Skylights are a great addition to a home’s roof. They let natural light in to brighten areas of your home that would otherwise lack direct sunlight. But they are the roof feature that is most likely to develop leaks as time goes by. In our long experience maintaining and repairing Bay Area roofs, we know that skylight leak repairs are among the most common roof leak repairs for both commercial and residential roofing. In older roofs, inspecting the leak may also lead us to uncover more serious, hidden damage.
If you notice a leak around your skylight, get it inspected immediately to assess what skylight repairs you will need. Time is of the essence to keep the damage from spreading!
Inspecting Roof Skylights for Leaks
The first step in fixing skylight leaks is identifying the source of the leak. The best case would be that you may have excessive condensation that collects on the inside of the glass and drips down into the room. This can occur with single-glazed skylights, and is most likely in bathrooms, kitchens, and greenhouses, where water is actively running.
If your skylight opens, we check to see that it fully closes, and the weather seals work. We check around the skylight for leaves or other debris that can block rainwater from flowing down the roof as it should. Blockages can cause water to pool and back up under the shingles.
We also inspect vent flashing or other roof penetrations. Water follows gravity and can travel quite a distance within the roof structure before finding its way indoors at the skylight (which means the skylight may not be the culprit!)
To schedule a roof and skylight inspection, contact a contractor like Century that is skilled in roofing repairs.
Skylight Leak Repairs
If we find that the insulating glass unit of the skylight has failed, we may be able to re-seal the unit to stop further water leakage. It should be noted that only a replacement of the skylight will recover the full performance if the window pane is scratched or has turned opaque from age or weather damage.
If the skylight leak is at the roof flashing around the skylight, we may be able to make temporary repairs using roof flashing cement. Long-lasting repairs would require removing shingles near the skylight, installing appropriate flashing, and reinstalling new shingles in the area. Most skylights have integral flashing or a special flashing kit that is specifically designed for the skylight and surrounding roofing material.
Skylight Repair Tips for DIY Homeowners:
- Use roofing cement to seal any gaps or holes you find in the flashing.
- Apply 100% silicone caulking to seal leaks around the skylight glass or plastic lens.
- If your skylight is still leaking, replace/repair the metal flashing around the frame of the skylight.
If Your Skylight is Leaking Call Century Roof and Solar for an Inspection
If you notice leaks around your skylight, contact Century Roof and Solar for a comprehensive inspection of the skylight and the roof around it. With over 20 years of experience, we’re here to help!
To talk to us, call 888-233-7548. We offer free estimates and recommend only the repairs than you really need!