Skylights are a great way to allow natural
light to fill your home. However, they are notorious for leaks since it can be
difficult to seal them and they are coming in direct contact with rain, as
opposed to windows that are on the side of your house. If you have noticed a
leak coming from your skylight, you may be wondering why your skylight is
leaking. Continue reading for several reasons why your skylight may be leaking.
Improper
Install
The installation of a skylight is very
meticulous and requires attention to detail. To install a skylight, a hole has
to be cut in the roof, and have a window fit into it. If the window is not
fitted properly, this leaves the skylight susceptible to leaks. To prevent
having a skylight improperly installed, it's extremely important to hire a
reputable and skilled contractor.
Damaged
Flashing
Flashing is the metal roofing material that is
used to prevent leaks. Over time, flashing will deteriorate or corrode which
will cause leaks. Luckily flashing can easily be replaced to improve the
integrity of your roof and skylight. There could also be a gap between your
skylight and the flashing which is leading to the leaks. For any gaps, roof
cement can be used to fill them.
Lack of
Caulking
All windows should be sealed in between the
glass and the frame as well as between the frame and the roof. If there is a
leak between the glass and the frame, caulk could be the solution.
Poor
Insulation
A lack of insulation
can lead to condensation on your skylight's glass. Condensation occurs when
warm air from inside rises and touches the glass while it is at a lower
temperature due to the lower temperature outside. Poor insulation can also cause
rain to come in.
Condensation
Other than a difference in temperature inside
and outside the home, there are several causes of condensation. Debris could
have damaged the material surrounding the skylight allowing condensation to
seep inside. If there are cracks in any of the joints and corners of the
skylight or damaged weather stripping, condensation can appear.
If you think you may have a leak in your
skylight, it's time to call a roofing contractor. Here at ARAC Roof It Forward,
we offer a free video roof inspection so we can diagnose
the problem. After the inspection, we will show you the damage, review your
repair options, and provide a cost estimate. Schedule your free video
inspection today.
