There are two types of homeowners: those who loves skylights and those who don’t. And the ones who don’t may have some crazy horror stories about leaking skylights.
There are many people out there that assume skylights always leak and most of the time it’s because they had a bad experience. But there are plenty of homeowners who love their skylights and never have any problems. If you’re considering installing a skylight (or two) in your roof, here’s how to prevent a bad experience.
The majority of leaking skylights are caused by bad installations. Make sure you find someone with the right experience to install your skylight, just as you would research the right people to repair or replace your roof! After you’ve found someone who specializes in skylight installations, double check their reviews and references to gain confidence in their work. If a skylight is flashed properly, it will not leak. That’s why doing your due diligence and finding the right contractors is essential when considering a skylight for your home.
Hiring someone local to install your skylight can make a big difference when it comes to a proper installation. Every region will have different factors to consider. For example, the Pacific Northwest gets a lot of rain, so it’s important to ensure that water can properly drain away from the skylight and off the roof to prevent leaks and damage.
Skylights need a lot less maintenance than windows, but should still be maintained. A good rule of thumb is to have your skylight maintained as often as your roof! Any leaves or debris that collects around your skylight, especially around the flashing, should be removed so that water can properly drain away. Having your skylight inspected and maintained regularly will greatly reduce the need for roof repairs from damaged flashing.
Sometimes, a skylight could be leaking from condensation. This is when water from inside your home collects on and around the skylight and drips back down. Rooms with excessive moisture, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms, are prone to condensation, as well as single-glazed skylights. Condensation means that there’s no damage that needs to repaired, and extra ventilation will solve the problem.
If condensation is not the reason for your leaking skylight, then it’s best to call a professional to get it fixed, especially if it’s because of a bad installation or damaged flashing. Some homeowners may try to temporarily fix the problem by using silicone caulk around the glass, but an improper repair could make the situation more costly to fix later on.
Having problems with a leaking skylight? IBEX Roof is here to help! We are highly experienced when it comes to installing and repairing skylights. Call us today to go over the best solution for your home so that you will love your skylight once again, instead of viewing it as a leaky burden!