Old or Yellowed Skylight – Upgrade to Clear, Energy-Efficient VELUX Glass
Yellow, Faded, or Old Skylight? Time to Replace It
If your skylight has turned yellow, hazy, brittle, or cloudy, it means the material has aged and lost transparency.
This is extremely common with older plastic/acrylic dome skylights installed 15–30 years ago.
Typical signs:
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Yellow or amber-colored dome
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Loss of natural light
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Heat entering the home
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Brittle plastic that cracks easily
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Skylight makes rooms “hot and dusty”
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Old aluminum frames rattling or leaking
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Haze, chalky surface, or oxidation
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Condensation trapped inside
Most yellowed skylights are long past their lifespan and should be replaced.
Why Skylights Turn Yellow
1. UV Degradation (Acrylic Domes)
Old domes are made from acrylic that degrades under sunlight.
With time, they:
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turn yellow
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become brittle
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lose structural strength
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distort light
2. Single-Pane Construction
Old domes are not insulated — they let heat IN during summer and OUT during winter.
They also have zero UV protection, which contributes to fading.
3. Air Leaks Around the Frame
Older acrylic skylights often have gaps where:
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dust enters
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air drafts form
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insects get in
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outside noise passes easily
4. Failed Seals or Crack Development
When the acrylic gets too old, micro-cracks appear, eventually leading to leaks or full dome failure.
5. Outdated Flashing Systems
Older flashing designs are not compatible with modern roofing codes and often cause leaks.
Why Replacing Old Skylights Saves Money
Upgrading from an old yellow dome to a modern VELUX glass skylight gives you:
✔️ Clear, Beautiful Natural Light
Modern glass lets in bright daylight without yellow tint.
✔️ UV Protection
VELUX glass blocks 99% of UV, preventing faded furniture and skin damage.
✔️ Better Temperature Control
Double-pane laminated glass with Argon gas keeps your home cooler and quieter.
✔️ Energy Efficiency
Modern skylights meet Title-24 and Energy Star standards in California.
✔️ Condensation Reduction
No more water droplets forming inside the skylight.
✔️ Stronger & Safer Glass
Laminated inner pane = the same safety standard used in car windshields.
✔️ Lower Noise
Glass reduces outside noise far better than acrylic domes.
Important Note About “Replacing Just the Plastic Dome”
Many customers ask:
“Can you replace just the plastic bubble?”
Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it, because:
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custom acrylic domes often cost almost as much as a new skylight
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custom orders require 2–3 visits (measurement + install)
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plastic still has no energy efficiency, no UV protection, no sound insulation
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manufacturer warranties do NOT apply
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the frame remains old, weak, and prone to leaking
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most dome suppliers won’t guarantee color match or clarity
In the end, homeowners pay more for a temporary fix.
A full skylight replacement is:
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longer lasting
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more energy-efficient
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quieter
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safer
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usually less expensive than custom dome replacement
Recommended Replacement Options
Deck-Mount Glass Skylights (FS / VSS / VSE)
Best for pitched roofs.
Curb-Mount Glass Skylights (FCM / VCM / VCS / VCE)
Best when replacing old acrylic domes — fits the same curb.
Self-Flashed Skylights (QPF)
For specific roofs where built-in flashing is required.
Sun Tunnel Upgrade
For small rooms or tight spaces originally lit by old domes.
Upgrade Your Old Skylight Today
Don’t wait for leaks, heat issues, or cracks. A modern skylight upgrade transforms your home.
Why Homeowners Choose Us
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Certified VELUX Installer
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Licensed & Insured (#1099068)
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Over 10 years of skylight experience
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Precise diagnostics — no guesswork
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Clean, professional, respectful service
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Transparent pricing
Service Area
We proudly serve all of Orange County, including:
Irvine, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Orange, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach.