Skylights are a desirable feature for your home, adding value and atmosphere. However, aging or improperly installed skylights can leak and cause costly home damage, if neglected. Leaking skylights should be examined and repaired immediately, either by the homeowner or a trusted roofing contractor, such as Van Martin Roofing.
Examining a skylight leak
When you notice indicators of a leak, such as water stains on the ceiling or puddles on the floor, examine the leak to determine its source. Begin by ensuring that your skylight is fully closed and that the water seals are in good condition. Also, look behind the skylight for any debris, ice, or snow that may be blocking the flow of water and reverting it under roof shingles, causing a leak. If you have water stains surrounding the skylight, notice where the stain starts. If it starts near the top of the skylight, examine the outside flashing surrounding the skylight. If the stain starts at the bottom of the skylight, the leak could be due to excessive condensation. Examine the condensation channel, which is the part of the skylight that is designed to catch excess condensation and allow it to evaporate. Look for clogs or damage, resulting in condensation build-up. Examine your roofing as well, looking for damage to vent flashing or other roof penetrations. A leak in these locations can travel to an indoor skylight opening, causing a leak.Tips for repairing a skylight leak
If you’re unable to fix the leak easily—for example, by removing debris—then determine whether you have the expertise to repair the leak. If you do not feel comfortable conducting the repair, contact a trusted Dayton, Ohio roofing contractor. If the water seals are damaged, you will either have to reseal the glass or have the entire skylight replaced. If the flashing surrounding the skylight has deteriorated, you will need to replace the surrounding shingles, repair or replace the flashing, and use an all-weather, durable roofing cement to seal off any places that are leaking or look prone to leaking—for example, nail heads, seams, or cracks. Also, be sure to remove old, brittle caulking that could have cracks and holes, enabling leaks. For assistance with skylight installation or repair, contact Van Martin Roofing at 937-222-7855 or through the Van Martin website. Van Martin Roofing is a certified, locally owned roofing contractor with the expertise and experience to handle all of your Dayton, Ohio roofing needs.