Shedding Light on Skylights
Skylights appeal to homeowners since they can add natural light to a dark room and can even be opened for fresh air. While these benefits are attractive, there are some downsides to adding a skylight to the roof of your home.
One of the most common issues with skylights is that they are prone to leaking. Moisture can find its way through cracks and subsequently cause damage to your roof.
Why are skylights prone to leaking?
Skylights are the weakest part of your roof and are more easily damaged by poor weather conditions like hail or heavy snowfall. If your skylight cracks, it could cause water to leak. Even minor chips shouldn’t be ignored since it could make it easier for more cracks to appear.
Rain or snow may be obvious sources of leaks, but it can happen even without a cloud in the sky. Condensation can often occur by an introduction between hot weather outside and air conditioning indoors. The condensation can drip down the skylight and make it appear like it’s leaking.
Skylights will also get natural wear and tear as it ages. Metal flashing that surrounds the skylight to block leaks will eventually need to get replaced. Waterproof seals are another barrier that can get less effective with time and also need to be replaced.
There are multiple other reasons why skylights are prone to leaking. Sometimes improper installation or using cheap materials can cause leaks to occur. If you can’t determine the cause, you may want to consider finding a residential roofing company to make a diagnosis of the leak and help with any repairs.
How do you stop a skylight from leaking?
It’s important to fix a leaking skylight immediately. Moisture in the roof can cause a host of problems, including mold and mildew. These types of leaks could eventually lead to needing roof replacement, so homeowners should make it a priority to prevent leaks and avoid costly repairs down the line.
Depending on the source of your leak, some possible ways to fix a leaking skylight can include:
- Using an anti-fogging product
- Replacing or fixing the flashing
- Replacing or fixing weather seals
- Replacing the entire skylight
You may need to get on the roof and inspect underneath the shingles to determine if the flashing or weather seal is causing the leak.
During this time, you should also inspect your roof for any signs of water, hail, or wind damage. You could also call in a professional for a roof inspection and they can help evaluate your roof for structural integrity and more.
If you’re looking for experienced residential roofers in Lancaster, PA, consider Best Contracting. We specialize in roof repairs and roof replacements and will help get your home back in premier shape. For nearly two decades, we have served the Lancaster, PA community and provided excellent exterior renovation services.
You can get a free quote for your home exterior updates, or you can call us at 866-748-3210 to ask us any questions.
