How to Prevent Skylight Leaks
Skylights are a fantastic addition to many homes because they offer better ventilation, save energy costs, and deliver an aesthetic appeal.
Skylights are a fantastic addition to many homes because they offer better ventilation, save energy costs, and deliver an aesthetic appeal. However, one of the biggest challenges of having skylights is that they are prone to leaks.
This is especially the case if the installation wasn’t performed correctly and contains low-quality materials. Fortunately, homeowners with skylights have several leak prevention options.
Routine maintenance and inspection
Once the skylight is installed, it’s easy to forget it’s there. But like any windows, skylights need routine maintenance; otherwise, they might deteriorate too fast.
Homeowners should take their time to inspect the skylight thoroughly and look for signs of wear and tear.
Holes, cracks, broken seals, and similar issues could indicate that the skylight may start leaking if it hasn’t already.
These inspections require checking the skylight outside and perhaps even climbing onto the roof.
Therefore, it’s often best to ask a roof specialist to check the skylight instead of going with the DIY approach.
Proper ventilation
Excessive humidity inside the home can cause numerous problems, including leaking skylights. In addition, the humidity leads to condensation that forms around mirrors and windows.
The best leak prevention method is to ensure the room is adequately ventilated. This is particularly important in areas of the country where humidity levels are high year-round. Keep in mind that humidity can cause skylight frames to distort over time.
Fixing the seal
In some instances, homeowners may prevent skylight leaks by simply resealing around the window edges.
The 100% silicone caulking seals are available in most home improvement stores and allow homeowners to complete the process independently.
Fixing the broken seal is often the most effective way of preventing skylight leaks. However, it’s also vital to point out that the skylight might need resealing more than once.
Skylight repairs
Sometimes the skylight requires professional repairs, mainly if the leaks have already occurred. When homeowners exhaust their options, the roofing expert can look for hidden damage and offer long-lasting solutions.
Perhaps there is a crack in the glass that went unnoticed, or the skylight needs commercial-grade caulking to prevent future leaks.
Skylight reinstallation
Unfortunately, most professionals can’t fix the leaking skylight issue. Improper installation, damaged flashing, and roof damage are top reasons why homeowners may need to consider skylight replacement.
The challenge is finding a reliable roofing company to complete the installation perfectly. So, don’t hesitate to ask for the best.
Keep the home dry and the skylight in excellent condition
Replacing a relatively new skylight due to incorrect installation is stressful, inconvenient, and costly.
But homeowners can’t allow leaks around the skylight as it leads to other problems and causes significant discomfort. Therefore, routine maintenance is essential, which includes proper and continuous ventilation and occasional re-sealing around the edges.
Roof X Inc. offers commercial and residential roofing for customers in Brandon, Pensacola, Tampa, and surrounding areas. We install and repair metal, tile, shingle, TPO, and more. Gutters, ventilation, and insulation are also available. Family-owned-and-operated
Call us today: Brandon (813) 590-1124 | Pensacola (850) 669-5509
