Are you interested in adding a Velux skylight to your home but feel unsure about the options available?
Do the many different types, features, and prices of skylights seem overwhelming to navigate?
At RoofSmart, we’ve installed thousands of skylights, and often use Velux products for their durability and design. While this guide focuses on Velux skylights, it isn’t limited to Velux buyers.
It’s designed to help anyone looking to install a quality skylight, no matter the brand.
In this article, we’ll break down the main types of Velux skylights, their costs, and the features that could make them a good fit for your home.
By the end, you’ll feel confident about the features you need and have a clear idea of what to expect in terms of budget and installation.
What kinds of skylights does Velux offer?
Velux offers a wide variety of skylight options.
This article will go over the most common types that they offer, breaking it down into 3 categories:
Fixed skylights (deck-mounted and curb-mounted)
Venting skylights (manual, solar-powered, or electric)
Sun Tunnels
Each of these skylight types has its own unique features with different pros and cons and widely varying costs.
A custom well can shape and spread the daylight from several skylight panes. (Manufacturer image)
Fixed Skylights
Fixed skylights are referred to as “fixed” because they do not open (as opposed to venting skylights, which will be explored later on).
This is the standard option for skylights and what most people end up choosing.
They are also much more affordable than vented skylights.
If you want a skylight simply to let light into your home and brighten up your space, then a fixed skylight is a great option.
Velux offers two main types of fixed skylights: deck-mounted and curb-mounted.
Each one comes in a wide variety of sizes, which impacts the cost.
As you go up in size, the cost will increase.
Deck-Mounted Skylight Options
For example, this is the Velux FS C12:
A deck-mounted skylight sits directly on the roof deck with no raised curb. (Manufacturer image)
It is 21 inches by 70 inches and costs $1,004.97 plus tax.
Price at Home Depot, checked Oct 15, 2026.
Deck-mounted skylights are installed right into the roof deck and sit flush with the top of it.
This type of skylight is a good choice if you want to install the skylight yourself.
It requires less specialized roofing skill than a curb-mounted skylight.
Velux offers flashing kits that are customizable to fit the skylight you chose.
They make the process more convenient, whether or not you hire someone to install the skylight for you.
Flashing is an added cost on top of the skylight price.
Velux makes 14 sizes of deck-mounted fixed skylights.
At Home Depot they run $580.01 to $1,107.14 plus tax (with solar room-darkening shade).
Price at Ferguson Home, checked Oct 15, 2026. Back
Online prices; local store prices may vary.
The curb-mounted skylights also come in custom sizes.
Ask us for a quote on a custom size.
Venting Skylights
Venting skylights give you the option of opening your skylight.
They open out like an awning.
This type of skylight is also split into deck-mounted and curb-mounted options. The other important categories to consider here are:
Manual
Solar-powered
Electric
Venting skylights can be beneficial if you are in a home that needs additional ventilation up high.
Manual venting skylights are the cheapest option, but solar-powered and electric venting skylights are more convenient because they close at the press of a button.
Manual Venting Skylights
The Velux VCM 2246 (a curb-mounted manual skylight) looks like this:
It is 22 inches by 46 inches and costs $989.00 plus tax.
Price at Home Depot, checked Oct 16, 2026 (Lander #4702, Seattle).
A manual venting skylight opens and closes by hand. (Manufacturer image)
The manual option is operated by a telescopic rod that allows you to reach up to the skylight and hand-crank it open or closed.
The deck-mounted options cost between $1,027.39 and $1,580.76 plus tax.
Price at Home Depot, checked Oct 15, 2026.
The curb-mounted options cost between $915.56 and $1,711.30 plus tax.
Price at Home Depot, checked Oct 16, 2026 (Lander #4702, Seattle). Back
Online prices; local store prices may vary.
Is a Velux Skylight Right for You?
Deciding on the right skylight can feel complex, but having a clear understanding of Velux’s options, from fixed and venting skylights to innovative Sun Tunnels, makes the process easier.
With choices that fit various budgets, needs, and home styles, Velux skylights offer flexibility and quality, making them a worthwhile option for most homeowners.
1. What is the difference between deck-mounted and curb-mounted skylights?
Deck-mounted skylights are installed directly into the roof deck for a low-profile look. Curb-mounted skylights sit on a raised wooden frame (a curb). Curb-mounted versions are often preferred in rainy climates because they elevate the glass above the water-shedding level of the roof.
2. Do venting skylights close automatically when it rains?
Yes, but only the electric and solar-powered models. These units are equipped with rain sensors that trigger the skylight to close at the first sign of moisture. Manual venting skylights must be closed by hand using a telescopic rod.
3. Are solar-powered skylights worth the extra cost?
In many cases, yes. While they have a higher upfront cost, they require no complex electrical wiring, making installation simpler than electric models. Solar models qualified for the federal tax credit, which ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025.
New skylight frames built and wrapped in underlayment before the shingles go on.
4. What is a Sun Tunnel?
A Sun Tunnel is a tubular skylight designed for spaces where a traditional skylight won't fit, such as hallways or bathrooms under an attic. It uses a highly reflective pipe to funnel light from the roof down to the ceiling below.
5. Can I install a Velux skylight myself?
While Velux offers flashing kits to simplify the process, skylight installation involves cutting into your roof’s structural system and ensuring a waterproof seal. Professional installation is highly recommended to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.
6. How much does a basic fixed skylight cost?
At Home Depot (checked Oct 15 and 16, 2026), standard fixed Velux skylights run $343.68 to $1,107.14 plus tax, unit only (curb-mounted $343.68 to $855.67; deck-mounted $580.01 to $1,107.14). The large FCM 3171 is $1,201.62 plus tax at Ferguson Home (checked Oct 15, 2026).
The finished skylight well from inside, letting daylight into the room.
7. Why is a deck-mounted skylight more likely to leak than a curb-mounted one?
Because deck-mounted units sit flush with the roof, they rely heavily on the seal between the unit and the roof deck. You can learn more about why deck-mounted skylights are more prone to leaks compared to the elevated curb-mounted style.
8. How much does professional skylight installation cost in Seattle?
9. What are the common problems with OSB roof decking when installing skylights?
If your roof uses OSB decking, adding a skylight requires extra care. OSB is highly susceptible to moisture, so you should be aware of the common problems with OSB roof decking to ensure your new skylight doesn't lead to structural rot.
10. Could my skylight leak be caused by a gutter issue instead?
Sometimes water intrusion near the eaves is mistaken for a skylight or roof leak. It is important to diagnose the source correctly by determining if your roof leak is caused by the roof or gutter guards before scheduling a skylight repair.
Jim Singleterry is the founder of RoofSmart™ and a leading authority in the American roofing and gutter industry. A second-generation builder, Jim was raised on his father’s job sites in California, developing a foundational "boots-on-the-ground" expertise before earning a Computer Science degree from Washington State University. Jim is what happens when you combine technical, data-driven precision with the grit of a master tradesman. While he spent years in leadership at industry giants like LeafFilter® and founded the Seattle market's premier gutter company with MasterShield, his true differentiator is his relentless commitment to the field. Over the last 15 years, Jim has personally consulted on over 3,000 individual projects, maintaining a staggering pace of 200 personal site visits per year. This deep, hands-on data set allows Jim to provide homeowners with "expert-biased" advice that most contractors simply cannot match. He doesn't just manage projects; he diagnoses them with a level of technical accuracy rarely seen in the trades. An Amazon Bestselling Author, Jim is a contributing author to the anthology Empathy and Understanding In Business, bringing the art of tactical empathy to the home improvement experience. As a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Roofing Contractors of Washington (RCAW), Jim continues to lead RoofSmart™ with a simple, uncompromising mission: providing the Competence, Integrity, and Value that every homeowner deserves.