How long has Windy City Skylights been in business?
Our parent company, St. Louis Skylights, has been in business since 1989 and installs more Skylights every year than any other St. Louis area company. Windy City Skylights opened in 2008 and quickly established itself as the leading skylight installation company in Chicagoland. We are a Velux 5 Star Skylight Specialist company, trained and certified by Velux America in sales, installations, and repairs of the full portfolio of Velux' residential and commercial skylights and sun tunnels. Windy City Skylights employs it own skilled installation technicians, backed by our exclusive 15 year labor guarantee.

What products and services do you offer?
We provide daylighting solutions by offering a wide variety of skylights for both residential and commercial applications. We also are certified installer of the Velux solar water heating system.

Do you offer other services in addition to skylights?
We specialize in installing and repairing skylights as well as installations of the Velux solar water heating system.

What is your relationship with Velux?
Windy City Skylights is a Velux 5 Star Specialist, authorizing us to sell and install Velux skylights, roof windows, and Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. Although we work with other skylight manufacturers, Velux is our primary partner and the recommended skylight in the majority of our installations.

Do you repair or install skylights by other companies?
We offer a free consultation if a skylight is need of repairs, whether it is made by Velux or some other manufacturer. However, typically a repair for an older skylight is not the proper solution. Windy City Skylights, after inspecting the existing skylight, will offer to replace or retrofit the skylight with a new Velux Low-E glass, argon gas filled skylight. Both the replacement and retrofit options are very affordable and provide the best long-term solution.

What is the difference between selecting your company compared to another contractor to install my skylights?
Unlike other companies in the Chicago area, we specialize in skylights only. Whenever you're dealing with a hole in the roof, we believe that it deserves hiring the most qualified company. Windy City Skylights, through our relationship with St. Louis Skylights, has the most expertise to design and install your skylights. It just makes sense to hire the experts who work on skylights every day. While other construction companies may offer to install skylights, there is more risk of improper installation that may eventually cause significant damage to your home or business.

What is your guarantee on your labor?
We provide an exclusive 15 year guarantee on our labor with Velux skylights, significantly more than other installation companies. This means Windy City Skylights guarantees against leaks for 15 years due to their workmanship. This is in addition to the Velux product warranties. Labor guarantees on our workmanship on non-Velux installations will vary depending upon the product and the installation.

Does Windy City Skylights work with contractors?
Absolutely. We have many mutual beneficial referral relationships with contractors, builders, roofers, property managers, interior designers, and architects. Many construction companies have discovered the benefits of hiring skylight experts to take care of their skylight installations. We also provide free on-site consultations for our contractors as an additional service.

Will you supply me with several references, if requested?
Yes. We have a long list of satisfied customers, many of whom would be glad to tell you about our company.

Does your company carry insurance?
Windy City Skylights carries liability and workers' compensation insurance.

I've always heard that skylights always leak. Do they?
The old, acrylic dome skylights we inspect in Chicago were commercial grade skylights not intended for residential use, with a life expectancy of 10 years. There are also many aged flat glass skylights in the Chicago area from manufacturers other than Velux that are no longer in business. Both the acrylic dome and older flat glass skylights have an increased likelihood of leaking, either due to their age, their design, or improper installation or maintenance. Typically, Windy City Skylights replaces these old, innefficient skylights with new Velux skylights with low-E coated, argon gas filled glazings that are guaranteed not to leak for a minimum of 10 years. However, we can provide a skylight solution to skylight structures that are outside the scope of the Velux product line.

Will new Velux skylights heat up my home like my current acrylic domes?
No. All Velux skylights include argon gas sealed within the glazings, reducing the passive infrared heat by as much as 65% compared to innefficient acrylic dome or glass skylights with little if any protection against the heat and cold.

What are my choices for either replacement skylights or a new skylight installation?
Many choices are available, including fixed and ventilating skylights, with or without blinds or shades.

How much does it cost to replace an existing acrylic or glass skylight?
The replacement cost for a fixed curb-mounted skylight that is not leaking will be from $379 to $790. A simple replacement does not include any new flashing. If the existing fixed skylight is leaking, we would recommend a retrofit, which includes a skylight replacement as well as new flashing. A retrofit for a fixed curb-mounted skylight will be from $874 to $1,193. Prices will be higher if a ventilating skylight or a window shade or blind is requested. Some installations may be more depending on the degree of difficulty and if a custom skylight size is needed. Prices are subject to change without notice.

What does it cost for a new skylight installation?
The price will vary depending upon the skylight size, fixed or ventilating, and whether the ceiling is flat or vaulted. The price is further affected depending on the type of new installation that is requested. A full installation includes installing the skylight on the roof and framing, drywalling, and painting the skylight shaft. A "lite" roof only installation excludes the interior framing and finish, with that work done by others. In order to provide a specific price, we offer free on-site inspections of the room, ceiling, and roof structure. Generally, a full installation of a fixed skylight will range from approximately $1,850 to $2,200, with upgrades to a venting skylight adding approximately $200 to $600. Prices are subject to change without notice.

What new technologies are available with Velux skylights?
Velux has introduced in 2010 their newest generation deck-mounted skylight, the Series A21 skylight. The No Leak Skylight has new deck seal technology with a guarantee against leaks from Velux for 10 years. The 10 year leak guarantee from Velux is subject to the skylight being installed strictly in accordance with Velux deck mounted skylight and related flashing installation instructions. Velux is also launching in 2010 their new Super Efficient (SE) Series Sun Tunnel, with new technologies that make it eligible for a 30% tax credit on the installed product.

I'm interested in tubular skylights. How much are they?
Windy City Skylights installs more Velux Sun Tunnels than any other local installation company. The installed price for residential applications will be approximately from the high $500's to high $600's, depending on the size (10" or 14") and length of rigid tubing needed from the roof deck to the ceiling. The new Super Efficient (SE) Series Sun Tunnels with the energy tax credit cost slightly more. The 21" TCR Sun Tunnels for use in commercial buildings are priced out upon request. All Sun Tunnels include a 10 year product warranty and a 10 year guarantee against leaks.

What is the process for Windy City Skylights to give me an estimate?
We offer free estimates. Just call us at 630-852-2600 to make an appointment.

After I agree to have skylights installed, how long before they will be installed?
Generally, we will install your skylights within 2 - 3 weeks after an approved agreement.

Can I view skylights and tubular skylights at your office?
Yes. We are open by appointment only. Simply give us a call and we would be happy to show you the skylight and Sun Tunnel displays in our showroom along with providing you with free brochures.