Complete Guide to Fixing a Skylight Leak

Leaks in skylights can be an absolute hassle, allowing water into your home and potentially causing extensive damage to ceilings, walls, and belongings. But fixing one doesn't need to be complicated. According to FGA Roofing, just arm yourself with the appropriate tools and patience to know when roofing contractors should be sought out, or handle it yourself with this guide!

First Step in Roof Repair

To locate your leak, it is crucial that you first identify where it's coming from. Water may travel quite a ways before reaching your home—this requires doing a bit of detective work! If no rain has fallen recently, inspect the skylight itself and its surroundings for cracks or worn-out seals. Even using an outdoor garden hose to spray water onto it can simulate rain, allowing you to search for potential issues within.

Check Your Flashing

Flashing is used to seal skylight edges to your roof and is one of the primary culprits behind leakage issues. Damaged or missing flashing allows water to gain entry quickly. Consequently, inspect it closely for signs of wear or damage—any problems might require replacing it. If you are handy, you could attempt doing it yourself; otherwise, call in professional roofers for help if you are unsure how.

Seal any Gaps

Once gaps or cracks exist around a skylight, they must be sealed using a high-quality sealant designed specifically for roofs. Apply this generously but neatly where cracks or gaps exist, as per manufacturer instructions. Let it set and dry thoroughly before testing for leaks again.

Replace Your Skylight

Sometimes, the best solution for skylight problems lies in replacing it entirely if necessary—perhaps because your existing one has become outdated, damaged, or improperly installed. Though this will require extensive work, it could save future leakage. For this route, we suggest hiring professional help to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Check Your Roof

Your problem could lie elsewhere. Inspect the area around your skylight for any damage in terms of shingles or tiles, including missing or broken shingles that allow water into your skylight and cause it to pool there. If issues exist on your roof, repair may need to take place. You could attempt this on your own with experience, though you might benefit more by hiring professional services for assistance instead.

Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to water pouring backwards through skylights into your home, causing leakage. Make sure that you regularly clear away debris from your gutters to reduce this possibility. Doing this regularly could prevent more serious roofing problems than just skylight leakage! Keeping gutters clear may help avoid other roofing problems, too, such as potential skylight leaks!

Maintain Regular Inspections

After fixing your leak, it is vital to conduct routine inspections of your skylight and roof to detect potential problems early. Aim to perform at least two annual checks or post-storm checks—any wear or damage should be addressed as soon as it arises.

When to Call in Professionals

While skylight leaks can often be repaired with DIY effort, sometimes professional help from a dependable roofing company is required. If the issue persists or you simply can't seem to locate its source yourself, calling a roofing contractor could be beneficial; these experts possess all of the experience and tools required for fast repairs and inspection of other potential issues on the roof and skylight to provide peace of mind for their customers.

FGA Roofing

While having a leaky skylight can be frustrating, with some work and the right mindset, it's easier than you think to fix yourself. By identifying its source and inspecting flashing for cracks, gaps, or leaks on both roof and skylight surfaces, as well as sealing any gaps or leaks on either, often enough, you will stop leaks on your own without needing professional assistance or calling in roofing companies; regular inspections/maintenance will prevent future leaks while helping ensure safety/dry conditions in both spaces/home environments! With these tips, you're sure you're on your way towards fixing and appreciating its natural lighting attributes!