Guest Blogger: How to Effectively Repair your Home Skylight Leaks

Guest Blogger #322, Entry #890, January 10, 2012

Skylights are a great addition and can increase the value of a property.  They add light to an area that may need more light and are very energy efficient.  Many people install them into their home to change the appearance and atmosphere of a particular space.  The biggest concern with skylights is maintenance.  Although skylights do not take much fixing and cleaning there are some things that home owners need to consider when maintaining their skylight windows.  If the area that the house is located in is subject to extreme weather conditions then leaks is a definite concern.

Maintain your skylights for years of enjoyment

Image via: House Beautiful

Signs of a Leak

There are a few obvious signs that a skylight has a leak in it.  These signs include: discoloration of the window, water stains on the ceiling, drywall damage, mold growing, water drops coming from the window, water collecting in the skylight, cracks in the skylight.

During a rainstorm water may be seeping in and out causing the flashing to leak.  If the skylight is leaking during cold temperature then poor insulation may be causing a buildup of condensation around the skylight.  Although it is possible to utilize a quick fix to repair the leak with tar or caulk, it is best to apply a more permanent fix to ensure the skylight will last for years to come.

Fixing a Leaky Skylight

If the flashing needs to be replaced it is best to consult an expert.  The flashing is the metal material located on the outside of the skylight.  Its purpose is to divert water down and off of the rooftop.  However, it is possible for leaks to appear on the top of the flashing or at the side edge.  If a leak appears above the skylight it is typically caused by ice, snow, or debris that blocks water and causes it to pool.  This is problematic because water may escape by getting under shingles or leaking through the flashing.  Leaks in the flashing are preventable as long as they are installed correctly.

A few suggestions for fixing this are to replace side flashing with step flashing.  This uses a series of overlapping metal pieces bent at an angle.  The metal pieces are woven into the shingles to allow rain to wash away from the edge of the frame.

Learn how to fix your leaky skylights

Image via: Houzz

Sometimes the skylight may look like it is leaking but is not.  Condensation may be dripping on the skylight on a cold day.  This is due to improper insulation.  To fix this the drywall around the skylight needs to be removed.  Then insulation can be added between the framing member and the skylight.

When making any adjustments to a skylight it is always best to consult a professional.  Accessing the roof is dangerous and if someone does not know how to fix the leak they may cause more problems than fixing them.  Skylights can look great in any home unless they leak so make sure they are properly installed and properly maintained.

This article was written by the Staff Writer for VTECH Skylights.

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