Skylight leaks are a nuisance for heating, cooling, and the structural integrity of your home. The sun shines through windows, and skylights illuminate the warm air inside your house. This warm air then rises to the ceiling, where it cools and condenses into droplets on any surface cooler than its surroundings. Because these droplets form on cooler surfaces, they can quickly accumulate around windows, skylights, and window sills that have ice buildup from winter weather. Fortunately, we have a few tips on how to prevent skylight leaks so nothing enters your home.
Inspect Skylights for Leaks and Replace or Repair Rubber Sealant
A loose or damaged rubber sealant causes the most common leaks on the skylight frame. These tears in the sealant can allow water to enter the frame. Also, leaks around the perimeter of the skylight frame can contribute to water damage inside your home. Remove all leaves, dirt, or debris on your roof, then use a ladder to examine your skylight. Look for any signs of discoloration, ripples, or holes in the sealant and if you see any, make repairs immediately by replacing the loose or damaged rubber.
If you do not apply enough sealant on them, they may be able to leak into your home or business. Ensure you read the directions carefully before you seal your skylight to avoid putting too much sealant on it. If your skylight is larger than 12×12, you may have to hire professional roofers in Bethlehem, PA with a heavy-duty gun and extra sealant just for large skylights.
Pay Attention to Roofing Shingles
Skylight leaks can be caused by worn, loose, or missing roofing shingles. If you have shingle problems, you must replace the roof immediately. However, replacing the entire roof is unnecessary if you can use a patch kit and put some new caulk around the perimeter of the skylight. Newer roofs often come with a caulking strip that can be used to fill in any gaps.
Inspect The Brackets and Screws Anchoring The Skylights
When installing your skylight, ensure it’s properly anchored using screws and brackets. When installing any window, ensure it has proper support in the middle of the window that is larger than 12×12 in size. If not, it could fall through your ceiling. Skylights are especially heavy and can be hard to install without proper support from brackets or screws, as well as help from trusted roofing contractors in Blue Bell, PA.
Use a Skylight Fan
Skylights will allow heat and light into your home, but they can also let in things like rain and leaves. A professional roofer can install a skylight fan to help keep wind-driven rain and snow out of the opening while letting air circulate through the room. If you want additional protection from the elements, a skylight screen may also be a good option. That will prevent leaves, insects, and bugs from flying into the opening and causing problems in your home or yard.
Skylight leaks in your home can be one of the most frustrating and difficult issues for homeowners to deal with. Make sure to hire a professional to inspect your skylight for leaks and replace or repair rubber sealant, a flashing, and a flush-mounted cover to prevent leaks.