Spokane winters bring repeated freeze-thaw cycles and snow accumulation that push water under skylight flashing on homes built in the early 1900s through 1970s across the South Hill and Browne's Addition. These older roofs often have original curb-mounted skylights with degraded butyl or lead flashing that no longer sheds meltwater properly. When ice dams form along the roof edge, water backs up and finds the weakest seal around the skylight frame, creating interior stains that homeowners notice only after the ceiling drywall softens.
Repair work here requires matching the existing skylight brand and curb height while maintaining the roof's snow-shedding pitch. Spokane County building code expects any skylight work on low-slope sections to preserve positive drainage, so crews often add new step flashing and ice-and-water shield up the sides before reinstalling the unit. In neighborhoods like Spokane Valley where wind-driven snow is common, crews also check the upper head flashing for gaps that allow fine snow to enter the attic space during storms.
Homeowners sometimes attempt DIY sealant beads around the perimeter, but these trap moisture against the wood curb and accelerate rot in the rafters. Professional repair includes removing old sealant, inspecting the curb for soft spots, and installing new counter-flashing that ties into the surrounding composition shingles without creating new water entry points at the nail lines.
Access on many Spokane properties involves steep driveways and mature trees that drop needles onto the skylight glass, blocking drainage channels. Technicians carry extension ladders rated for the snow weight still on the roof and work from the ridge down to avoid sliding debris onto lower roof planes.
Technician insight
In Spokane the thing that catches most people out with Skylight repair is how quickly ice dams on 1940s–1960s homes in the South Hill push water under the head flashing when the attic lacks ventilation. Homeowners often add roof tar after a leak appears, but that traps moisture against the curb and turns a flashing job into full curb replacement.
South Hill Skylight Leak After Heavy Snow
Meltwater from a week of freeze-thaw cycles entered around the skylight on a 1958 ranch. Inspection showed the original lead flashing had cracked at the corners. Crew removed the old flashing, installed new step flashing tied into the existing shingles, and added ice-and-water shield up the sides. No further interior staining appeared after the next storm.
Skylight Repair Services We Offer
✓Skylight Leak Repair
Locate and seal active leaks around flashing and curb edges on Spokane homes where snow melt repeatedly infiltrates older skylight installations.
✓Skylight Flashing Replacement
Remove deteriorated step and counter flashing then install new copper or lead-coated copper that matches the roof slope and snow load conditions in Spokane County.
✓Skylight Sealant Refresh
Clean and replace perimeter sealant on curb-mounted units to stop wind-driven snow from entering attics in exposed South Hill and North Spokane locations.
✓Damaged Skylight Glass Replacement
Swap cracked or fogged insulated glass panels while preserving the existing frame and curb on homes throughout Spokane and Spokane Valley.
✓Skylight Curb Repair
Repair rotted wood curbs and reflash the base so the skylight sits level and drains properly after years of ice dam pressure.
Skylight Repair Cost in Spokane, WA
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Skylight Leak Inspection | $125–$225 | Includes roof access and water testing; higher on steep or snow-covered roofs |
| Flashing Replacement | $450–$850 | Varies by skylight size and whether curb repair is needed |
| Sealant Refresh | $200–$375 | Lower end for single skylight on accessible roof |
| Glass Panel Replacement | $350–$650 | Depends on insulated glass size and frame condition |
Ranges are typical for Spokane, WA and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
On-Site Assessment
Technician climbs the roof from a safe access point and inspects the skylight, flashing, and surrounding shingles for snow-related damage.
- 2
Leak Tracing
Water test and interior inspection identify the exact entry point before any materials are ordered.
- 3
Material Preparation
Matching flashing and sealant are cut on site to fit the existing curb dimensions and roof pitch.
- 4
Repair and Cleanup
Old materials removed, new flashing and sealant installed, and debris cleared from the roof surface before departure.
Pricing
Upfront quotes provided during business hours Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm. Final price depends on roof pitch, skylight size, and extent of curb damage.