Skylight Leaks After New Roof

In between the glass and the frame this happens from a worn or weathered seal in the skylight itself.

Skylight leaks after new roof.

If the skylight leak is at the roof flashing it may be possible to make temporary repairs using roof flashing cement around the perimeter of the unit. Replace or repair the metal flashing around the frame of the skylight. Another good measure we like to do is install a ice water barrier around the light before installing the flashings. In between the frame and the roof this is a roof problem.

When the warm moist room air reaches the cold glazing of the skylight it condenses and drips down. Depending on the location of the leak you may need to. Remove debris make sure your roof valleys are clear of debris re shingle valleys valleys may need to be reshingled with new ice and water shield put in place. A skylight in a humid room such as a bathroom can drip moisture it appears to be a leak but it isn t.

If you have a roof leak that appears to be at the skylight the first thing to do is rule out condensation as the source. Installation issues are usually the culprit for leaking roofs that are relatively new. Then lift the roof shingles away from the edges of the skylight so you can access the flashing. Use roofing cement can or tube to seal any gaps or holes in the flashing.

These skylight leaks should not be blamed on faulty product design although at some leaky skylights we find a combination of multiple failures. Now if you have a newer roof and new skylight and it leaks most of the time what we see then is the roofer did not install the flashing properly. A roofing contractor doesn t need to be threatened in order to fix a roof leak any more than you need to sit in a corner until you pay that overdue light bill. Leaks at skylights left unattended can lead to costly structural damage rotted roof sheathing rotted roof framing and wet moldy insulation as well.

Apply 100 silicone caulking tube to seal leaks around the skylight lens. Seal flashing around a leaking skylight. Sealants may just have to be added to stop the leaking. Use a putty knife to add a layer of roofing cement in the gap between the edge of the flashing and the roofing.

Most skylights made these days have flashing kits that need to be installed correctly. Your best approach to a leak with your new roof is calm confidence rather than melodramatic mayhem. Either the skylight wasn t installed correctly or the flashing and seal around it have become worn.