same timeline. The new shingles, flashing, and skylight will age together. That way, you are less likely to have a roof that outlasts a failing skylight by many years.

Reflashing Alone Only Solves Part Of The Problem

Reflashing means replacing the metal pieces that guide water around the skylight. It can help if the old flashing was clearly damaged or poorly done. But it cannot fix a failing dome, tired seals, or a warped frame.

Think of it like putting new trim around a rotting window. The outside looks better and may shed water a little longer. The weak window itself is still the same age and just as likely to fail.

If your dome is already older and has leaked before, reflashing buys time, not certainty. The risk of another leak later remains high. That second repair usually costs more and creates more mess indoors.

How Modern Skylights Improve Daily Comfort

Newer skylights use better glass and frame designs than old acrylic domes. Many are double-glazed and use coated glass that helps manage heat and glare. That means your room can stay bright without feeling like a hot spot in summer.

Better seals and frames also reduce drafts. You are less likely to feel cold air dropping from the skylight on winter nights. This added comfort is something you notice every day, not just when it rains.

Some newer units can vent or open when needed. Others are fixed but designed to reduce noise and condensation. A thoughtful skylight replacement can turn a problem area into a favorite feature again.

Conclusion

As you plan your project, talk with your roofer about options and warranties. Ask how the new skylight will tie into your roofing system as a whole. Good planning now leads to better roof and skylight replacement solutions that serve you well for many years.