A leaking skylight is no joke. In addition to water leaking into the house and collecting all over the floor, there are additional stress on the ceiling and walls and the risk of mould. Before repairing a leak, make sure it’s not just condensation. Follow these simple steps to find the leak and fix it as soon as possible.
Note: Before repairing a leak, check that it is not just condensation. If the leak only occurs at certain times of the year, it’s probably not related to the window itself. In winter, for example, ice or snow can prevent water from draining off the roof and instead of flowing under the ceiling tiles surrounding the skylight. This often happens in rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms and in colder climates, especially if it is a single hung skylight.
Step 1 – Check for Signs
After inspecting the skylight:
- Climb the roof with a ladder and inspect the outside of the roof.
- Remove leaves and debris from the skylight, and when you’re done, check for cracks in the flashings and pay attention to wear and tear (they should fit tightly and show no signs of cracking).
- Check for raised or cracked seams and small holes.
- Look around the perimeter for raised or missing threads.
Step 2 – Replacing the Throttle
Tighten the brackets holding the sunroof to the sunroof with an appropriately sized screwdriver. Then lift it and move it out of the way. Using a scraper, slowly remove the roof vents and trim—seal cracks in the roof boards with a clear silicone sealant. Spread a bead over the crack and smooth it out with your fingertip. Then apply a new sealing tape to the skylight. Start with a downward slope and press firmly around the edge to hold it in place.
Step 3 – Applying the Tar
Put on thick work gloves to protect your hands and start applying the sealant around the window. Ensure to cover the outside walls of the skylight, paying particular attention to corners and metal or wood shutters. Apply the tar at 20 cm intervals in all directions, making sure any loose slates are lifted up and then lay the tar under them to hold them in place. Spread the tar on the surface of the curved boards as well.
Step 4 – Finishing
Apply a clear coat of silicone between the guide compound and the outside of the rim. Now place the roof cover over the window. Apply a drop of silicone to each hole before screwing in the screws. Screw the screws back in, but be careful not to overtighten them. Apply more sealant to the screw heads and rub a little on any cracks outside the cover.
It’s no wonder that skylights are a fabulous addition to a home, especially in rooms with few windows. They provide plenty of natural light and views of the outdoor environment. But to install a skylight, you’ll need to cut a hole in the ceiling. If the metal bracket around the skylight is not appropriately installed, the rain will run down the roof’s slope to the edge of the skylight and eventually leak into the house. It is crucial to go to the roof and reseal the edges to prevent leaks in your home. These steps should help avoid the sunroof from leaking. But you should also check for other damage while you’re on the roof and make repairs before problems become more serious. Are you looking for experts to install or repair your skylights? Get in touch with the professionals at Daylight Skylights! With meticulous attention to detail and using the latest techniques, they will fix your damaged skylight in no time!
