No matter how professionally done your skylight installation is, and that you used the best quality products possible, there’s always the chance that the skylight will need repairs. With it being on the roof of your home, it is open to the elements of the weather every day.
Even though you can control where you install the skylight, so it is protected as much as possible, you cannot control the weather or anything else that could damage the skylight.
Here are the different reasons why your skylight might need fixing, and what to do about it. As always though, it’s best to let professionals do the work with a skylight, so you do not wreck it or your roof.
Leakage
If you notice you have a leak around the skylight, there could be many possibilities as to why this is happening. For starters, it could be condensation forming inside during cold weather. It could also be coming from a roof leak unrelated to your skylight. It just so happens that the leak seeped its way to the skylight.
First, start by cleaning the skylight and the area around it. You’ll then be able to examine the area for any cuts and gaps in the seam and flashing which could be from an improper installation. If you can’t see anything, you can always gently pour water on the skylight to reproduce the leak and see where it’s coming from.
Depending on where the leak is, you may need to either see off the gaps with roof cement, use silicone caulking to seal around the skylight lens or replace the metal flashing around the skylight.
Cracked Window
If there is a crack in the window of the skylight, that becomes a hazard. Not only does it allow water to leak through, it compromises the integrity of the skylight. Also, a crack allows air to seep in and out, meaning it would cause problems for regulating the temperature in the room below.
Depending on the severity of the crack, you a may be able to fix it with an epoxy sealant. Simply clean the glass before applying the sealant to the crazy. Spread it smooth and let it dry before testing it out.
If the crack is quite significant though, you may need to replace the glass altogether.
Replacing a Skylight
If you find there is quite a bit of damage to your skylight, or it’s time to update it, you’ll need to replace the skylight completely. Before you begin, make sure you follow all safety precautions, like wearing gloves, goggles, and any fall-protection equipment needed.
You’ll have to use a pry bar to remove the shingles around the area of the skylight. Make sure to keep them though to install again later on. Continue to pry the old skylight out with a helper. With this step, you want to be careful that you don’t break any part of the skylight which could cause it to fall. Also, you want to ensure that you don’t damage your roof and compromise its integrity.
Having a professional replace the skylight is the best option. They can ensure that the skylight is replaced correctly so that you have nothing to worry about.
