How to Repair Or Replace a Skylight

Sun rays shining into your room through a skylight bring the ultimate freshness to your house. However, it is time to take action when this roof accessory shows signs of wear and tear. 

Whether you are going for a skylight repair or replacing it, following this guide can immensely help. From types of skylights to common repairing ideas, we will cover everything you need to know. 

So without delaying further, let’s get started.  

What are Skylights?

Skylights are almost similar to sunroofs in your home. However, there is an additional flashing that keeps leakages at bay. In fact, the modern versions of skylights also come with channels for quick condensation draining. 

The primary purpose of this roof accessory is to provide additional light and ventilation. Skylights come in multiple shapes and sizes and are typically made from glass or translucent material. You can commonly spot them in both residential and commercial buildings. 

Types of Skylights 

For skylight repair, you must first know its type and how it works. Typically there are two types which we will discuss below. 

• Vented Skylights 

This type of skylight is popularly known as an openable skylight. It could be your ultimate solution for brightening up your home. At the same time, you can also maintain your privacy while humidity levels stay under control. 

Vented skylights are much different from traditional ones as you can open them just like a window. It is more common to install it on sloped roofs, typically in attics, so you can reach it to open it. 

• Fixed Skylights 

Fixed skylights will be perfect if you want to bring natural light into your home. Although it lets sunshine inside, this type of skylight does not have the added benefit of being open. Moreover, you will find it typically on towering ceilings. Hence, repairing a skylight might take extra equipment and professional help. 

Chances are high that you may not need to replace or repair it soon, thanks to a natural lifespan of 8 to 15 years. 

What Leads to a Skylight Leak?

If you spot water dripping from the skylight, it could be due to two significant reasons. There are some issues with the flashing, or the culprit is the pane itself. 

Fixed skylights are more susceptible to bigger leakages among the two types, as it is nearly impossible to detect minor issues. On the other hand, you can quickly spot the fault in openable skylights and fix it promptly. Moreover, fixed skylights can get damaged around the junction of the flashing and roof, leading to leakages more often. 

How to Detect the Reason Behind a Leaky Skylight?

Before you decide on replacing a skylight, it is better to determine if repairing could work. It will save a lot of your money. Here are some of the things you can do to fix this issue: 

• Ensure that you have closed the skylight during rainy days as the water could seep inside and take the form of leakage.
• Check if there’s any debris between the hinge and the edge of the skylight. You can restore the waterproof seal to block the leakage by cleaning it properly. 
• Look for a rubber gasket that surrounds the frame of the skylight. Replace it if it is damaged, as it might be the reason behind the pooling of water. 
• Also, inspect the flashing around the skylight for any issues and repair them quickly. 
• Accumulating dust inside the skylight’s weep holes could also lead to leakages. You should check if unblocking them resolves the issue. 

3 Common Skylight Leak Repairing Ideas

Spotting a leakage means you should take prompt action for skylight repair. Here are some of the things you can do: 

• Seal Leaking Parts 

There is a seal on the skylight that prevents water from entering inside. However, it may deteriorate with time, and you must replace it to fix the problem. It is pretty simple to repair this issue with silicone caulking. You can quickly stick it on any leaking area around the skylight. You can seal the silicone around the roofing cement if the flashing is a problem. 

• Replace the Flashing 

We highly recommend putting your money in a high-quality skylight as it always comes with properly installed flashing. In that case, you are less likely to face any costly skylight repair in the future. However, if you think the flashing is damaged, go for its replacement without a second thought. 

It is crucial to install it properly to prevent further leakages. For that purpose, you must hire a professional roofer. Although it might cost you a bit higher, it would be worth it in the long term. 

• Maintain Insulation 

You must ensure that the skylight provides insulation for warm air. Lack of it can lead to escaping the air from your house. It might cause a difference in humidity levels, eventually forming condensation on the glass. These water droplets might accumulate to form a heavy leakage. 

How to Replace the Skylight?

The above-repairing ideas would most probably resolve the issue. However, it is better to opt for a replacement in case of a cracked skylight. If you consider saving money by neglecting this issue, prepare for a bigger problem. 

A cracked skylight can lead to multiple safety hazards, especially if the region is prone to extreme winds. It will only get worse over time. Hence you should take timely action. You must call a professional roofer to do the job safely. 

Wrapping Up 

In conclusion, replacing or repairing a skylight might be challenging unless you know how to do it properly. As long as it is a minor issue, you can only fix it yourself. However, getting quotes from a professional roofing company is better for bigger tasks like replacing a skylight. It is crucial to ensure safety and long-term work. 

We hope following our tips; you will be able to have your functioning and leak-free skylight in no time.