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Placing skylights in your home is one way to brighten up the look and feel of the space immediately.
However, faulty installation, natural wear and tear, and poor maintenance of your skylights could lead to serious repair issues: skylight leaks and water damage.
Do you want to know how to repair the leaking skylight in your home quickly and effectively?
Keep reading for more information on common causes, materials needed, and the typical processes for different kinds of skylight repairs.
Step 1 - Assess the Problem
Before you do any work on the skylight repair, you have to figure out the cause of the leak first. Here are some common issues with skylights that need repair:
Condensation
Repair by: Ventilating, using a dehumidifier
Just like how your bathroom mirror fogs up after a hot shower, a little water collecting on your skylight glass is normal when the room is humid.
Skylights are so high up that there could be significant temperature differences between the glass and your room.
To prevent this, ensure the area is well-ventilated.
Check for continuous and excessive skylight leaking at different temperatures to ensure natural condensation isn’t the culprit.
Cracks and Damages
Repair by: Welding, caulking, replacing skylight parts
Visible damage on the lens of the skylight is a different story altogether.
Inspect your skylight closely to look for cracks, holes, and other signs of damage that could be letting water into your home. In this case, a simple lens repair or a complete skylight replacement might be necessary.
Improper Installation
Repair by: Reinstalling
If your skylight was improperly installed to begin with, water could be entering through small spaces between the skylight and the roof.
You can temporarily repair this with sealants, but you’ll have to re-install it properly to solve the root of the problem.
Call up the company you bought the skylight from for free estimates, reinstallation services, and repairs as soon as possible, especially if the skylight is still under repair warranty.
Dirt and Debris
Repair by: Deep cleaning
It’s common for twigs, leaves, and debris to gather on your skylight during bad weather or over time. However, because skylights are hard to access, you may forget to clean them once in a while.
Branches’ sharp edges can cause the cracks and damages mentioned above, and they can also get stuck around your skylight.
Do a thorough inspection to see if these prevent the skylight’s window glass from fully closing, thus causing leaks in your home.
Always try cleaning the area first before proceeding to more complicated repair options.
Weak Seal
Repair by: Caulking
Over time, the seal connecting the frame to the skylight lens may degrade, exposing your home to leaks and water damage.
It’s important to check your skylight from time to time for any damage so immediate skylight repairs can be done.
Broken Flashing
Repair by: Applying roofing cement, replacing flashing
Flashing is critical, not just for your skylight but also for your home in general. This sheet metal covering directs water flow away from vents, chimneys, and skylights. It also creates an effective seal around the skylight.
However, damage to the skylight flashing may occur when lower-quality materials are used or when it corrodes over time. Weak flashing around the skylight will cause it to leak.
Repair any broken flashing as soon as possible to prevent more complications in other areas of the house.
Worn-Out Roofing Cement
Repair by: Replacing roofing cement
When installing skylight flashing, roofing contractors usually apply a type of waterproof sealant called roofing cement. High-quality ones will undoubtedly give skylights longer life spans.
However, natural wear and tear can cause the cement to break and crumble over time, which loosens the skylight flashing and generates leaks in your home.
If you repair this regularly, you can prevent bigger problems (like flashing breakage) down the line.
Roof Leaks
Repair by: Deep cleaning, installing new roof materials
Skylights are also very sensitive to structural changes around them.
For instance, your roof’s clogged gutters and missing shingles could lead to a lot of trouble for your skylight. Since these prevent the usual passageway of water from your roof, they could be the causes of your leaking skylight.
If you notice any problems in this area, repair it immediately before the situation escalates.
Others
If you have a different problem from the ones stated above, you can hire professionals to do a more thorough skylight and roof inspection.
Once they find out the cause of your leaking skylight, they can usually provide free estimates for the necessary skylight repair services as well.
Step 2 - Repair Options
Now that you understand your situation a little more, it’s time for the actual skylight repair.
Before purchasing any of the repair materials, you can read online product reviews or consult local suppliers. Always make sure the repair materials are durable, high-quality, and suitable for the repair method.
Depending on the type and extent of damage, one or more of these skylight repair options may work for you.
Deep Cleaning
If the leak is caused by dirt or other things stuck around the skylight, then thorough, deep cleaning is your repair solution.
Repair materials needed:
- Ladder
- Broom or brush
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Squeegee
- Microfiber cloth
- Mild soap mixed with water
- Glass cleaner
- Hose
Repair procedure:
- Use a ladder to get better access to the skylight. Make sure it’s sturdy and safe before climbing up to the skylight.
- Remove any large bits of debris and dirt stuck in your skylight. Ensure the skylight can be fully closed and sealed before proceeding to the next step.
- Use a hose to clear out the dirt on your skylight and the areas surrounding the skylight.
- Scrub the lens of the skylight with a sponge soaked in the soap mixture.
- Wipe off the water with a squeegee using uniform, vertical strokes.
- Dry the skylight glass and the areas around it with a clean cloth.
- Spray on a bit of glass cleaner, and leave it for a few minutes to remove stains.
- Wipe the window dry.
Note: Make sure to follow the specific cleaning and repair procedures for your skylights if they are different from those stated above.
Applying Silicone Caulking
If the leaking skylight is caused by a weak seal between the frame and the lens, then a sealant such as a caulk must be applied to repair this gap.
Clear silicone caulk is good for filling in edges because it doesn’t shrink and stays flexible even on exterior surfaces.
Repair materials needed:
- Ladder
- Broom or brush
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Caulking gun
- Silicone caulk
- Utility knife
Repair procedure:
- Use a ladder to get better access to the skylight. Make sure it’s sturdy and safe before climbing up to repair the skylight.
- Clean out any bits of dirt and debris on your skylight and in the surrounding areas of the skylight. Then, carefully run the knife around the edges of the skylight to remove old caulk.
- Insert the caulk into the caulking gun, and cut open the nozzle with the utility knife.
- Wear safety goggles and gloves before proceeding with the repair.
- Position the caulking gun on the edge of the skylight, squeeze the trigger, and apply a steady stream of caulk all around the four edges of the skylight.
Note: Make sure to follow the user manual for your specific caulking gun if the directions are different from those stated above.
Welding or Caulking Cracks
If the holes and cracks on the skylight lens are minimal, you may be able to repair the skylight by welding/sealing.
Repair materials needed:
- Ladder
- Broom or brush
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Caulking gun
- Silicone sealant
- Utility knife
- Painter’s tape
Repair procedure:
- Use a ladder to get better access to the skylight. Make sure it’s sturdy and safe before climbing up to repair the skylight.
- Clean out any bits of dirt and debris on your skylight and in the surrounding areas of the skylight. Run your hands on the entire surface of the skylight to locate the cracks.
- Insert the sealant into the caulking gun, and cut open the nozzle with the utility knife.
- Wear safety goggles and gloves before proceeding with the repair.
- Tape off the areas around the cracks of the skylight to prevent excess sealant from spilling over.
- Position the caulking gun over the skylight cracks, squeeze the trigger, and apply the sealant.
- Remove the painter’s tape and leave the sealant to dry.
Note: Make sure to follow the user manual for your specific caulking gun if the directions are different from those stated above.
Applying Roofing Cement
When the leak is caused by roof damage, applying roofing cement may be the best repair option for your skylight. This is a multipurpose adhesive to repair holes and leaks.
Repair materials needed:
- Ladder
- Broom or brush
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Caulking gun
- Trowel or putty knife
- Roofing cement
- Utility knife
Repair procedure:
- Use a ladder to get better access to the skylight. Make sure it’s sturdy and safe before climbing up to repair the skylight.
- Clean out any bits of dirt and debris on your skylight and in the surrounding areas of the skylight. Lift the shingles near the skylight and brush off any dirt here too.
- Insert the roofing cement into the caulking gun, and cut open the nozzle with a utility knife.
- Wear safety goggles and gloves before proceeding with the repair.
- Apply cement on all visible gaps in the roof and skylight flashing. Using the trowel or putty knife, spread a layer of cement under loose parts of skylight flashing that should be fastened to the roof.
- Push down on the skylight flashing to make sure it completely adheres. Repeat on all parts of the skylight that need repairs.
Note: Make sure to follow the user manual for your specific caulking gun if the directions are different from those stated above.
Working With Official Service Providers
Although you can attempt to perform the skylight repair on your own, another option is to hire professional home services to take care of your leaking skylight.
Get the phone number of a trusted roofing company to maintain and repair roof parts.
They can fix up your broken shingles and flashing, immediately resolving your skylight leak. You can also ask them to do a complete roof inspection to check for any additional repairs.
For glass repair and services, it’s best to directly contact the manufacturer of your skylight so they can accurately assess the problem.
They’ll be happy to answer a few questions you might have on their specific glass repair and skylight repair procedures. Other services they may provide include home window tinting and protective coating application for your skylight.
To fix water damage in your home caused by a leaking skylight, consult a contractor who can perform the necessary repairs.
Skylight Replacement
With more serious skylight damage, major skylight repair and replacements have to be made.
For instance, if the skylight glass is cracked, you may have to get glass repair services or even a skylight window replacement. Old, brittle skylight frames can also be switched out for new, sturdier ones to protect the skylight. Afterward, you can opt for home window tinting for your skylight as an added layer of protection.
When all else fails, you’ll have to get an entirely new skylight to stop the skylight leak and prevent further water damage.
The good news is, some skylight repair companies may be more than willing to answer a few questions and provide free estimates upon consultation.
Step 3 - Maintenance and Prevention
Your skylight repair was a success! Now what?
To prevent future leaks and complicated skylight repairs, make sure to maintain your skylight regularly. Since skylights are directly exposed to the elements, they succumb to breakage and natural wear and tear quickly.
Just like any other vital part of your home, the skylight needs to be inspected, cleaned and strengthened to be in tip-top shape.
One of the best practices of keeping your skylight in tip-top shape is through appropriate and regular maintenance. In this section, we’ll discuss 2 ways how to maintain and protect your skylight.
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
Once every few weeks, you should check your skylight interior along with the ceiling, walls, and floors around the skylight for moisture, water stains, and other unusual changes.
Address the skylight leak as soon as possible to prevent severe water damage to your home.
You should also regularly wash the interior windows of the skylight. Notice if the glass appears foggy, and take it as a sign to do some skylight cleaning.
At least once a year, perform a thorough skylight and roof inspection to check for damages.
Remember, these could cause skylight leaks, so it’s important to repair roof cracks and holes as soon as possible. Inspect the skylight for any hairline cracks so you can get the glass repair done immediately before they worsen.
Lastly, you should also deep clean your skylight exterior, so dust and debris don’t accumulate. Make sure to clean even the hidden crevices of the skylight.
Although you can definitely do these by yourself, it may be worth hiring professional services to do the annual inspections and cleaning of your skylight.
A faulty mistake could lead to potentially damaging your skylight, which also entails a costly expense, should it require a major repair.
Besides having the expertise to perform these services, they also have the heavy-duty tools and equipment suited for your roofs and skylights.
Applying a Protective Coating
Besides regularly cleaning your skylight, you can strengthen it even more by applying a skylight sealant orgetting home window tinting for your skylight.
A skylight sealant protects the skylight’s lens from harsh acid rain and other pollutants, while home window tinting for your skylight regulates the heat from the sun, making the skylight less susceptible to cracks.
These measures may seem unnecessary, especially after shelling out money to fix it, but they help prevent a potentially more costly skylight repair in the future.
Parts of a Skylight
If you’re overwhelmed by how complicated the repair sounds, it may help if we discuss your skylight’s essential components.
A skylight is typically composed of the following parts:
Lens
The lens of the skylight—or the part you can see through—is usually made of glass or acrylic.
Glass for your skylight is a lot nicer and stronger, but acrylic is a more affordable material. Consult your skylight supplier for free estimates to figure out which type is best for you.
Frame
The frame of the skylight surrounds and protects the lens. This can be made from a variety of materials: wood, steel, plastic, etc. However, it should be durable enough to withstand different weather conditions.
Curb
A curb raises the skylight, so it’s not directly attached to the roof. Slanted roofs do not usually have a curb-mounted skylight, but flat roofs feature a curb for the skylight.
Underlayment
The underlayment creates a seal between the roof/curb and the skylight for added protection, which is usually made out of rubber.
Flashing
Placed over the underlayment and integrated with roofing materials, the flashing is one of the most important parts of the skylight. Without it, your home would be vulnerable to skylight leaks.
Check to see if these parts need repair from time to time.
What Are the Different Types of Skylights?
Deck-mounted skylights are attached directly to roofs. This type of skylight has a frame, lens, and flashing. Since this design is flush with the roofing surface, it looks trendier and more modern.
Curb-mounted skylights have a raised frame or curb, lens, flashing, and an additional rubber gasket to seal the skylight to the curb.
Skylight repair can be more difficult for deck-mounted skylights because you have to replace the whole unit, including flashing. On the other hand, if you find an issue with your curb-mounted skylight, you can usually repair the skylight without having to re-flash it.
Deck-mounted skylights are also more prone to leaks than curb-mounted skylights, so make sure these are constructed well and installed properly. You want to prevent any future repairs as much as possible.
Before purchasing a new skylight, you can always consult your supplier for free estimates. These will help you figure out which type of skylight is best for you.
What Are the Effects of Skylight Leaks?
If left unattended for too long, skylight leaks could cause serious trouble. Besides being slip hazards, they could cause rotting, molds, and damage to your walls, ceilings, and floors.
When this happens, you’ll have to pay for more costly repairs, so it’s crucial to get your skylight repair finished as soon as possible!
How Do You Diagnose Skylight Leaks?
Still unsure why the skylight is leaking? Before you attempt any of the skylight repairs above, quickly try out these tricks:
Indoor Clues
Observe where the water stains originate. This indicates where exactly the leaks are coming from—it could be from the skylight frame, the skylight opening, or it could be condensation dripping directly from the skylight lens.
Leaks from the frame usually signify a more serious problem that requires a sealant repair or other additional repairs.
Water Testing
The best way to locate the leak source is to conduct a water test on your skylight.
Try using a garden hose to spray water on the skylight surface. If water starts to drip into your home from the skylight frame, it indicates your skylight sealing needs repair.
On the other hand, if leaks occur while the water flow is directed towards the roof’s surface, then it’s most probably a flashing repair problem.
Free Estimates
Again, you can also seek help from repair companies near you. Some may even be able to offer free estimates before you hire them for a repair job!
Proper diagnosis is vital for a successful skylight repair. After all, you want an effective, long-lasting repair solution for your skylight.
Cost of a Skylight Repair
Skylight repair can be relatively inexpensive or costly, depending on your preferred repair method.
Professional skylight repairs can range from $385 to $1,150. Replacing the glass and frame, installing new flashing, and applying new seals are less expensive than complete skylight replacement, but the costs can quickly add up.
On the other hand, if you choose DIY skylight repair, you’ll just have to shoulder the repair material costs. With an average repair labor cost of around $45 an hour, you can save anywhere from $300 to $500 on the repair.
Keep in mind, though, that if you’re not careful with the repair, you may end up doing more damage to the skylight and incur more repair costs. You can always ask for free price estimates from local repair companies to assess if their skylight repair is worth it.
To Sum It Up
Now that you’ve read through our guide on how to repair a skylight, you won’t have to panic the next time you encounter leaks! Just remember these three easy steps to skylight repair:
- Before starting the repair, assess the problem. Use water testing or indoor clues to help you find the source.
- Follow safety protocols when doing your own cleaning, cementing, and caulking repair. Alternatively, hire a professional repair company.
- Regularly clean and maintain your skylight to prevent future repair.
Skylight repair might seem daunting at first, but as long as you’re equipped with the right tools and information, it doesn’t have to be too difficult.
Attempting a repair requires a lot of time, practice, and commitment to get right, so it’s essential to be patient throughout the process.
When in doubt, it’s always helpful to hire experts who can perform the repair for you.
It might be costly, but they’ll get the job done properly. You can also ask questions and learn from them so that you’re more confident the next time around.
Remember that there’s no problem with asking for help with your skylight repair project.
Final Thoughts
Whether you use this guide to perform your own skylight repair or gain a better understanding of how a skylight works, we hope you find the best repair solution to your problem.
If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below!
