Skylight Leaks In Heavy Rain? Use This Step-By-Step Guide
Has your skylight started leaking every time it rains heavily? Those seemingly innocent drips can quickly turn into extensive water damage if the underlying issue isn't addressed. But never fear - with this step-by-step guide, you'll be armed with the knowledge to tackle skylight leaks head-on.
We'll cover everything from inspecting your skylight's age and condition to checking for interior damage. You'll also learn when it's best to call in a professional roofer for help. Let's get started!
Step 1: Inspect Skylight Age and Condition
The first step is examining your skylight itself to check for any wear and tear that could be causing leaks. This includes:
Check Skylight's Age
Skylights generally last between 10 and 20 years. If your skylight was installed over a decade ago, it may simply be reaching the end of its lifespan. Replacing an aging, leaky skylight is often more cost-effective than trying to repair it over and over.
Signs that your older skylight needs replacement include significant condensation between the panes of glass, major seal failure, and visible deterioration of the frame or glazing.
Inspect Surrounding Frame
The frame around your skylight can become damaged due to exposure to weather and sunlight over many years. Carefully examine the metal or plastic frame for any cracks, gaps, or separation from the roof.
Also check the frame's caulking or sealant, looking for areas where the protective seal has become hardened, cracked or worn away. Any openings can allow rainwater to infiltrate into your home's roof and ceiling.
Assess Flashing Condition
Flashing is the sheet metal material installed around a skylight during roof construction. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing rain from seeping under the unit.
Inspect the flashing, checking thoroughly for damage like cracks, separations, corrosion or missing pieces. Any compromised sections can lead to leaks whenever it storms.
Step 2: Clean Out Debris and Drainage Systems
Don't underestimate how much of an issue debris buildup can cause when it comes to skylight leaks. Materials like leaves, pine needles, moss and grit quickly accumulate and can entirely clog drainage channels.
Make regularly clearing out debris part of your roof maintenance routine. Carefully remove buildup from the flat glass surface as well as surrounding drainage ports or gutters. Rinse away any remaining dirt or grime.
Consider Roof Pitch
Skylights installed on flatter or lower-pitched roofs tend to be more vulnerable in heavy rainfall. Without sufficient slope, water can pool up and overwhelm flashing and drainage systems.
If your roof pitch is quite low, alternate leak prevention solutions may be needed. Installing a reinforced membrane or drainage mat under the skylight is one option to handle large rain volumes.
Step 3: Evaluate Installation and Seals
Leaks often result from problems with the skylight installation itself or failure of the unit's seals over time. Here's what to examine closely:
Review Initial Installation
An improperly installed skylight is incredibly prone to having serious leakage issues down the road. Key markers of quality installation include:
- Straight, centered placement in the roof
- Smooth, properly layered flashing around entire unit
- Strong adhesion and complete seal with roofing materials
- Use of durable exterior sealants and caulking
If any of these best practices seem lacking, the skylight was likely not put in correctly. This can require roofing repairs or skylight replacement depending on severity.
Inspect Skylight Glazing
The glazing refers to the glass or plastic sheets encasing the skylight window and protecting it from the elements. Exterior glazing is especially vulnerable to damage over years of exposure.
Carefully examine the surface of the glazing, checking for any cracks, holes, cloudiness or cut marks that could compromise its protective capacity and lead to leaks.
Check State of Seals
Both interior and exterior seals are used to attach the skylight and prevent air or moisture getting in. The seals between the frame and roof deck can easily fail.
Run your fingers along all seals, feeling for sections that are hardened, cracked or coming loose. Also look for darkened areas or water drops along seals, both of which indicate breaches.
Step 4: Check for Interior Water Damage
Don't stop your inspection at exterior leaks - water trickling through a skylight can cause all sorts of problems inside your home too. Here's what to look out for:
- Stains or moisture on walls or ceilings around skylight
- Blistered or cracking drywall or paint
- Warping or water rot damage in wooden framing
- Mold or mildew growth
Catching these warning signs early allows the skylight leaks to be addressed before extensive repairs are needed. Don't ignore interior drips!
Step 5: Enlist a Professional Roofer
If you've gone through all these DIY inspection steps but are still puzzled by the source of leaks or how to fix them, it's best to call in an expert.
A professional roofer has the knowledge, equipment and access needed to thoroughly diagnose why your skylight leaks and the skills to properly remedy it. They can also advise if full replacement is necessary.
A reputable contractor can develop an ongoing maintenance plan tailored to your roof and climate conditions to help prevent future issues with skylight leaks or other damage.
Pinpointing why a skylight is leaking and sealing up those access points for water is crucial to avoid expensive repairs from uncontrolled moisture damage.