At North Star Skylights, we help homeowners protect and preserve their daylighting systems year-round. As Minnesota’s certified VELUX skylight specialist, we offer professional skylight inspection, cleaning, and repair to keep your skylights performing beautifully—even when the weather isn’t. While you may be prepping your home for rain, hail, and wind, don’t overlook one of the most vulnerable (and valuable) features on your roof: your skylights.
Here are a few smart ways to prepare your skylights for storm season:
Start with a Skylight Inspection
The first step in storm prep is knowing the current condition of your skylights. A professional skylight inspection is your first line of defense. At North Star Skylights, we take a comprehensive approach, examining the entire skylight system—not just the glass.
During an inspection, our team will:
- Assess the glass for cracks, chips, or fogging that may indicate seal failure
- Check the frame for signs of warping, rust, or wear
- Evaluate the condition of the flashing and waterproofing materials
- Inspect interior finishes for water stains, bubbling paint, or mildew
- Test venting mechanisms and solar components for proper function
Identifying potential issues before a storm gives you the opportunity to make necessary repairs—and avoid interior water damage that can ruin drywall, flooring, and furnishings.
Schedule a Professional Cleaning to Boost Performance
Dust, tree sap, pollen, and air pollution can build up on your skylight glass throughout the spring and summer. This not only dulls the amount of natural light entering your home but can also create the perfect environment for moisture retention and mold growth. Debris can even obscure damage you might not otherwise see.
Our skylight maintenance service includes full exterior and interior cleaning, using safe, non-abrasive products to restore clarity and ensure proper function. We also wipe down blinds, solar panels, and other skylight accessories to help your system look and perform like new.
Clean skylights do more than look better—they allow for improved light transmission, which helps reduce electricity usage and supports better indoor air quality.
Evaluate the Age and Condition of Existing Skylights
Many Minnesota homes still have skylights that were installed 20 or even 30 years ago. If your skylight is older, damaged, or leaking, it may be time to consider skylight replacement.
Modern VELUX skylights offer major performance advantages over outdated models, including:
- Energy-efficient glazing that reduces heat transfer
- Solar-powered venting options with remote and app controls
- Built-in rain sensors for automatic closure
- Optional room-darkening or light-filtering shades
At North Star Skylights, we specialize in skylight replacement for Twin Cities homeowners, offering tailored recommendations based on your roof type, room layout, and lighting goals. We can even help you qualify for the skylight tax credit when you choose eligible solar-powered models.
Not sure if your skylight is due for replacement? We’ll assess its age, materials, and installation method—and give you honest guidance on the best path forward.
Make Sure Your Flashing Is Storm-Ready
In storm conditions, even a perfectly sealed skylight can fail if the surrounding flashing system is compromised. Flashing is the metal or waterproofing material that connects your skylight to the roofing system. When it rusts, pulls away, or was improperly installed, it creates an entry point for rain, hail, and melting snow.
North Star Skylights uses only VELUX-certified flashing kits as part of every skylight replacement or installation. These components are engineered to work with your roofing material and protect your home for years to come.
If you’re not sure whether your existing flashing is up to the task, we can inspect and replace it with storm-ready materials that meet VELUX’s standards. And because we are a certified VELUX skylight installer, your project will qualify for the industry-leading 10-year No Leak Warranty.
Invest in Preventative Skylight Maintenance
Routine skylight maintenance is one of the simplest ways to protect your home from unexpected storm damage. Our preventative service includes everything from seasonal cleaning and inspection to troubleshooting minor issues before they become major headaches.
Benefits of annual skylight maintenance include:
- Peace of mind before storms hit
- Extended lifespan of your skylight and components
- Improved light clarity and energy efficiency
- Prevention of mold, mildew, and water intrusion
Whether you have one unit in your bathroom or several throughout your home, we can tailor a maintenance plan that fits your needs and schedule. This service is especially valuable if your skylights are located in hard-to-reach places or were installed more than 10 years ago.
Why Homeowners Across Minnesota Trust North Star Skylights
We’re not roofers who dabble in skylights. We’re a dedicated skylight installation company with more than 30 years of experience focused solely on residential daylighting systems. From Brooklyn Center to the greater Twin Cities area, homeowners choose North Star Skylights for our certified expertise, clean workmanship, and long-term service commitment.
We offer:
- Complete skylight installation in Minnesota using VELUX systems
- Skylight design support to help you choose the right product
- Skylight repair in Minneapolis and surrounding communities
- Professional skylight cleaning and inspection services
- Skylight financing options and assistance with tax credit documentation
Whether you’re upgrading your current system or protecting what you already have, our team is here to help you make smart, storm-ready choices.
Let’s Make Sure Your Skylight Is Storm-Ready
Don’t wait until the forecast calls for heavy rain to find out your skylight needs attention. Contact North Star Skylights today to schedule a summer skylight inspection or cleaning service. We’ll give you honest advice, clear recommendations, and the kind of service you can only get from a certified VELUX skylight specialist.
Let’s get your skylights ready for whatever the Minnesota weather brings next.
North Star Skylights– Minnesota’s Residential Skylight Experts.
