Skylights can be a beautiful addition to any home, allowing natural light to brighten up your living space. But when a skylight starts to leak, that beauty quickly turns into a frustrating problem. A leaking skylight can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even structural issues if left unchecked. Fortunately, a skilled skylight repair contractor can help diagnose the issue and fix it before it becomes a major headache.
If you’re wondering why your skylight is leaking, here are some of the most common causes and how we at Resistance Exteriors can help.
Common Causes of Skylight Leaking
Poor Installation
One of the top reasons skylights leak is improper installation. If your skylight wasn’t installed correctly, gaps may allow water to seep through. Over time, even small leaks can cause major damage to your ceiling and walls. A professional skylight repair contractor can inspect your skylight and determine if faulty installation is to blame. If needed, we can reinstall it properly to ensure a watertight seal.
Damaged or Worn Flashing
Flashing is a protective material, typically metal or rubber, that seals the edges of your skylight where it connects to the roof. When flashing becomes cracked, corroded, or improperly sealed, it creates an entry point for water to leak into your home. This is especially common in older skylights where the flashing has deteriorated due to exposure to the elements. A skylight repair contractor can replace damaged flashing to restore your skylight’s protection.
Cracked or Broken Skylight Glass
Extreme weather, falling debris, or even years of wear and tear can cause skylight glass to crack. Even small cracks can allow water to seep through, leading to interior leaks. If you notice cracks in your skylight, it’s essential to call a skylight repair contractor as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the damage, we may recommend repairing or replacing the glass.
Clogged or Faulty Drainage Systems
Some skylights have built-in drainage channels to direct water away from the edges. If these channels become clogged with dirt, leaves, or debris, water can pool around the skylight and eventually leak into your home. As a skylight repair contractor, we can clean out clogged drainage systems and ensure proper water flow.
Roof Issues Around the Skylight
Sometimes, the problem isn’t the skylight itself but the roof surrounding it. Leaks around the skylight can often be traced to damaged shingles, missing tiles, or deteriorated roofing materials rather than the skylight itself. A professional skylight repair contractor will assess the entire area and make necessary repairs to both the roof and skylight to prevent future leaks.
Condensation Build-Up
During colder months, the warm air inside your home rises and meets the cooler surface of the skylight, causing condensation to form. This can result in water droplets that may resemble leaks. While condensation isn’t technically a leak, it can still cause mold and water damage over time. Proper ventilation and insulation around your skylight can help reduce condensation, and a skylight repair contractor can advise you on the best solutions.
Aging and Wear Over Time
Like any part of your home, skylights don’t last forever. If your skylight is more than 10-15 years old, it may simply be reaching the end of its lifespan. Seals can degrade, materials can weaken, and general wear and tear can make leaks more likely. If your skylight is aging, we can assess whether repairs will be enough or if a replacement is the best option.
How We Can Help
At Resistance Exteriors, we understand how frustrating and damaging a leaking skylight can be. As an experienced skylight repair contractor, we specialize in identifying and fixing leaks quickly and efficiently.
- Thorough Inspections: We’ll assess your skylight to determine the exact cause of the leak.
- Expert Repairs: From sealing leaks to replacing damaged glass, we handle all types of skylight repairs.
- Preventative Maintenance: We can perform regular maintenance to extend the life of your skylight and prevent future issues.
- Full Skylight Replacement: If your skylight is beyond repair, we offer high-quality replacement options to restore the beauty and function of your home.
Contact Us Today
Don’t let a leaking skylight turn into a costly problem. If you’re dealing with water damage or suspect an issue with your skylight, reach out to a trusted skylight repair contractor today. Resistance Exteriors is here to help homeowners in Delafield, WI, with all their skylight repair needs. Call us at (262) 951-0875 to schedule an inspection and get your skylight back in top shape!
