Leaking Skylights - Why Inspections are Important What to Know
Skylights are a beautiful addition to any home. They allow natural light to fill dark rooms, add a stylish element to your roof’s architecture, and save on electricity costs too. Although they have these benefits and several others, skylights are prone to one major downside—leaking. This is especially true if you live in an area that is prone to rain, and it can often lead to major damages in your home if not addressed immediately!
Understanding the many causes of a skylight leak, how to spot them, and what to do when it needs repairing will help you prevent and fix such issues before it becomes potentially dangerous and causes permanent damage.
Causes of leaking skylights
1. Aberrant weather conditions
Areas that have naturally heavy rains or are prone to storms can cause damage to a skylight. Cracks can form on the surface, allowing water to seep into your house.
2. Blocked weep holes & faulty insulation
You can expect some condensation on your skylight, especially when the weather is cold. However, condensation that doesn’t dissipate or appears even on days when there’s no rain or snow is an indication of two issues: blocked weep holes or not enough insulation.
3. Damaged flashing
Flashing is like the glue that seals the skylight to your roof. When it starts to break down over time, cracks may appear and cause leaks along the edges of the skylight.
4. Faulty installation
Leaks that appear soon after getting your skylight are likely due to improper installation and should be resolved by your roofing contractor.
Risks and dangers of a leaking skylight
1. Water in the house
Leaks from your skylight that drips onto floors can cause people to slip. It can also damage furniture and electrical appliances, with the latter being especially dangerous, as it can lead to fires.
2. Weakened structural integrity of your home
Leaks don’t only damage the skylight itself and the surrounding roof. Water can seep into walls and break down their structural integrity, especially if you have wood finishings.
3. Mold
Houses with a lot of wood are especially prone to mold infestations if water gets into the wrong places. Leaking skylights can promote the growth of mold in your house, causing damage to your home and health. Everyone is at risk for developing diseases and other medical issues if the leak isn’t addressed immediately.
4. Wood and paint damage
Wood that absorbs water can warp, forever ruining its structure and look. This can be both unsightly and dangerous, especially for the wood in your roof, which can collapse and possibly hurt somebody.
Water can also ruin a good paint job, causing it to peel off or bubble. A painted wall that has been soaked in water for too long will likely require a complete dismantling and an even more expensive paint job.
The Bottom Line: Prevention and Maintenance
Skylight leaks are a risky business, and preventing them will ensure you and your family’s safety. Doing so will also preserve the fixtures within your home and keep them from being ruined.
Regularly inspecting your skylight is good practice to make sure you spot any problems early on. Better yet, call in a highly trained professional to check for potential problems and perform maintenance checks on your skylight; your roof, furniture, and health and safety will thank you for it!
Are you looking for a roofing contractor that handles skylight leak repairs? At Texas Certified Roofing, we offer full-service residential and commercial roof repairs in Houston. To view our services, visit our website today!







