Last updated: 2026-09-25 by Ted Sellers, Owner
Yes. Minnesota hail can crack an outer acrylic bubble while a separate inner pane stays intact. That only applies to layered units; some domes have no inner pane, the inner layer isn’t always glass, and hail can damage the frame or flashing instead. An intact pane doesn’t confirm that the skylight is watertight.
Key Takeaways
- Hail can crack an outer acrylic dome while an inner pane remains intact; the skylight’s construction determines which layers may be affected.
- Check the dome, frame, flashing, and surrounding roof for fresh damage. An intact pane does not prove the skylight is watertight, and condensation alone does not prove a roof leak.
- Document changes with dated photos and arrange a safe roof inspection before permanent repairs. The written scope should distinguish fresh storm damage from age-related wear and identify any moisture path.
- Repair may suit isolated flashing or roof damage when the skylight and curb are sound; a failed dome or aging assembly may need replacement. Compare itemized estimates and check insurance coverage and deductibles.
When This Applies
Does your skylight have an outer dome?
This applies to homes and commercial buildings with dome-style skylights, which differ from a deck-mounted skylight or tubular skylight. Check the label or model information, which can help identify a Velux skylight, before calling the damage “cracked glass.” An acrylic dome, sometimes called an acrylic bubble, may sit above a separate inner layer or be the skylight’s only cover.
A flat-glass skylight has a different construction. Hail can still damage its frame, glazing edge, or seal while the main pane holds.
When is hail a less likely cause?
In Minneapolis, as elsewhere, a newer, sheltered unit with impact-rated glazing is less vulnerable to minor-storm damage. A weathered dome with widespread, fine surface crazing may have aged before the hail arrived. The pattern and timing matter: fresh, localized impact cracks alongside dents on nearby metal deserve closer inspection.
What Does Hail Damage to Skylight Domes Look Like?
Check the dome and its edges
On most inspections, the important mark isn’t always in the center of an acrylic bubble. Look for a star-shaped crack, puncture, fresh chip, or fracture near the frame. An edge crack can spread during Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles, even before leaks appear, though no single mark confirms storm damage.
Check what surrounds it
Dented curb caps, shifted flashing, loose fasteners, and split sealant can indicate possible flashing failure around an otherwise intact unit. On shingle roofs, a roofer may compare marks with nearby shingle courses and step flashing, depending on the roof assembly. A dome that looks clear from the driveway may still have perimeter damage, especially after a Minneapolis winter.
Step-by-Step
Record what changed after the storm
- Start inside. Photograph new ceiling stains, damp drywall, or fog between glazing layers. Note when each appeared. Move belongings away from active drips and keep water clear of electrical fixtures.
- Document the exterior safely. Photograph visible skylight marks, dented gutters, and fallen hail from the ground. Save the storm date and check National Weather Service storm reports for reported conditions. Don’t climb onto a wet roof.
Get a diagnosis before permanent work
- Request a roof inspection. Have the roofer examine each skylight layer, the frame, flashing, curb, step flashing, nearby shingle courses, and surrounding roofing. Our ground-based hail inspection guide explains what you can check without walking on the roof.
- Ask for a written repair scope. It should separate fresh impact damage from old wear, identify any moisture path, and say whether skylight repair is appropriate. Keep dated photos and the report before permanent repairs cover the evidence. If evidence suggests water reached the opening, ask whether further access is needed to assess rough framing.
Why Can an Intact Skylight Leak Later?
Flashing can fail before glazing
A hail strike can bend a flashing corner or disturb a seal. Rain may enter under that edge days later, creating a roof leak. On a house, water can travel beneath shingles before reaching the ceiling; on a commercial flat roof, it may move through insulation or along the deck. Roof assemblies vary, and an ice and water shield isn’t a guaranteed fix for damaged flashing.
A professional roof inspection checklist helps you confirm that the inspection covers the curb and nearby roof, not only the visible pane.
Winter changes the leak pattern
In Minneapolis, ice dams can hold meltwater against a skylight, while freeze-thaw cycles may stress vulnerable flashing. Poor attic air sealing and limited attic ventilation can add to the problem. Interior condensation is another possibility: beads forming on the room-side glass during cold weather don’t, by themselves, prove roof entry.
Should You Repair or Replace the Skylight?
Repair an isolated, sound detail
A roofer may repair damaged flashing or a local roof section when the skylight, curb, and nearby materials are sound. On TPO roofing or EPDM, that can mean a targeted membrane and curb repair rather than replacing the skylight. Broad caulking isn’t a diagnosis and can conceal the entry point.
Replace a failed dome or aging assembly
A cracked acrylic bubble needs prompt evaluation, even if its inner layer is dry. Replacement makes more sense when the curb is damaged, leaks recur, or a roof replacement is already scheduled. During that roof replacement, coordinate skylight installation with the existing assembly to avoid disturbing newly finished roofing later.
Twin Cities contractor estimates put the replacement cost for some skylights at roughly $1,200 to $3,500 per unit when bundled with reroofing. In Minneapolis, curb rebuilding and interior work can raise the price. Visible moisture or damage may also warrant checking the rough framing. Compare itemized scopes, and consider energy efficiency when comparing replacement units against ENERGY STAR skylight criteria for your climate zone.
Will Insurance Cover Damage Without Broken Glass?
Document functional damage
An insurance claim for roof damage doesn’t require shattered glass, but coverage depends on the policy and documented damage. Photos showing a new crack, displaced flashing, or water entry can help document storm damage more clearly than a general report that hail fell nearby. Ask about the wind and hail deductible before filing.
Keep old defects separate
An adjuster may distinguish sudden impact damage from aged acrylic, failed sealant, or earlier leaks. A dated inspection report should make that distinction clear. If the proposed scope omits damaged flashing or wet materials, request a written explanation and provide the supporting findings.
FAQ
Can condensation be mistaken for a skylight leak?
Yes. Moisture on the room-side surface may come from indoor humidity, especially in winter. Fog between panes can indicate a failed glazing seal.
How soon should a newly cracked dome be assessed?
Arrange an inspection as soon as possible, especially before rain or snow. Prompt attention can help limit water damage.
Do failed glass seals always require full replacement?
Not always. The right fix depends on the skylight’s design, condition, and whether replacement parts are available.
What affects replacement cost when replacing a skylight during reroofing?
The unit’s size and type, roof access, and any needed curb or flashing work affect the price. Get an itemized estimate, since costs vary by project.
How can staff temporarily protect an acrylic bubble after hail?
Don’t rely on caulk as a permanent repair. For an active leak, use temporary protection and arrange an inspection, since the curb or roof membrane may be involved.
Conclusion
What intact glass tells you
Intact glass rules out one obvious failure. It doesn’t rule out a cracked outer dome, damaged seal, or displaced flashing.
What determines the fix
Have the skylight and surrounding roof inspected as one assembly. The skylight repair should follow documented damage and inspection findings, whether that’s a single flashing detail or a failed skylight.
Need a roof inspection in Saint Paul or the Twin Cities? Call Sellers Roofing Company at +1-651-703-2336 or schedule a free estimate. We are a black-owned, NMSDC-certified MBE roofing contractor with 9+ years experience.
