Trenton houses in neighborhoods like Chambersburg and Mill Hill often have skylights installed 15 to 25 years ago. The original butyl tape or rubber gasket dries out from the humid subtropical swings between hot summers and cold winters. Once that gasket cracks, water tracks under the shingles and into the ceiling below. We replace the gasket with new EPDM tape rated for 20 years and add a secondary aluminum flashing strip screwed into the rafters.
Cheap crews skip the step of pulling the skylight unit. They just slap on a bead of caulk around the edge. In Mercer County that fix lasts one or two winters before the caulk shrinks and the leak returns. We always remove the unit, inspect the curb for rot, and re-flash the entire opening with step flashing that tucks under the shingles above.
East Trenton and North Trenton homes near the Trenton Battle Monument sit close together. Ladder access on those narrow lots takes extra time and sometimes needs a second man on the ground. We price that into the job up front so there are no surprises. Permits are rarely needed for simple seal work, but if we have to sister a rafter we pull the permit the same morning.
After the new flashing goes in we run a hose test for 10 minutes while someone watches the ceiling inside. If water still shows we keep working until it stops. That test is included every time.
Skylight Leak Repair Services We Offer
✓Emergency Skylight Leak Repair
Same-day visit to stop active dripping before it stains ceilings in South Trenton homes.
✓Skylight Frame Seal Replacement
Remove old gasket, clean the curb, and install new EPDM seal rated for 20 years.
✓Skylight Flashing Repair
Replace missing or rusted step flashing around the skylight curb on older Mill Hill roofs.
✓Commercial Skylight Leak Fix
Fix leaks on flat commercial skylights in downtown Trenton using butyl tape and aluminum counter flashing.
✓Skylight Curb Rot Repair
Cut out rotted wood around the skylight opening and sister new treated lumber before re-flashing.
Skylight Leak Repair Cost in Trenton, NJ
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Skylight leak repair basic seal | $400–$650 | Single story, easy ladder access, no rotted wood. |
| Skylight leak repair with flashing | $650–$900 | Includes new step flashing and curb inspection. |
| Skylight curb rot repair | $850–$1,400 | Wood replacement and new flashing on two sides. |
| Emergency skylight leak stop | $550–$1,100 | After hours or weekend call, same-day arrival. |
| Free estimate for skylight leak repair | Free | On-site visit Mon–Sat 7am–7pm or 24/7 for active leaks. |
Ranges are typical for Trenton, NJ and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Inspect from inside and roof
Check ceiling stains and walk the roof to mark every gap around the skylight. Takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- 2
Remove skylight unit
Unscrew the frame and lift it off the curb. Inspect wood for soft spots. 45 minutes typical.
- 3
Install new flashing and seal
Lay fresh step flashing and EPDM gasket. Screw everything back down. One to two hours.
- 4
Hose test and cleanup
Run water for 10 minutes and watch inside. Sweep debris and leave the attic dry. 30 minutes.
Pricing
Most skylight seal jobs in Trenton run $400 to $900.