How to Reseal a Skylight
The majority of leaks that develop around modern skylights are actually due to problems with the flashing, the sheets of metal that connect the skylight to the rest of the roof and seal the gaps. While a permanent solution to a leaky skylight involves completely reinstalling the flashing and is better left to a professional, you can make a temporary repair yourself using roofing cement. Always use caution when working on the roof. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- Small brush
- Caulk gun
- Tube of roof cement
- Utility knife or scissors
- Bricks or similar weights
Instructions
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1
Make sure that the water you find is actually coming from outside. Water held as humidity in the air can condense on the cooler surface of the skylight window, especially in bathrooms.
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2
Fold back the shingles surrounding the side of the skylight that is leaking, making sure not to crease or permanently bend them. Use a brush to remove any debris like dirt, old leaves or shingle pieces from around the L-shaped flashing.
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3
Insert the tube of roof cement into the caulk gun with the pointed tip of the tube pointed away from the gun's trigger. Snip off the plastic tip of the cement tube.
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4
Wedge the tip of the roofing cement tube between the layer of shingles that overlap the flashing and the thick, black tar paper beneath.
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5
Squeeze the trigger of the caulk gun to apply a uniform layer of roofing cement along the side of the edge of the flashing. Do not constantly pump the trigger of the caulk gun. Apply steady pressure to the trigger and squeeze until it reaches the end; this will result in a more uniform application.
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6
Fold the shingles back to their original position, making sure that they alternately overlap as they originally did.
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7
Examine the joint where the glass of the skylight meets the wood or plastic that holds it. Seal any opening that you can see with the roofing cement for a temporary fix. Repairing a leak in this area usually requires replacing the window.
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Tips & Warnings
Place heavy bricks or similar weights along the resealed edge to help the shingles and flashing stay in place while the roofing cement dries.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
