skylights

My Skylight Is Leaking. What Should I Do?

How to Fix a Leaky Skylight

Is your skylight leaking? That’s not good.

You should call a roofing professional and get it fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, the next monsoon downpour could cause thousands of dollars in water damage.

Skylights are notoriously difficult to seal properly and once they’re leaking it’s rarely an easy fix, so we highly recommend calling a professional roofer. However, there are a couple of things you can try yourself to rule out a smaller problem.

Is Your Skylight Actually Leaking? First, Rule Out Condensation

Although not as common in the Phoenix and Tucson areas as in more humid climates, your skylight might simply be collecting condensation. Water from inside your home can condense on the skylight where it then pools and drips.

Condensation is more common if:

  • Your skylight is in or near a room with lots of moisture (like a bathroom)
  • You have a single-glazed skylight

Seal Your Skylight by Caulking Around the Glass

A skylight, like all windows, is made up of a pane of glass surrounded by a frame (usually metal). Leaks can occur:

  • In between the glass and the frame — This happens from a worn or weathered seal in the skylight itself.
  • In between the frame and the roof — This is a roof problem. Either the skylight wasn’t installed correctly or the flashing and seal around it have become worn.

If the leak is between the glass and frame of the skylight, you may be able to fix it by caulking around the glass with clear silicone caulk. Keep in mind that when water has infiltrated this seal, the skylight may look permanently foggy from moisture getting in between the panes of glass. In this instance, sealing a skylight won't solve the problem - the only way to fix this is with a new skylight.

Contact a Roofing Professional for Skylight Leak Repair

Many people are under the impression that “all skylights leak eventually.” That’s only partially true. Yes, all materials have an expected lifespan, but when you properly install and maintain a quality skylight, it can often outlast your roof. That’s why it’s so important to hire a roofer that knows what they’re doing. Check out our article on how to hire a roofing contractor for more information.

If you live in the Phoenix or Tucson areas and want a professional roofer to take a look at your leaking skylight, contact Lyons Roofing today.

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