4 Steps to Diagnosing and Repairing Your Leaky Skylight

Skylights are a functional, environmentally friendly way to bring natural light into dimly lit rooms, create a feeling of spaciousness, reduce growing monthly utility bills and ward off the winter blues. Sound appealing?

While the benefits of skylights are enjoyed year-round by many homeowners, a leaky skylight can be an expensive detour to major roof, drywall, carpet and flooring damage.

So how do you know if your skylight’s really the problem?

Ask yourself the following 4 questions:

1. Where’s the visual evidence of a leak? Do you see water stains surrounding the skylight, or water collecting in the skylight, itself? This could mean that your skylight was installed incorrectly, that the seal is deteriorating, or that the flashing was improperly placed.
2. What is the age of your home? Many older skylights (15+ years) are made with a plastic flange border that rests on the shingles and sits a few inches below the skylight dome. As rain and snowmelt begin to flow around the flange bottom, you may develop a leaky skylight and require a roof leak repair. A roofing expert can help you replace with new type of the skylight.
3. Is there a visual crack in the skylight? Cracks that surface in acrylic glazing or laminate glass may be repaired by replacing the dome. However, your roof leak repair may require total skylight replacement by a qualified contractor.
4. Are the weep holes blocked? Over time, dirt and residue can build up in the drainage openings drilled into some skylight frames. These openings, called weep holes, can also become obstructed when roof sealants are applied. This problem may be remedied by simply reopening the weep holes with a small finishing nail or similar tool.

If you have a roof leak and believe it’s originating at your skylight, contact the professionals at LGC Roofing. We’ll evaluate your skylight and surrounding shingles, and recommend roof leak repair that will fit your budget and remedy your water problems. Call to schedule a no-obligation inspection—before your leaky skylight leads to structural damage or costly home repairs.