Leaking Skylight – Common Causes and Repair Tips

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When leaks develop in your aging or improperly sealed skylight, you may notice a number of symptoms. Skylight condensation, nearby water puddling or ceiling stains are signs that you either need to contact a roofer and request an inspection or get ready to do some investigating of your own.

Common Causes of Skylight Leaks

In addition to being a source of green, natural light for your home, skylights make small, tight rooms seem larger and more spacious. If they’re not properly installed, however, skylights can be a repair headache.
If your skylight is leaking, look for the following potential causes:

• Improperly installed fasteners: When roofing nails are exposed to the elements, water may seep in around them. Rusty or loose nails and skylight fasteners should be replaced and sealed with waterproof roofing cement.

• Poor flashing seals: In addition to improperly installed roofing nails, the flashing around your skylight may not be flush and secure. If new fasteners do not help, consider replacing all flashing around the skylight’s perimeter. High-quality roofing cement should also be used around the new flashing edges to ensure a tight, weatherproof seal.
• Glass micro-fractures or fissures: As your skylight ages, tiny, hairline cracks may develop around its edges. While these cracks don’t look like much to the naked eye, they allow moisture into your home. If there are a large number of offending cracks, you may need an entire skylight replacement”. Some small fissures can be repaired, though. Apply a thin, smooth layer of roof sealant to all evident cracks. Remember to apply roofing cement during dry weather so it can cure properly.
• Sealant failure due to thermal expansion: If you live in a climate where door and window frames tend to expand from the heat, your skylight may have the same issue. Even the best roof cement can pull away during repetitive temperature changes. This constant “stretching” of your skylight’s frame may allow moisture to seep in around the edges. If this is the case, check the integrity of the frame and reapply new nails, along with a thick layer of roofing cement.

Having Skylight Repair

Skylight leaks are typically a simple, do-it-yourself repair, but if you’re experiencing severe interior effects, such as ceiling staining or flooring damage, call LGC Roofing experts to schedule a no-obligation, no-cost consultation. Family-owned and operated, LGC Roofing is a reputable roofer known for our honesty, integrity and cost-effective pricing. Dial 609-712-8157 today to experience the LGC difference.

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.