Skylights are great for economically bringing natural light into your home. However, skylights are one of the most common demands for roof repairs. They often leak during rain or snow storms. Because skylights are prone to leaking it helps the homeowner to know how to properly diagnose and repair the leaks when they occur. Nickerson Roofing will help you learn how to diagnose problems with leaky skylights.
Inspecting Skylights to Diagnose Leaks
You will start by inspecting the skylight in order to identify the source of the leak. Warning: you will need to go on top of your roof. If you’re unstable climbing a ladder or walking on rooftops, you should contact a professional roofing company. When inspecting the skylight first determine that the water isn’t coming from condensation that has built up underneath the glass. This often happens after a storm or during winter conditions and especially when skylights are used in greenhouses, bathrooms, laundry room, and kitchen where there is naturally humidity and moisture. Next, see if your skylight is open. Make sure the glass is secured down and did not come undone. If the glass is secured and there isn’t any condensation building up inside the glass then examine the flashing around the skylight. If the flashing looks decayed then more often than not, the flashing needs to be replaced. Leaks can also be due to poor insulation or even broken glass from tree branches or other debris after a wind storm.
How to Fix a Leaking Skylight
Often leaks occur from the glass frame, the insulated glass frame eventually weakens and allows the water to penetrate through. When repairing skylight leaks, reseal the frame around the glass to ensure no water is coming through. Use a silicone caulking glue around the frame. After the silicone glue had time to dry it should prevent any future leak from the lenses or glass frame.
How to Repair Skylight Flashing
Another major weakness is the skylight flashing. When inspecting the condition of the skylight flashing and you determine that it needs repair you will want to repair it. Do this by using a roof flashing cement. Apply the roofing flashing cement around the edges of the flashing. However only apply the flashing cement if the flashing is only in minimal condition. If your flashing needs serious repair, it is best to replace the insulation and flashing material altogether. The flashing cement is not designed to repair serious damages and will only hold back leaks for a short period of time. If you need to replace the flashing completely, it is best to leave it to your professional roofing company to repair the skylight flashing. Same goes if the glass of the skylight is damaged and is the source of the leaking.
Skylight, Roofing Repairs & More in Truckee, Mystic, Floriston, Olympic Valley, Alpine Meadows, Tahoe City, Dollar Point, Ridgewood, Carnelian Bay, Kings Beach, Eder, Norden, Soda Springs & The North Lake Tahoe Basin of California
Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into an otherwise dark area during daylight hours. They are a great way to save money for daytime light uses. However, skylights too need regular maintenance and eventual replacements. If you have skylights installed or want skylights installed, Nickerson Roofing can inspect and install skylights in your home. Nickerson Roofing can even help repair leaks and damages as they occur. Contact Nickerson Roofing for skylight repair and installations.
