What is the cost of adding skylights during a roof replacement in NB?

Adding skylights during a roof replacement in NB typically costs $1,500–$4,500 per skylight installed, including the unit, flashing kit, and labour — and doing it during a roof replacement is the smartest time to add them, saving you $500–$1,000 compared to a standalone installation.

The cost breaks down into three components: the skylight unit itself, the flashing system, and the labour to integrate everything into your new roof. A basic fixed-pane vinyl-framed skylight (like a Velux or similar) runs $400–$900 for the unit. Venting skylights — which open manually or electrically to release heat and humidity — cost $800–$2,000 for the unit depending on size and features. Solar-powered venting skylights with remote controls sit at the top end. The flashing kit, which is the most critical component in NB's climate, adds $150–$400. Labour to cut the opening, frame the rough opening, install the unit, and integrate the flashing into your new shingles or metal roofing runs $500–$1,500 per skylight depending on roof pitch, complexity, and whether a light shaft needs to be built below.

The interior light shaft — the framed tunnel between the roof deck and your ceiling — is often overlooked in initial budgeting. If your attic space is deep, you'll need a framed, insulated, and drywalled shaft, which adds $800–$2,500 per skylight depending on the shaft length and shape (straight shafts are cheaper; angled or splayed shafts that spread more light cost more). Factor this into your total budget from the start.

NB Climate Considerations

This is where skylight selection gets critical for your NB home. The freeze-thaw cycle — 100+ times annually in New Brunswick — is brutal on skylight flashing. Improperly flashed skylights are among the most common sources of roof leaks in the province, and a leak discovered two winters after your roof replacement is an expensive and frustrating problem. Insist on manufacturer-specific flashing kits (not generic aftermarket flashing) and confirm your roofing contractor has experience installing skylights, not just shingles.

For NB's climate, specify triple-pane glazing with a low-E coating and argon or krypton gas fill. The temperature differential between a heated interior and a -20°C January night creates significant condensation risk on under-performing glazing. A quality triple-pane skylight with a warm-edge spacer will dramatically reduce condensation and heat loss. Look for an ER (Energy Rating) of 20 or higher — the higher the number, the better the unit performs in cold climates. Ice damming is also a concern around skylights; proper attic insulation and ventilation around the shaft is essential to prevent heat loss that accelerates ice dam formation at the skylight perimeter.

Practical Tips

Position skylights on north or east-facing roof slopes if your goal is consistent natural light without summer overheating. South-facing skylights flood a room with light but can create significant heat gain in July and August. If you're set on a south-facing installation, choose a unit with a built-in blind or specify solar-control glazing.

Permits are required for skylight installation in NB — cutting a structural opening in your roof deck and modifying the framing triggers a building permit in most municipalities and RSC jurisdictions. Confirm permit responsibility with your contractor before work begins.

Budget a 15–20% contingency on top of your skylight quote, as unexpected framing complications, insulation upgrades around the shaft, or interior finishing work often add cost once the opening is cut.

For detailed roofing guidance and material comparisons, the broader context of your roof replacement matters — asphalt shingles at $4–$7/sq ft installed versus metal roofing at $8–$14/sq ft affects how skylight flashing is integrated and how long the whole system will last together.

Need help finding an experienced roofing contractor in your area who can handle skylight installation properly? New Brunswick Renovations can connect you with local professionals for free.