Hear from Our Customers
You walk into rooms that used to feel cramped and dim, now flooded with natural light that changes everything. The space feels bigger, brighter, more alive. Your energy bills drop because you’re not flipping switches all day long.
No more squinting to read in the kitchen or feeling like you’re living in a cave during those long winter months. The natural light follows the sun’s path, creating different moods throughout the day—energizing morning light, warm afternoon glow.
Your home feels more valuable, more inviting. Guests notice the difference immediately. And when it storms? Your skylights handle Southold’s coastal weather without a single leak or worry.
We at Expressway Roofing and Chimney Inc know what salt air and coastal storms do to roofs in Southold. We’ve been handling the unique challenges of Long Island’s North Fork for years—from the relentless humidity to those sudden nor’easters that test every seal and flashing.
We’re not just another roofing company that dabbles in skylights. We understand that coastal installations require different materials, different techniques, and a deeper understanding of how weather patterns affect your roof system.
When your neighbors recommend a roofer in Southold, they mention us because we’ve earned that trust one leak-free installation at a time. We live and work in this community, so your skylight isn’t just another job—it’s our reputation on the line.
We start with a thorough roof inspection to understand your home’s structure and identify the best placement for maximum light and minimal weather exposure. Every coastal home is different, and we account for wind patterns, salt air exposure, and your roof’s existing condition.
Next comes precise cutting and framing. We’re not rushing through this step—coastal installations demand perfect measurements and proper structural support. We install high-grade flashing systems designed specifically for Southold’s weather conditions, not generic solutions that fail in salt air.
The skylight installation itself involves multiple waterproof barriers and coastal-rated sealants. We test every seal before we consider the job complete. Finally, we clean up completely and walk you through your new skylight’s features, including any smart controls or rain sensors. You’re left with natural light that works perfectly and peace of mind that lasts.
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You get VELUX skylights—the gold standard for coastal installations. These aren’t basic builder-grade units. VELUX skylights are engineered to handle Southold’s salt air, high winds, and temperature swings without compromising performance or developing leaks.
Every installation includes solar-powered shades that adjust automatically, advanced flashing systems that create multiple waterproof barriers, and tempered glass that withstands coastal weather. Many models feature rain sensors that close the skylight automatically during storms—perfect for Southold’s unpredictable weather patterns.
We’re VELUX-certified installers, which means we’ve completed specialized training on coastal installation techniques. This certification ensures your warranty remains valid and your skylight performs as designed. Plus, you may qualify for federal tax credits on energy-efficient models, adding real value to your investment in natural light.
Quality VELUX skylights properly installed in Southold typically last 20-30 years, even with our salt air and coastal weather. The key is using materials specifically rated for coastal conditions and proper installation techniques that account for thermal expansion and salt corrosion.
We use marine-grade sealants and corrosion-resistant flashing that won’t break down in salt air. The skylight glass itself is designed to handle temperature swings and UV exposure without degrading. With proper maintenance—basically keeping debris clear and checking seals annually—your skylights will perform reliably for decades.
Cheap installations or non-coastal materials fail much faster here, sometimes within 5-10 years. That’s why we only install VELUX products with our specialized coastal installation methods.
Most skylight leaks in Southold come from three sources: damaged flashing around the skylight perimeter, failed sealants that couldn’t handle salt air exposure, or improper installation that didn’t account for our coastal weather patterns.
We prevent leaks by installing multiple waterproof barriers—not just one seal that can fail. Our flashing system creates overlapping protection zones, so even if one area experiences wear, water can’t penetrate. We use marine-grade sealants specifically formulated for salt air environments.
The installation technique matters just as much as materials. We ensure proper slope for water runoff, adequate structural support to prevent settling, and thermal barriers that prevent condensation buildup. Every seal gets tested before we leave your property.
VELUX skylights are tested to withstand hurricane-force winds up to 120 mph when properly installed. In Southold, we typically see sustained winds of 40-60 mph during nor’easters, well within the skylight’s design limits.
The key is proper installation that distributes wind loads across your roof structure, not just the skylight frame. We reinforce the opening with additional structural support and use fastening systems that exceed local building codes. The skylights themselves feature impact-resistant glass and reinforced frames.
For homes in particularly exposed locations near the water, we can install additional wind-resistant features like laminated glass or protective screens. Most importantly, our installation techniques ensure the skylight moves with your house during wind events rather than fighting against it, which prevents stress fractures and seal failures.
Skylight installations in Southold typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 per skylight, depending on size, features, and installation complexity. Coastal installations cost more than inland projects because they require specialized materials and techniques to handle salt air and weather exposure.
Basic fixed skylights start around $1,500 installed, while larger venting models with smart features can reach $4,000. The investment pays back through reduced energy costs—many homeowners see 20-30% lower lighting bills. Plus, quality skylights increase your home value, often returning 70-80% of the installation cost.
We provide detailed estimates that break down materials, labor, and any structural modifications needed. No surprise charges or change orders. Many VELUX installations qualify for federal tax credits, which can reduce your net cost by 26%.
Yes, skylight installations in Southold require building permits, especially for new openings in your roof structure. We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of our service—you don’t need to deal with Town Hall paperwork.
The permit process typically takes 1-2 weeks and involves structural review to ensure your roof can handle the opening and additional load considerations. Coastal properties may have additional requirements related to wind resistance and water intrusion prevention.
We’re familiar with Southold’s specific building codes and inspection requirements. Our installations consistently pass inspection on the first try because we build to code standards from the start. The permit cost is usually $150-300 and ensures your installation is legally compliant and properly documented for insurance and resale purposes.
Skylights are actual windows in your roof that provide direct views of the sky along with natural light. Sun tunnels are smaller tubes that channel light from your roof down to interior spaces through a reflective tunnel system—no sky view, just light.
In Southold homes, skylights work better for main living areas where you want both light and the feeling of openness. Sun tunnels are perfect for bathrooms, closets, or hallways where you need light but don’t have the structural space for a full skylight opening.
Sun tunnels cost less to install ($800-1,500 vs $1,500-4,000 for skylights) and require minimal structural modification. However, they don’t provide ventilation or the psychological benefits of seeing the sky. We help you choose based on your specific room needs, budget, and structural limitations.
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