Is Your Skylight in Need of Repair?

There’s no denying a skylight adds dimension to your home. Between the sun and starlight above, it may be the single most satisfying feature in a building. But skylights are really just another window, which makes them prone to damage and leakage. Every homeowner should know more about how skylights work, and how to get them repaired.

Common Problems

If you see water dripping from above you, it may not be cause for panic. Condensation is normal (just like your regular windows), and heavy condensation can lead to a slow drip. However, if you’ve ruled out condensation as an option, then you need to find the source of the problem. There could be cracks or gaps in the glass or the frame of the skylight that need to be mended, or there may be a problem in the roof itself. And sometimes, the skylights are well past their useful lives and need to be replaced.

Windows that open may have jammed gears that need to be fixed or its window sealant may be flaking away. It may even be the flashing in your roof. Roof flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material – usually aluminum or galvanized steel – installed over roof joints to prevent water from seeping in. If the flashing is bad, then water can travel to the skylight and appear to be dripping from there (even if the leak is actually in another location on the roof.)

Fix It and Forget It

When it comes to repairs, there are sealing products available on the market. While they certainly claim to provide long lasting solutions, an experienced contractor is really the best person to call if you have trouble with your skylight. For instance, you may end up sealing a leak without addressing a flashing problem in your roof. Trust an expert to give you the real story and solution when it comes to your skylight repairs.