Skylight leaks show up fast after a heavy snow melt or during humid summer storms. In Minneapolis stock from the 1920s to 1980s you often find the original curb flashing rusted through where it meets the roof deck. We pull the old lead or copper step flashing, clean the rotted wood, and install new aluminum flashing with a 4-inch overlap plus butyl tape under the skylight frame.
Ice dams form quick along the Mississippi Riverfront and in Northeast because warm air from the house melts snow on the lower roof while the eaves stay frozen. That water finds every seam around the skylight. We add extra ice-and-water shield 6 feet up from the eave and seal the skylight base with high-temp rubberized flashing cement rated for -20 degrees.
Cheap crews skip the counter flashing and just caulk the top edge. Two winters later the caulk cracks and water runs down the rafters into the insulation. We always run a full counter flashing up under the shingles above the skylight and down over the top of the new step flashing so nothing relies on sealant alone.
Hennepin County requires a permit for any roof penetration work that changes the existing flashing. We pull the permit the same morning we start so the job stays legal and the homeowner has the inspection record when they sell.
Skylight Leak Repair Services We Offer
✓Emergency Skylight Leak Repair
Same-day response when water is actively dripping through the ceiling. We tarp the skylight and set up interior containment before full repair.
✓Skylight Flashing Replacement Minneapolis
Remove old rusted flashing and install new aluminum step and counter flashing on homes in Uptown or Longfellow.
✓Commercial Skylight Leak Fix
Fix leaks on flat or low-slope commercial roofs near Target Field or the University using reinforced membrane and new curb flashing.
✓Skylight Leak Repair After Ice Dam
Clear ice, replace damaged flashing, and add extra ice shield on homes in Camden or Near North after winter dam problems.
✓Skylight Sealant Refresh
Clean and re-seal existing skylight edges with high-temp butyl on homes in Southwest or Powderhorn before leaks start.
Skylight Leak Repair Cost in Minneapolis, MN
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Skylight leak repair on asphalt roof | $450–$850 | Price rises with rotted wood or second-story access. |
| Replace skylight flashing after ice dam | $550–$950 | Includes extra ice shield and permit. |
| Commercial skylight curb repair | $700–$1,400 | Depends on roof height and membrane type. |
| Skylight sealant only refresh | $250–$450 | Only if flashing is still solid. |
| Free estimate for skylight leak repair | Free | Call during Mon-Sat 7am-7pm or use 24/7 emergency line. |
Ranges are typical for Minneapolis, MN and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Site inspection inside and out
We climb up and look at the skylight from the roof, then check the attic for wet insulation and rafter damage. Takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- 2
Remove old flashing and damaged material
Lift shingles, pull rotted wood around the curb, and dispose of old flashing. Usually 1 to 2 hours.
- 3
Install new flashing and seal
Fit aluminum step flashing and counter flashing with butyl tape and high-temp cement. 1 to 2 hours.
- 4
Final check and cleanup
Run a hose test, check for drips inside, then haul debris and leave the attic dry. 30 minutes.
Pricing
Most skylight leak repairs in Minneapolis land between $450 and $1,100. Bigger jobs with rotted rafters or hard access in older homes run higher.