Skylight Leaks When It Rains? Here’s How to Fix It

Skylights can be wonderful rooftop installations, especially for rooms without many other windows. When they work properly, they let in natural light and give you a great view of the starry night sky.  

But when it rains or snows, you might discover your skylight is letting in water, mold spores, and cold air. A leaky skylight can quickly turn into a serious problem and possibly lead to roof or floor damage, so knowing how to fix the issue quickly is key. 

Today, we’ll explore the possible causes of skylight leaks and how to fix a skylight with the help of our capable roofing contractors in Texas at Stonewater Roofing.  

Is your skylight dripping from a leak or condensation?

When you notice water dripping from your skylight, one of the first things to check is whether it’s caused by a true leak or by condensation. 

Condensation inside a skylight can often look like a leak, but it’s actually due to water vapor forming on the glass surface of the skylight and eventually dripping down – particularly in the winter. When you warm up your home’s interior, that warm air rises, collides with your skylight’s cold surfaces, and causes water to collect there. Sooner or later, it drips back down. 

This unwelcome condensation is very common on windows, especially those in rooms with high humidity, like bathrooms or kitchens. If you think condensation dripping from the skylight is the culprit instead of external leaks, there are a couple of simple solutions to address it: 

1. Use a dehumidifier. Placing a dehumidifier in the room can help to reduce the moisture level in the air, which in turn reduces condensation on the skylight. 

2. Clear the weep holes. Skylights are typically installed with small drainage holes called “weep holes” on the frame that allow condensation to escape. Over time, these holes can get clogged with dirt or debris. Checking and clearing these weep holes can often resolve the issue by letting the condensation drain away instead of collecting and dripping inside. 

But what if your skylight is still dripping, and you’re confident it’s not from condensation? It might indeed be due to a leak – and there are solutions for you to pursue. 

Common causes of a leaking skylight 

Several issues can lead to water seeping in through or around a skylight, particularly if it or your roof is on the older side. Let’s look at a few examples: 

• Worn weatherstripping: Over time, the weatherstripping that seals the edges of the skylight can deteriorate, allowing water to seep through. In addition, worn weatherstripping might let cold air in, reducing your home’s energy efficiency. 

• Improper seals: If the skylight’s seals weren’t properly installed or have broken down over time, water can find its way through gaps around the skylight. 

• Faulty roof flashing: Flashing is the metal material installed around the skylight to direct water away from it (and away from the rest of the roof). Broken, bent, or improperly installed flashing can easily lead to leaks, as well as other roof damage. 

• Holes or cracks in the skylight: Occasionally, skylights may have tiny cracks or damage that lets water in, especially after years of exposure to the elements. 

Once you identify the underlying cause, you’ll have a better idea of how to fix a leaking skylight, whether by addressing the weatherstripping, flashing, or other components. 

How to fix a leaking skylight

Just like a leaky roof, a leaking skylight can be a major hassle, especially if it’s leaking water into your home during the stormiest, wettest months of the year. Fortunately, fixing a skylight leak won’t take too long with the right contractors helping out. 

Contact contractors for an inspection

If you’re experiencing leaks from your home’s skylight, the first and safest step is to contact a licensed residential roofing contractor to assess the damage. While it might be tempting to climb up and inspect it yourself, skylight repairs should only be done by professionals. 

Licensed contractors are trained to inspect skylights and identify whether the issue stems from weatherstripping, flashing, or a damaged skylight frame. They’ll also have the right equipment to safely inspect the roof without risking personal injury (especially in the winter, when snow and ice can make rooftop work more hazardous). 

Professional inspections ensure that the correct problem is identified from the start, potentially saving you money on unneeded repairs. They can also provide a reliable assessment of whether it’s more cost-effective to repair or replace the skylight. 

Replace weatherstripping or other faulty parts 

In some cases, your roofing contractor may find that the weatherstripping or seals around your skylight are simply worn out, resulting in gaps or holes around the frame. Replacing weatherstripping is often enough to fix minor leaks and can restore the original seal, keeping out moisture and ensuring the skylight remains leak-free. 

Other small parts, such as screws or minor flashing components, may also need replacement. Licensed contractors can handle these repairs quickly and safely, usually without needing to remove the entire skylight. Addressing these small flaws can often prolong the life of your skylight for several more years. 

Replace the skylight 

Sometimes, the only solution for a severely leaking skylight is to replace it entirely. Large cracks in glass panes or warping around the skylight frame may lead to leaks when it rains, especially during heavy rainfall; these damages can’t easily be fixed with silicone caulking or other minor repairs. 

Most skylights have a lifespan of about 20 years, so if yours is older, it may be time for a replacement. Newer skylight models also come with better sealing technology and improved energy efficiency, which can reduce the risk of leaks and lower your heating and cooling bills. 

If your skylight was installed by a local roofing company, check if it’s still under warranty. Many skylights come with warranties that cover replacement costs for a set period. In that case, you can work with the original installer to ensure the new skylight is installed correctly, reducing the likelihood of future leaks for an affordable price. 

Contact our local roofing contractors today

Skilled contractors can fix a leaking skylight quickly and capably, minimizing disruption in your home. At Stonewater Roofing, we have decades of experience, and our GAF Master Elite-certified contractors are just the experts you should trust to inspect and repair your leaking roof or skylight. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our residential roofing services!