How to Repair a Leaking Sky Light
Homeowners often install skylights to bring more natural light into their homes. While skylights can be unique additions to any space, many homeowners don't think about problems that can happen at the time of installation. Leaks, cracks and improper installation often cause skylights to drip. Many small skylight problems can be fixed on your own, but professional help is usually needed for major leaks. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Determine whether there is a leak. Some skylights in bathrooms or other moist areas appear to have leaks when they are actually dripping because of condensation. Install fans or open windows in moist rooms to see if the dripping stops. Proceed to Step 2 if the problem continues.
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2
Remove any debris that is blocking the flashing. The flashing is the metal attached to the skylight's edges; it exists beneath the shingles and is designed to drain water from the area between the skylight and the shingles. Remove the shingles from around the skylight and use a brush or scraper to pull out any debris such as leaves that are clogging the flashing.
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3
Check the flashing for holes and cracks. Fill a caulking gun with roofing cement or other silicone repair product and fill any holes or cracks with the cement. Press the tip of the caulk gun into the space between the underside of the flashing and the surface of the roof to reattach the shingles. Press the shingles back into place to seal them.
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4
Examine the seal between the skylight's glass and the flashing. Fill any leaks with the silicone caulk.
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5
Check the skylight's dome for damage, especially if a skylight leaks suddenly when you do not usually have problems. Look for any cracks in the dome. Replace the dome if it is damaged.
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6
Call a professional if these steps do not fix the leak. Skylight leaks can be difficult to diagnose, so professional roofers are often needed to fix problems.
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Tips & Warnings
Skylight repairs can be difficult. If you are not comfortable doing roof repairs on your own, call a professional.
If your skylight has always had leak problems, it may have been installed incorrectly. Call a roofing company if your problem has been going on from the beginning.
Caulking a skylight is usually a temporary solution that will last for a few years. Professional help will probably be necessary at some point.
Never work on a wet roof: slipping can happen easily.
References
- Photo Credit skylight image by Scott Williams from Fotolia.com
