NJ Roofing Blog » skylight

Common Roofing Problems: Skylight Leak Repair

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:21:31 +0000

Skylights are exposed to harsh weather elements, and over time, this can lead to leaks and other related problems. Even if you take good care of your roof, skylight leaks may develop as a result of normal wear and tear. Fortunately, many skylight leak repairs can be done quickly and inexpensively.

Skylight Leak Repair

Finding the Source of the Leak

The first step in performing any skylight leak repair is to diagnose the problem. Finding the source of a skylight leak can be tricky. Sometimes, what appears to be a leak is actually just a collection of condensation, which may signal that the skylight isn’t quite airtight. However, if you’re noticing streaks of water running down the wall that originate from specific points on the skylight’s edge, you have a leak on your hands.

Leaks can also originate elsewhere, but drain into the house through the skylight. If you don’t notice problems with the skylight itself, you may need to make flashing repairs or roofing repairs. Water that enters through a roof leak or vent flashing can travel significant distances.

Handling Appropriate Repairs

Most skylight leaks occur in the flashing, which marks the point of contact between the skylight and the roof. Often, simply replacing the flashing will solve the leak problem.

If yours is a standard skylight, you can obtain replacement flashing directly from the manufacturer. However, if you have a custom skylight, you may need to contact the roofing contractor that installed it, or call in a roofing repair company to perform skylight leak repairs using specialized tools and equipment.

Hire a Pro for a Permanent Solution to Your Leaks

Skylight leak repairs are among the most common roof leak repairs typical roofers are dealing with. With over 20 years of experience in roofing installation and repair, we know our way around proper skylight installation techniques and permanent solutions to skylight leaks.

If you’re having trouble with a stubborn skylight leak, or you are experiencing other roofing issues, LGC Roofing team members are happy to help. We are one of New Jersey’s leading roofing contractors, with hundreds of satisfied customers. Contact us today for a service estimate, or to speak with a roofing expert about your skylight installation, service or replacement.

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Roofing Repair vs. Replacement: How to Make the Right Call

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:19:29 +0000

Your home is likely one of your biggest investments—and your roof is one of the most important ways to protect that investment. If your roof leaks, is showing signs of weather damage, or is looking worse for wear, you may need to replace it.

Roofing Repair vs. Replacement: How to Make the Right Call

Because a new roof is a significant expense, many people are left wondering whether they’d be better off simply repairing it. There are several factors to consider when making this decision:

Age of your current roof: An average roof can last anywhere from 12 to 20 years, depending on materials. If you are having problems after 12 to 14 years, it is probably more cost effective to replace than repair.
Type of damage: Leaking pipe flanges, chimneys, skylights and interior areas (where the wall meets the roof) are all things that can be repaired easily. Other, more extensive repairs may warrant replacement. Ask a qualified roofer to inspect your roof if you’re unsure.
Condition of the shingles: Roofs should be inspected every year after storm season. Deteriorated shingles can be restored, but extensive damage—such as shingle warping, algae or water damage inside the house—may mean it’s time to replace the roof. An expert NJ roofing contractor will be able to inspect the roofing material and assess whether it’s worth repairing.
Extreme weather damage: Any time your roof is subjected to extreme weather such as hurricanes, hail, or severe storms the damage may necessitate replacing the roof. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover this, so consult with your insurance company shortly after the damage occurs.
How long you plan to be in your house: Roof replacement is a long-term investment. If you don’t plan on remaining in your home for long, and repairs do not exceed the cost of replacement, it may make more sense to simply fix the roof—rather than installing a new one.

When you are ready to make a decision about your New Jersey roof, an expert NJ roofing contractor can assist you. To schedule a roof replacement consultation or a repair estimate, contact LGC roofing at 609-712-8157—or fill out our roofing request estimate form today!

We specialize in NJ roof repair and roof replacement, and our work is 100% guaranteed. Our professional, family-owned and operated team will assist you with your decision and ensure your satisfaction, whichever option you choose.

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Is Your NJ Roofing Contractor Making These 5 Common Mistakes?

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:01:17 +0000

Like any trade, roofing is an art form. That’s why it’s important to select an expert NJ roofer to protect your home or business—and the value of your investment. When it’s time for a new metal, composite or wood shingle roof, make sure your roofing contractor isn’t cutting corners with these common (and costly) mistakes.

Is Your NJ Roofing Contractor Making These 5 Common Mistakes?

Fastener length: Inexperienced roofers may fasten shingles with nails that are too short. When exposed to NJ wind, heat and moisture, these fasteners can loosen, causing shingles to shift. A qualified NJ roofer should use nails that penetrate deep into plywood decking to avoid shingle shifting and displacement.
Fastener placement: Incorrect nail placement can also cause severe structural problems. Nails and fasteners should be placed underneath the upper layer of shingles, rather than allowing nail heads to be exposed to moisture and sun. Exposed nail heads corrode quickly, creating a hole where water can penetrate roofing materials and roof decking.
Flashing problems: Your NJ roofing contractor should properly install metal flashing to prevent moisture from seeping in around skylights, chimneys and roof valleys. Discuss your roofer’s flashing placement plan, and make sure he/she is preparing your roof to endure snow, ice and rain. If flashing is misaligned or not overlapped properly, water may leak into your structure’s attic or interior.
Slate coloring problems: If you made the wise decision to install a slate roof on your home or business, make sure that your roofer inspects all slate before installing it. Even when purchasing slate from a single source, coloring may very. Your NJ roofer should open each pallet and compare the consistency of the material hue/shade before slate roof installation begins. While some color differential may look attractive, excessive color difference may cause the roof to look “mismatched.”
Material overhang: Shingles and other materials should overhang the roof’s eaves. If this is not the case, when a stiff NJ wind comes along—roofing materials may be compromised—or moisture may blow in underneath the shingles’ edges. In addition, your roofer should use the proper number of fasteners per shingle for your home or business’s geographic wind zone.

LGC Roofing has been perfecting the “art of roofing” for several decades. Whether installing slate, metal, composite or wood roofing, our team takes measures to ensure your satisfaction and safeguard your roofing investment. For a roof replacement consultation—or to have our roofers evaluate existing roofing problems, call 609-712-8157, or fill out our brief form to request a free estimate today!

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Skylight Leak Repairs: Finding the Source

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:49:07 +0000

Getting the most out of your skylight demands proper installation and maintenance. Even if you take good care of your roof, though, skylight leaks may develop as a result of normal wear and tear.

Fortunately, many skylight leak repairs can be done quickly and inexpensively. Knowing what to look for can make any necessary repairs easier and more cost effective.

Finding the Source of a Skylight Leak

When you notice water leaking from your skylight, the first step you must take is to locate the leak’s source. Water stains on the ceiling or puddles on the floor may be the first indicators of a problem. These can actually be great tools for identifying the source of the leak.

If the stain’s highest point is located at or near the top of your skylight, you may want to have your NJ roofing contractor start by looking at the outside flashing of the skylight. During bad weather, water rushing down the side of the roof at high speeds may run between the roof’s shingles and the skylight, creating leaks.

It’s important to make sure your roof’s flashing and seal are satisfactory; proper installation by a professional roofer is key.

If you notice a stain at the bottom of your skylight, the problem may be due to excess condensation. Too much condensation in or around the inside of your skylight is another common cause of leaks. Condensation is a natural result of humidity, and often builds up during rain storms. When too much condensation gets trapped in part of a skylight, it may create leaks.

Closely inspect the condensation channel – the part of the skylight that is designed to catch any excess condensation and allow it to evaporate back into the air. If this channel becomes damaged or clogged, the resulting build-up of condensation may cause your skylight to leak. Ask your New Jersey roof repair contractor to check your condensation channels to make sure they’re not overflowing if you notice water stains at the base of your skylight.

Problems related to excess condensation may be worsened by skylight tunnels. Skylight tunnels reduce air flow, which increases humidity. Making sure your skylight tunnel is well-insulated can dramatically reduce the amount of condensation that builds up in this area, which can help you avoid skylight leaks.

Skylight Leak Repairs Done The Right Way

When it comes to repairing leaks in your skylight, the sooner you act, the better so make sure to address any leaks as soon as you notice them. Knowing where to start and what to look for can help you save time, effort, and money on your skylight leak repairs.

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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Is your Skylight Leaking? Blame Improper Installation & Botched Repairs

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:35:00 +0000

Skylights 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 long-term damage to your home, take the time to educate yourself on identifying common causes of leaky skylights, what you can to repair those leaks, and when you need to call in your NJ roofing contractor for professional inspection.

Problem #1: Poor Installation

One of the most common reasons for skylight leaks is poor fitting due to inadequate installation. Installing a skylight required precision and skill, as a result, it can sometimes be expensive. Rather than paying a professional roofer to install the skylights, many people opt to hire an inexperienced handyman to save a few bucks—some even go as far as attempting the installation on their own.

What do-it-yourselfer might not realize is that the potential for damage to your home can be much more costly that the installation fee charged by a roofing professional. Instead of saving money, do-it-yourselfers often end up paying for the damages done by leaking skylight, the cost of a comprehensive roofing inspection, and finally, the skylight leak repair. This can mean replacing carpets, wallpaper, or even worse, structural repairs. Yikes!

We’ve talked about leak-free skylight installation on our blog before. Remember, proper installation is key!

Problem #2: Poorly Handled Repairs

Another common mistake that can exacerbate damage is when skylight repair is left to the inexperienced. Rather than repairing the leaky skylight, a home handyman can further aggravate any holes or cracks in the panel, the roof, or the pane, which can result in costly repairs. Simple condensation droplets might lead the inexperienced to believe skylight repair is required, but the solution may be as simple as moisture from an indoor appliance or an extreme difference in temperature inside and outside of your home.

If you are familiar with the structure of your home and roof, and have experience in skylight installation, take a look for yourself. If the moisture is a result of condensation, try rearranging large heat-creating appliances away from the area close to the skylight. If this is enough to stop the moisture, smile on your good fortune and bask in the ambiance of your wise investment.

If, however, there are clear signs of damage, you may need skylight repair, or there could be other structural concerns. At this point, it’s best to call a professional for a roofing inspection to protect your home from further damages over time.

Contact Experienced Roofer For Repairs

Leave skylight installation and repairs to professionals.

Even though the initial cost may seem high, the investment for peace of mind is well worth the money.

If you live in the New Jersey area, and are worried about a potential skylight leak, call us at (609) 712-8157 for a no-obligation free skylight repair estimate.

LGC Roofing is proud to have more than a century of experience in roof contracting, and can provide an honest and professional opinion for all your roofing repair needs.

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Leak-Free Skylight Installation Tips

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:28:38 +0000

When skylight installations go smoothly, you’ll enjoy warm, natural light while decreasing winter energy costs. Remember, though, that do-it-yourself skylight projects should be undertaken carefully in order to avoid roof leaks and costly repairs.

To achieve calculated energy performance, it’s best to have a local roofing contractor install your skylight. However, if you prefer to install the skylight yourself, be sure to carefully follow manufacturer guidelines and take the following points into consideration.

Check the slope of your roof before installing the skylight. Water is less likely to leak into your home if the skylight is properly positioned and water is able to run downhill (and off of your roof). In addition, a properly tilted skylight is more energy efficient. Most skylight manufacturers recommend that homeowners calculate skylight tilt by adding 5 to 15 degrees to their home’s geographical latitude.
If you’re installing a skylight that required the building of a “curb” or raised lip, cover the curb tightly with high-quality, waterproof flashing. The skylight manufacturer should carry waterproof metal flashing, but you can also purchase it from a roofing supplier.
To ensure a tight flashing seal, spread a layer of waterproof roofing cement around the metal edges. A putty knife works well for this. The layer should be uniform and approximately ¼- to ½-inch thick. Apply roofing cement or epoxy to the bottom of the shingles as you reattach them around the skylight, and include a layer around the skylight’s perimeter, as well (on the edge of the adjoining shingles). This prevents water from seeping under the shingles.
When installing the skylight yourself, you can never be too careful. Consider purchasing a curb seal, which forms an airtight seal around the skylight, flashing and roof.
After you’ve installed and sufficiently sealed your skylight, pour a bucket of water over its edges. Position someone inside your home to check for leaks while you observe from the outside.

Skylight moisture control is hard to achieve, but when your new window to the world is correctly installed—you’ll be thrilled with the results. To get a free roofing estimate for skylight installation or leak repairs, contact LGC Roofing, your local NJ roofing repair contractor.

LGC Roofing is reputable New Jersey roofing contractor with over two decades of experience, and we’re known for our top-notch customer service and fast response times. Call 609-712-8157 to request a consultation.

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Leaking Skylight – Common Causes and Repair Tips

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:13:25 +0000

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

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4 Steps to Diagnosing and Repairing Your Leaky Skylight

Lukasz Sobczuk — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:44:03 +0000

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.