Skylights allow natural light to enter your home. This is great for saving energy, reducing the need for artificial lights and improving your indoor environment.
However, it is easy for a skylight to leak. This is caused by moisture in the roof and condensation. Here are a few signs that your skylight is leaking:
1. Replace the Flashing
Roof skylights can add a great deal of natural light to a home. They are also a wonderful way to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Skylights, however, must be properly maintained and repaired to prevent water leaks. When a leak does occur, it is important to find the source of the leak quickly. The sooner it is found, the more likely you are to save money on repairs and avoid costly roof damage.
The most common reason a skylight leaks is due to a faulty or damaged flashing. The flashing is a metal barrier that covers the joints of the roof around the skylight and keeps out water. A professional roofer will replace the flashing when it is damaged or worn out. This is typically done by peeling back the roof shingles around the skylight, installing new flashing and then replacing the shingle covering. The new flashing will also protect the wood surrounding the skylight from rotting due to constant exposure to moisture.
If you suspect your skylight is leaking, run a hose over it and pay special attention to the area where the window meets the frame. A small amount of condensation may be to blame for the leak, but if the leak is continuous, you will need to have the flashing or seals replaced.
Water leaks from a skylight can lead to other issues in a home. Moisture that pools on floors or ceilings can cause rot and mold over time, and can also damage interior drywall and flooring. Additionally, the leaking water can damage the framing and interior shingles and paint.
Leaks from a skylight can also be caused by a malfunctioning operating mechanism. If the skylight has moving parts that allow it to open and close, those can get jammed or fail over time due to overuse. The repair process for this type of issue can be more complicated and expensive, and often requires a full replacement of the skylight.
If you have old skylights, consider replacing them with new ones that are more energy-efficient and will last longer. A skylight that is in poor condition can be a hazard to anyone who goes to the attic, as it can easily break or fall off. roofing edinburgh
2. Repair the Seals
The seals on roof skylights are crucial for keeping the elements out of your home, but they can also degrade and cause leaks over time. Often, these seals are exposed to constant weathering and sun exposure that can lead to brittleness. If the sealant has cracked, it can allow water to seep in, especially if the cracks are near the edge of the skylight or in the frame. A roofing contractor can perform a roof skylight inspection and determine the location of any leaks. They will then check the condition of the roof above the skylight and eliminate potential sources to make the appropriate repairs.
The most common reason for a skylight to leak is because the seal between the glass and the frame has worn out. This can be due to poor installation or simply aging and weathering. A roofing contractor can replace the seal and repair any corroding frames to prevent future leaks.
Another common issue with roof skylights is a crack in the glass itself. This can occur if the skylight is located in a room that gets a lot of moisture, such as the bathroom or kitchen. The glass can become chipped by small hailstones or even shattered from one direct hit. Adding insulation to the area around the skylight can help prevent this from happening, but it is still best to have a professional inspect and repair the skylight as soon as any damage is noticed.
When water leaks from a skylight, it can damage furniture and other items in the home and create damp walls that may sag. In addition, it can leave stains and have a musky smell that encourages the growth of pests. Leaks from skylights can also damage electrical components in the home and potentially lead to fires. To prevent these problems, it is important to have a regular schedule of roof maintenance, including checking the skylights for leaks and deteriorating sealants.
A roofing company can conduct a roof skylight inspection and recommend the right type of repairs for your home. They can also provide annual roof maintenance to ensure that the flashing and seals on the skylight are performing at their optimal levels.
3. Replace the Weather Seals
The skylight is an important part of the house and it needs to be protected just as the roof is. The main reason for leaking is that the seals between the roof, frame and the glass or plastic pane start to deteriorate. These seals help to protect the interior of the home from water leaks and also prevent a lot of damage from moisture in general. If these seals deteriorate or are not replaced regularly they will eventually cause the water to flow down to where it should not be, and this can lead to severe and expensive damage.
These seals need to be checked and replaced as they deteriorate or lose their elasticity, and this can happen due to age, wear and tear, weathering and other factors. Roof skylight repair specialists can use silicone caulking to replace the seals, and this is a job that can be done on the roof without much difficulty. Whether the seals need to be replaced or the caulking is old and worn out, it is best to have these professionally done, as a botched job can lead to serious problems for your roof and your interior.
Water leaking through the roof skylight can cause many problems, including water spots on ceilings and furniture and walls as well as a musky smell that develops in rooms with a lot of moisture. If the moisture is not cleaned up in a timely manner it can cause wood to rot, and this is a major problem for the structure of your roof and the interior of your home.
It is best to perform a maintenance schedule each year that may include inspecting the flashing, seals and the condition of the roofing material around the skylight as well as cleaning the glass. If your skylight is pre-finished, you should check the finish on a regular basis to ensure it is still in good shape and not flaking or peeling. Cleaning the glass can be done with a squeegee, non-metal scraper, clean, lint-free cloth, or chamois leather. Cleaning can be done during the day, but not when it is hot to avoid heat spots on the glass.
4. Clear the Weep Holes
A well-installed skylight lets natural light and fresh air into your home. This can improve energy efficiency, reduce cooling bills and help maintain a healthier indoor environment. However, just like any other feature or part of your roof, your skylight will need repair from time to time. A leaking skylight is not only unsightly but it can also cause damage to your ceiling, insulation and the materials in the attic.
A common cause of a leaky skylight is condensation. The hot summer sun and cold winter temperatures can cause moisture to build up inside the glass pane of your skylight. This condensation must escape to the outside, otherwise it could rain back down into your home. To prevent this, the skylight is outfitted with weep holes – small openings that allow the condensation to drain out of the window. However, over time these weep holes can become blocked with debris or ice. If this occurs, the condensation can no longer escape and a leak may develop.
During a roof skylight inspection, the technician will check the weep holes to make sure they are clear and free from obstructions. They will also ensure the seals around the weep hole are in good condition and not leaking or cracked. If you are performing this maintenance yourself, the first step is to climb onto the roof and inspect the shingles surrounding your skylight. If a section of the shingle is leaking, or the caulking around the metal flashing is cracked or damaged, this should be repaired with a high quality roof cement caulking.
Adding or replacing the flashing, seals and weep holes can all help prevent a leaky skylight. However, if you notice signs of water in your ceiling near your skylight it’s always best to call for professional assistance. A professional skylight installer will have the right tools and equipment to safely reach your skylight and repair it as needed. Their services include removing any accumulated debris from the area around the skylight, checking and repairing any gaps or cracks in the shingles and resealing with a high quality caulking for lasting protection and performance.