There’s a reason people fall in love with homes in Saratoga Springs—the high ceilings, hand-crafted details, and timeless charm make these houses stand out. But one thing older homes often lack is natural light, especially in upper-floor spaces or hallways.
That’s where a skylight can make a world of difference.
At Home Evolution Roofing, we’ve helped many homeowners in Saratoga Springs brighten their historic homes with thoughtfully installed skylights. Whether you live in a 19th-century Victorian, a classic Colonial, or an early Craftsman-style house, we know how to add modern light while respecting your home’s original design.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
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The benefits of adding a skylight
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The types of skylights available for historic homes
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How we install skylights with preservation in mind
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Cost estimates
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Real customer examples
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What to expect when you work with our team
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Why Consider a Skylight in a Historic Home?
Adding a skylight might feel like a big step—but for many older homes in Saratoga, it’s one of the easiest ways to improve your daily comfort and boost your home’s value.
Here’s what a well-installed skylight can do:
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Brighten up dark rooms without needing extra lamps
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Reduce electricity use during daylight hours
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Make small spaces feel bigger and airier
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Add resale value with a subtle but modern upgrade
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Maintain your home’s original wall features by opening the ceiling instead
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In historic homes, we often install skylights in:
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Hallways
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Stairwells
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Bathrooms
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Kitchens
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Finished attics or guest rooms
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Enclosed porches or sunrooms
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Types of Skylights That Work Best in Historic Saratoga Homes
Not all skylights are created equal—and not all will work well with a historic property. At Home Evolution Roofing, we focus on skylight options that complement the original structure while giving you the benefits of modern performance.
Here are the most common types we recommend:
1. Fixed Skylights
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Do not open
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Ideal for rooms where ventilation isn’t needed
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Clean, classic design
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Great for hallways, stairwells, and vaulted ceilings
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These are the most common choice for Saratoga homes because they offer beautiful daylight without altering the roofline too much.
2. Ventilating Skylights
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Can be opened to let in fresh air
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Available in manual or solar-powered versions
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Useful in kitchens or bathrooms where steam collects
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We often recommend solar-powered versions that include rain sensors—automatically closing when bad weather hits.
3. Sun Tunnels (Solar Tubes)
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Perfect for small or narrow spaces
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Use reflective tubing to bring light from roof to ceiling
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Very little structural impact
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Ideal for homes with complex attic framing
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Sun tunnels are great in older homes with limited space for traditional skylights.
Installing Skylights with Historic Preservation in Mind
At Home Evolution Roofing, we don’t believe in cutting corners—especially when it comes to preserving historic character.
Here’s how we install skylights without compromising your home’s integrity:
✅ Roof Framing Respect
We inspect your attic framing carefully to avoid cutting original joists or decorative rafters.
✅ Low-Profile Skylights
We recommend skylights that sit close to the roof surface and match the surrounding shingle or metal roofing.
✅ Matching Flashing Systems
We use custom flashing to blend with your home’s original roof, helping protect against leaks and maintaining visual consistency.
✅ Interior Finish Matching
Our trim carpenters can install interior skylight surrounds using wood and finishes that match your home’s existing details.
✅ Code Compliance and Permits
We handle all necessary city permits and ensure installations meet Saratoga Springs historical district guidelines if needed.
What to Expect: Our Skylight Installation Process
If you’re working with Home Evolution Roofing for a skylight project, here’s what the process typically looks like:
1. Free Consultation
Our estimator visits your home, inspects the roof and attic, and discusses your lighting goals. We offer multiple options and show samples.
2. Custom Proposal
We give you a detailed, written quote including materials, installation timeline, and any necessary modifications.
3. Scheduling
We work around your calendar to schedule the job during a dry-weather window. Most skylight installs take 1–2 days.
4. Installation
Our team cuts the opening, installs the skylight, frames the shaft or tunnel, finishes the interior, and flashes/seals the exterior.
5. Final Cleanup & Walkthrough
We clean the site, explain maintenance and warranty, and ensure you’re 100% satisfied before we leave.
Cost Estimates for Skylight Installation in Saratoga Springs
Every home is different, but here’s a general cost range:
We always provide detailed, itemized proposals with no hidden fees. If your budget is tight, we can also prioritize rooms and phases.
Real Example: A Victorian Skylight in East Side Saratoga
One of our recent projects involved a 1890s Victorian on the east side of Saratoga Springs. The homeowner wanted to brighten a dark upstairs hallway without disturbing the decorative plaster walls.
Our team installed a low-profile fixed skylight above the stairwell using matching wood trim inside and copper flashing outside to match the existing metal roofing.
The result? A hallway flooded with soft natural light—and no loss of historical detail. The homeowner said, “I can’t believe the difference. It looks like it’s always been there.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will a skylight make my home hotter in summer?
Not with today’s products. We use UV-coated, double-pane glass that blocks heat while letting in light.
Q: Can a skylight be added to a slate or metal roof?
Yes! Our team is trained in working with slate, metal, and shingle roofs, and we use compatible flashing kits.
Q: Will it leak?
Not if installed properly. We guarantee leak-proof installation with manufacturer-backed warranties and thorough sealing.
Q: Can skylights be installed in winter?
It’s possible, but best done in spring through early fall due to temperature and moisture factors.
Why Homeowners in Saratoga Trust Home Evolution Roofing
We’re not just roofers—we’re craftsmen, preservationists, and neighbors. As a family-owned company, we treat every historic home with the same care we’d want for our own.
Why homeowners choose us:
✅ Experienced with Saratoga’s historic architecture
✅ Clear, pressure-free consultations
✅ Skilled with slate, wood, and specialty roofing
✅ Honest pricing with no surprises
✅ Friendly crews who respect your space
✅ Active in the local community and missions
Final Thoughts: Let the Light In—Without Losing the Past
If you’ve been thinking about adding a skylight but worry about damaging your home’s history, you’re not alone. With the right team, you don’t have to choose between modern comfort and timeless charm.
At Home Evolution Roofing, we specialize in bringing natural light to older homes while preserving what makes them special. From attic offices to hallway nooks, we can help you find the perfect skylight solution.
📞 Book Your Free Skylight Estimate in Saratoga Springs
Let’s brighten your home—beautifully, professionally, and with the care your historic property deserves.
📍 Serving Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Ballston Spa, Greenfield, and all of Saratoga County