Skylights, with all their visual and aesthetic benefits, are excellent additions to the home. But if that same skylight is not properly installed, it can quickly become the source of nightmares that keep you up at night. Even minor issues with a skylight can cause major repairs, especially if the skylight is leaking. In fact, leak repairs from skylights are one of the most costly projects homeowners have to deal with.
No one has time for that mess.
If you suspect your skylight is leaking (or you have proof), then you need to find the source of the leak before the damage can spread. Today, we’re going to discuss exactly how to diagnose and fix leaks in skylights, so you can go on enjoying the sunshine.
Diagnosing Leaking Skylights
The first step to figuring out why a skylight is leaking is to perform a comprehensive inspection. Figure out whether the leak is really just condensation that collects and drips down. This is a typical scenario in more damp and cold climates, places in the house with excess moisture, or with single-glazed skylights.
Open and close the skylight to see how well it is sealing. Inspect the sealing too. Make sure it is not disintegrating, fold, or damaged in some way. Also check the glass for any cracks. Sometimes water will enter the window and either damage the seal or the glass, breaking the insulation system and rendering it ineffective. Damaged windows will sometimes look foggy.
If the leak is happening when there is ice or snow on the roof, it may be due to damaged shingles and water seeping beneath. Pay attention to the roof as well, since any nicks or missing shingles can cause leaking around skylights any time of the year.
Quick Skylight Repairs
Depending on what damages you find, you may need to either reseal the skylight or get up on the roof to do some maintenance. Do the following:
- Use roofing cement to seal holes or gaps in flashing
- Inspect, repair, and install any shingles that are damaged or missing
- Use 100 percent silicone caulk to seal leaks found around the skylight window
- If the skylight still leaks after sealing with caulk, you can try repairing or replacing the flashing around the skylight’s exterior frame
Conclusion
Skylights are beautiful and let in tons of natural light. No wonder so many people want to install them in their homes. Unfortunately, the beauty and benefits sometimes come with a price—leaks. The good news is that you don’t need a professional for skylight repairs or replacement. You can find the source the leak yourself using the tips in this article as your guide. From there, all it takes is some minor repairs.
