Common Repairs- What do I do if my skylight is leaking?
Skylights are a great way to add more natural light to your home. However, these windows are placed on the top of your roof. When it rains, it has great potential for leaks if not installed correctly. When it comes to your home, any type of leak can be detrimental to your home. Leaking skylights can rot and mold the structure of your home if not caught in time.
Therefore, fast response and quick correction are necessary to avoid spending a fortune on water damage. Once the original seal is broken and a leak develops, it can be disastrous to fix. It is essential to know how to diagnose a leaky skylight to understand the leak's leading cause better. However, getting professional help is the best way to understand what is going on with your skylight to best fix it. Let's discuss the necessary steps to take once your skylight begins to leak.
Step 1. Find a bucket or container to collect the water
When working with water of any kind, it is important to dispense it quickly. Any moisture left on the surface of a home (carpet, wood floor, tile, etc.) can lead to rotting or mold over time. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary steps in placing a bucket under the skylight to collect the water before it reaches the ground.
Step 2: Try to diagnose what may be causing the leaky skylight.
Be sure to check your skylight to ensure that the leaking is not just water pooled from collected condensation. An excessive amount of humidity can cause condensation to form on the skylight creating drips from time to time.
If condensation is not present, it could be that there is a leak between the glass and the frame or between the frame and the roof. Leaks that form between glass and the frame can occur due to a worn or weathered seal in the skylight. If q leak occurs between the frame and roof, there may be a problem with your roof, the skylight could have been installed improperly, or the seal could be worn.
It is also a good idea to inspect the roofing and flashing around the window. Cracks or corrosion in or around the flashing could lead to leaks. If it is too difficult to determine the cause of the leaking, it is best to call a professional to come to investigate the problem.
Although some people may assume that all skylights are bound to leak eventually if properly installed and maintained, a skylight could outlast your roof.
Step 3: Determine if there is a simple repair.
If you find that the leaking is indeed caused by condensation, try reducing the room's humidity. Using better ventilation such as windows or fans, or even adding a dehumidifier to the room, the humidity should decrease.
However, condensation is not always the cause of the leaking. If the leaks look to be caused by cracks or spaces within the shingles or flashing, you could use caulking cement to seal up the holes. Be sure that the shingles are tightly sealed, so no excess water enters.
If there is a leak between the glass and the skylight frame, it may be possible to eliminate the leak by caulking around the glass. However, once the water has infiltrated the seal, the skylight could look permanently foggy.
Step 4: Seek professional help.
When dealing with a leaking skylight, the best advice is always to seek help from professionals. Even if you are skeptical, contractors can come out and inspect your roof. A professional is highly trained in eliminating leaks and removing affected areas and sealing the flashing area around the skylight correctly. If you are experiencing a leaking skylight, contact us today! Leaks can be a severe threat to your home if not taken care of immediately.