Bubble Skylights in Phoenix: Repair, Retrofit, or Replace?

If you live in Phoenix or the East Valley, chances are you have seen those raised “bubbles” on flat roofs and patio covers. Those are acrylic dome skylights, often called bubble skylights, and they are everywhere on homes with foam roofs, tile roofs, and older additions.

They bring in natural light, but in Arizona’s harsh sun they also take a beating. Over time, those bubbles can yellow, crack, and start leaking—usually right when monsoon season kicks in.

So when your bubble skylight starts causing trouble, what is the smartest move: repair it, retrofit it, or replace it altogether?

This guide breaks down how bubble skylights behave in Phoenix’s climate, what common problems homeowners experience, and how to decide which fix makes the most sense for your home and budget.

What Is a Bubble Skylight, Exactly?

“Bubble skylight” is the everyday term for a domed acrylic or polycarbonate skylight. Instead of flat glass, the skylight is formed into a raised dome or pyramid shape and mounted on a curb on the roof.

In the Phoenix metro area, you will see bubble skylights:

• On flat or low-slope foam roofs in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert
• On patio covers and carports, especially older homes and additions
• On commercial buildings using dome skylights for daylight inside warehouses or retail spaces

They became popular because they are:

• Lightweight and easy for roofers to install
• More affordable than many glass alternatives
• A quick way to brighten hallways, bathrooms, closets, and garages

For more skylight basics, visit our Skylight Installers in Phoenix page.

How Phoenix Weather Wears Out Bubble Skylights

Phoenix is one of the toughest climates in the country for skylights. Between extreme UV exposure, triple-digit heat, dust, and monsoon storms, skylights age faster here than in milder regions.

Here are the most common problems we see across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley:

1. Yellowing and Cloudiness

UV rays break down acrylic and polycarbonate. Over time, the dome can:

• Turn yellow or brown
• Look cloudy or hazy
• Show fine surface cracks (“crazing”)

You still get daylight, but it’s dim and discolored.

2. Brittle Domes and Cracks

The longer an acrylic dome sits in the sun, the more brittle it becomes. This raises the risk of:

• Hail damage during monsoon storms
• Thermal cracking
• Cracks from debris or aging

3. Leaks Around the Skylight

Many leaks come from:

• Failing flashing
• Dried, cracking sealant
• Improper installation or curb issues

Signs include brown spots on the ceiling, drips during storms, or moisture in the attic.

If you already have staining, check out what brown spots on your ceiling mean.

Local Bubble Skylight Issues We See Most in Phoenix & the East Valley

• Yellowed domes on older foam roofs in Phoenix
• Cracked skylights in Chandler after monsoon hail
• Leaks around skylights on tile roofs in Mesa & Gilbert
• Dry, deteriorating sealant on patio skylights in Tempe
• Water traveling under tile and leaking at skylights in Queen Creek

Repair, Retrofit, or Replace: How to Decide

When evaluating a bubble skylight, we look at three things:

1. Is the skylight still structurally sound?
2. Where is the water getting in (if leaking)?
3. How old is the skylight and the roof around it?

These questions determine whether a repair, retrofit, or full replacement makes the most sense.

When a Bubble Skylight Repair Makes Sense

A repair is a good option when:

• The dome is not cracked
• The skylight is under 10–12 years old
• The leak is clearly from flashing or sealant

What a Repair Includes

• Inspecting the dome, curb, flashing, and roof
• Re-sealing or re-caulking the skylight
• Repairing flashing details
• Fixing roof conditions around the skylight

What It Means to Retrofit a Bubble Skylight

A retrofit keeps your existing skylight opening but upgrades the skylight or dome.

1. Installing a New Dome on the Existing Curb

A retrofit dome is ideal when the dome is worn out but the curb is solid.

Before/After Example

• Before: Yellow, cloudy dome creating heat and glare
• After: New retrofit dome with better clarity and improved sealing

Best Situations for Retrofit

• Your roof is in good shape
• You want better performance without a full replacement
• The dome is worn but the curb is still in good condition

When It Is Time to Replace the Skylight

Full replacement is recommended when:

• The dome is cracked or brittle
• You’ve had repeated leaks
• The skylight is 15–20+ years old
• The curb or framing shows water damage
• You are replacing your roof soon

Why Replace During a Roof Replacement?

• Skylights integrate with underlayment and flashing
• Older units may fail after the new roof goes on
• You get one unified system installed at the same time

Learn more from:
How to Know Whether to Repair, Patch, or Replace Your Roof and Roof Replacement.

Signs You Need Skylight Service Now

• Brown spots or stains around the skylight
• Drips during monsoon storms
• A yellow, cloudy, or brittle skylight dome
• Hot spots under the skylight
• Visible cracks or spiderweb patterns
• Dried or missing sealant around the frame

What Bubble Skylight Work Typically Costs in Phoenix

Every home is different, but here is a simple guide:

• Repairs: Least expensive; ideal for flashing or sealant issues
• Retrofit domes: Mid-range cost; replaces the dome but keeps the opening
• Full replacement: Higher initial cost but best long-term solution for old or damaged skylights

Pricing varies based on roof type, size, access, and condition.

Related Resources

• Skylights Phoenix
• Skylight Installers Phoenix
• Roof Leak Detection
• Tile Roof Underlayment Replacement

Why Homeowners Choose Capstone for Skylight Work

• Licensed, bonded, and insured
• Experienced with tile, foam, shingle, and flat roofs
• Honest evaluations with repair-first mindset
• Local crews serving Phoenix & the East Valley

FAQs: Bubble Skylights in Phoenix

How long do bubble skylights last in Phoenix?

Most acrylic dome skylights start showing wear—yellowing, cloudiness, or crazing—after about 10–15 years in Arizona’s sun.

Can a leaking bubble skylight be repaired?

Yes—if the dome is still structurally sound, repairs to flashing or sealant can stop the leak. Cracked or brittle domes usually require retrofit or replacement.

How do I know if the leak is from the skylight or the roof?

A professional inspection traces the source. Water can enter through the dome, around the flashing, or higher on the roof and travel to the skylight opening.

Is it better to replace skylights when I replace my roof?

Often yes. Older skylights may not integrate well with new roofing materials, and replacing both at once creates a unified system.

Do you service skylights outside Phoenix?

Yes—Capstone serves Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and surrounding areas.