Having a leaky skylight over your head is more than an annoyance. It can cause significant damage to your home. But, before taking any steps to resolve the issue, you first need to understand its origin to find a suitable solution.
The most common problems related to skylights arise from damaged flashing, worn-out seals, or condensation issues. If you aren’t sure why your skylight is leaking, calling a professional can save you both money and time when it comes to fixing the damage.
Let’s get into this blog post and discuss everything you need to know about skylight leak repair.
What Are The Signs of a Leaking Skylight?
If you think your skylight is leaking, the first thing you need to do is to look for the following signs of damage in your home.
Water Drops and Ceiling Stains
When you notice water drops or yellowish-brown stains on your ceiling around the skylight, it’s a clear red flag. These stains often look like coffee rings and may grow larger over time. Fresh watermarks appear darker, while older stains tend to be lighter and have more defined edges.
Damp Spots on the Frame
Run your hand around the skylight frame – if you feel any moisture or see dark, wet areas, your skylight’s seals might be failing. These damp spots often appear during or right after rain and might feel slightly sticky or show discoloration.
Musty Odors
That unmistakable damp, earthy smell in the room below your skylight is your nose warning you about water damage. The musty odor is likely from mold or mildew growth, which happens when moisture gets trapped in building materials. This can mean water has been seeping in for some time, even if you can’t see visible damage yet.
Peeling Paint and Bubbling Wallpaper
Watch for any paint that’s starting to peel or wallpaper that’s bubbling up. These signs mean moisture is getting trapped between your wall materials. The water weakens the paint’s bond to the wall or loosens wallpaper adhesive, causing these visible changes.
Dark Spots and Mold
One of the most concerning signs is dark spots or fuzzy patches of mold growth, which usually appear as black, green, or gray spots that might start small but can spread quickly. Mold loves damp, dark spaces and can be harmful to your health. If you spot mold, it’s a sign that your leak has been active for a while and needs immediate attention.
After you’ve determined your skylight is the cause of the damage, now it’s time to look for the leak around your skylight.
How To Find A Skylight Leak
The best way to identify a skylight leak is during rain or winter. You can also have someone spray water on the roof while you watch from inside. This will help you find exactly where the water is entering and causing trouble inside your house.
Glass Inspection
One of the easiest ways to find a skylight leak is to inspect your skylight’s glass or plastic panel. First carefully examine the surface for any visible damage like cracks, chips, or scratches that could create water entry points. Then pay close attention to the edges where the glass meets the frame, looking for gaps or separations. In double-paned units, foggy areas between the panes indicate a broken seal that requires immediate attention to prevent water infiltration.
Flashing Assessment
Metal flashing serves as your skylight’s critical water barrier, requiring careful inspection to maintain its effectiveness. When examining, focus on identifying any rust spots or corrosion that might compromise its integrity, check for loose or missing pieces that could create entry points, look for gaps where flashing meets the roof, and inspect for any physical damage like bends or dents.
Seal Examination
Weather stripping and seals keep drafts out, but they wear down over time. Look for cracks, brittle spots, or gaps that can let air and moisture in. Missing sections and seals that feel hard or flattened are also signs of wear, meaning they’re not doing their job well and might need replacing.
Each of these inspection points helps pinpoint the leak’s source, which is crucial for determining the appropriate repair method. Most skylight leaks typically stem from either failed seals, damaged flashing, or problems with the skylight unit itself.
How To Repair A Leaking Skylight
After searching for the problem and the origin of the leak, the next step is to find the right solution. Here are some ways you can fix the skylight leak.
Fix the Glass
If the glass of your skylight is cracked or damaged, the first thing you need to do is clean the area thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. Minor cracks can be temporarily sealed with silicone-based glass sealant, but for long-lasting results, it’s best to replace the glass. Carefully remove the damaged pane, ensuring you don’t break any surrounding parts, and insert a new one, securing it with the appropriate adhesive or frame clips.
Replace the Flashing
Damaged flashing around the skylight can let water seep under the shingles. To perform skylight leak repair, you can start by removing the old or damaged flashing with a putty knife or roofing tool. Install new flashing, ensuring each piece overlaps the previous one to direct water flow properly. Use roofing cement along the edges and joints to create a waterproof seal, pressing down firmly. Double-check that the flashing directs water away from the skylight to avoid future leaks.
Repair the Seals
Skylight seals often crack or shrink over time, causing leaks. Remove old or damaged seals with a utility knife, taking care not to scratch the skylight or roof. Clean the area, then apply a high-quality silicone caulk or sealant specifically made for skylights. Allow the sealant fluid to dry fully before testing for the skylight leaks by gently spraying water on the skylight to ensure the seal holds up.
When the repairs are complete, the next step is to prevent future leaks and maintain a durable skylight for your home.
How To Prevent Skylight Leaks?
A leak in your skylight can cause a lot of issues, so taking proactive steps to maintain it is crucial.
Quality Materials
Using high-quality materials for skylight installation and repairs, such as durable flashing, sealants, and glass, can help reduce wear and prevent future leaks. Quality parts have a longer lifespan and are less likely to degrade quickly under harsh weather.
Regular Maintenance
Clean your skylight at least twice a year, removing dirt, leaves, and other debris that could clog drainage channels. Check for cracks, gaps, and other early warning signs in seals and flashing, addressing them before they cause issues.
Professional Inspections
Getting help from a professional skylight installer is always recommended to inspect the leaking skylight. Having the proper knowledge and experience in the field will give you a better idea of the cause of the leak. A professional will also be able to tell you how and when to replace the skylight within your budget.
Also read: 5 Reasons Why DIY Skylight Repairs Are Harmful & Costly
Smart Usage
Every product needs to be used properly if you intend to use it for a long time. So, while using a skylight, you must open and close it carefully and avoid strain on the seals. You also need to make sure that, it’s properly closed before any severe weather events and keep the surrounding drainage channels clear for a proper flow of water from the roof.
Trim Surrounding Trees
Having trees near your home can be trouble for your skylight. But if you do, trim the branches that overhang your skylight to save it from falling leaves, twigs, and branches. This debris from the tree can seriously damage the skylight or clog drainage channels, increasing the risk of leaks.
Monitor After Heavy Rain or Snow
After heavy snow or rainfall, you should check around your skylight for dampness or leaks to ensure the safety of your home. This inspection also helps you address issues right away and prevent minor problems from becoming major issues.
Also read: 7 Trending Skylight Replacement Options for Homeowners in 2023
Conclusion
Having a properly functioning skylight can bring a lot of joy to your home. However, a leaky skylight can bring the opposite, so if you need any help regarding your skylight, call us at (918) 260-4075. Our licensed roofers at Capital Roofing will guide you through the repair process, from inspecting your skylight to the final seal. Contact us today.
