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 leak repair can be a real 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.
Handling Skylight Repair
Some skylight leaks are simple and are easily handled by do-it-yourself homeowners, but if you’re experiencing severe interior effects, such as ceiling staining or flooring damage, call LGC Roofing contractors to inquire about our skylight leak repair services. 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.
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2 Comments
Your post is really superb!!!. Thanks shared the best information because I and my friends have impressed a lot, great work!
Excellent article. Leaky skylights are very hard to diagnose and repair – I would definitely use a professional contractor to handle that. Better safe than sorry!
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[...] are an elegant way to incorporate natural light into your interior scheme, but a leaky skylight can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Before making any “improvements” that might cause [...]