Fixing Leaky Skylights
Skylights bring in natural light and enhance the aesthetic of any room, yet they also come with maintenance challenges, particularly leaks. Leaks can not only damage your roof but also lead to significant structural and interior issues if not addressed promptly. This article covers comprehensive solutions for identifying, preventing, and fixing skylight leaks to maintain a watertight seal and prolong the life of your skylight. With professional insights, these methods offer lasting fixes, ensuring you can enjoy the benefits of skylights without the drawbacks.
Common Causes of Leaky Skylights and Prevention Tips
Leaky Skylights typically arise from various issues, each needing specific solutions. Understanding the causes is key to implementing effective preventative measures.
1. Poor Installation or Design
Many skylight leaks stem from improper installation or faulty design. Inadequate sealing, incorrect placement, or misalignment with the roof pitch increases vulnerability to leaks.
- Solution: Only hire certified contractors familiar with skylight installation and roof dynamics. Professional installation ensures your skylight remains aligned and watertight over time.
- Prevention Tip: Before installation, verify that your contractor uses high-quality materials and follows manufacturer specifications for skylight placement and sealing.
2. Flashing Issues
Flashing is the metal component surrounding the skylight that provides a waterproof barrier. Faulty, damaged, or poorly installed flashing leads to water seepage.
- Solution: Replace or repair any compromised flashing. Check that the flashing fits snugly against the skylight and roof to avoid any gaps that could lead to leaks.
- Prevention Tip: Schedule an annual roof inspection to catch flashing issues early. Many companies, including 180 Contractors Roofing and Siding, recommend regular checkups to maintain the roof’s integrity.
3. Age and Weather Wear
With time, skylights suffer wear and tear due to exposure to harsh weather, fluctuating temperatures, and aging sealants. Sunlight, moisture, and wind all degrade materials over time, causing them to crack or warp.
- Solution: Consider replacing aging skylights to improve efficiency and prevent leaks. Reapplying high-quality sealants can also extend the lifespan of your skylight.
- Prevention Tip: Clean skylights regularly to remove debris and buildup. This reduces stress on the materials and prevents premature degradation.
4. Condensation Build-Up
Condensation inside the skylight is often mistaken for a leak. However, it can cause similar issues if left unattended, as trapped moisture can damage frames and seals.
- Solution: Improve ventilation in rooms with skylights to reduce condensation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Install venting skylights, if feasible, to allow humidity to escape.
- Prevention Tip: Use dehumidifiers in rooms prone to excess moisture. This helps to keep indoor humidity levels low, reducing condensation risks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Skylight Leaks
1. Identify the Leak Source
Before attempting any repair, accurately determine where the water is entering. Examine the skylight’s interior and surrounding roofing area for signs of leakage. Common signs include water stains, mold, and soft drywall around the skylight.
- Tip: Use a hose to simulate rain. Spray water around the skylight and check for any water ingress indoors. This helps pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
2. Inspect and Repair Flashing
Flashing problems are a frequent cause of leaky skylights, as it functions as a barrier to prevent water from seeping between the skylight and the roof. Check for rusted, cracked, or misaligned flashing.
- Repair Method: To fix flashing issues, carefully remove any damaged sections and replace them with new, compatible flashing pieces. Ensure that they overlap properly and align tightly with the roof.
- Sealing Tip: Apply roofing cement or flashing tape to reinforce the edges, providing an extra layer of waterproofing around the flashing and skylight frame.
3. Replace Old or Damaged Sealant
Over time, the sealant around the skylight can crack or shrink, allowing water to infiltrate. Replacing the old sealant ensures the skylight remains secure.
- Removal: Gently remove the old sealant with a utility knife, taking care not to damage the skylight frame.
- Application: Apply a silicone-based sealant, which offers flexibility and durability. Ensure an even bead around the skylight, smoothing it out for full coverage.
- Curing Time: Allow the sealant to cure as directed by the manufacturer before exposing it to rain or other moisture.
4. Check and Reinforce the Gaskets
Many skylights use rubber gaskets that sit between the glass and the frame, sealing the interior. When these gaskets wear out, they can lead to leaky skylights.
- Inspection: Carefully examine the gaskets for any cracks or gaps. Even minor wear can compromise the watertight seal.
- Replacement: Order replacement gaskets compatible with your skylight model. Installing new gaskets requires carefully removing the skylight glass and fitting the gaskets along the frame before resealing.
Advanced Leak-Proofing Techniques
1. Install an Ice and Water Shield
Especially in regions prone to heavy snowfall and rain, installing an ice and water shield beneath the skylight offers an additional protective layer.
- Application: This waterproof underlayment is applied directly to the roof deck before shingles are installed around the skylight. It prevents water from seeping into the roof, even if other materials fail.
- Benefit: An ice and water shield guards against leaks due to ice dams or prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall.
2. Upgrade to Self-Venting Skylights
For properties in high-humidity areas, self-venting skylights are a valuable upgrade. They allow condensation to escape and minimize trapped moisture.
- Installation: Self-venting skylights typically have a built-in vent mechanism that you can open or close manually or automatically.
- Maintenance: Ensure the vents remain clean and unblocked. Regularly inspect the venting components to prevent buildup, which can impede airflow and cause leaks.
3. Consider Skylight Domes for Snow and Debris Protection
Flat skylights are particularly vulnerable to water pooling, snow, and debris accumulation. Skylight domes help redirect water and prevent snow build-up, lowering the risk of leaky skylights.
- Installation: Install domed skylights or add dome covers to existing flat skylights.
- Weather Shielding: Domes are especially effective in regions with frequent heavy snowfall or where debris tends to collect on the roof.
Long-Term Skylight Maintenance Tips
Maintaining a skylight proactively is the most effective way to avoid leaks and extend its lifespan. Here are maintenance practices to keep your skylights in top condition.
1. Annual Inspections
Conduct annual inspections to catch small issues before they become costly repairs. Checking the flashing, sealant, and gaskets should be part of this routine.
2. Debris Removal
Leaves, branches, and dirt can trap moisture around skylights. Regularly clean the skylight and surrounding roof area to prevent buildup. Use a broom or blower to clear away debris safely.
3. Seasonal Sealant Checks
The seasonal weather can wear down sealants faster. Check the skylight sealant at the start of each season, and reseal any areas that appear cracked or shrunken.
4. Weatherproofing Preparations
Prepare skylights for harsh weather conditions, especially before winter. Ensure the flashing, sealant, and gaskets are intact. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider adding dome protection or ensuring proper drainage around it so that you do not end up with a leaky skylights.
When to Seek Professional Help
While minor repairs and maintenance can be done independently, significant leaky skylights or structural concerns around skylights require professional intervention. If you’re dealing with persistent leaks or are unsure of the cause, hire a roofing contractor with experience in skylight repair. Experts at 180 Contractors Roofing and Siding in Waterford, MI, can provide assessments and recommend repairs that will effectively restore your skylight’s integrity.
Conclusion
Skylights enhance home aesthetics and natural lighting, yet they require dedicated maintenance and timely repairs to remain leak-free. By implementing preventative measures, following this guide for effective repairs, and scheduling regular maintenance, you can enjoy all the benefits of skylights without worrying about leaky skylights. Taking these steps now will ensure your skylights provide beauty, light, and protection for many years to come.