Is Your Skylight Leaking?
Here’s How to Fix It Before It Gets Worse! Skylights bring natural light and ventilation into your home, but over time, they wear down, leak, or crack. If your skylight is dripping, showing discoloration, or causing excessive heat buildup, it’s time to act! Should you repair or replace it? This guide will help you make the right decision, avoid costly mistakes, and extend your skylight’s lifespan. Should you observe discoloration on the ceiling or drips on the floor, you will know that your skylight isn’t working properly. Depending on age, replacing the skylight rather than doing a repair could be the solution. This advice will assist a homeowner in deciding whether to repair a recently installed reasonably fresh skylight or to replace an old one with a new one.
3 Skylight Types: Which One is Right for Your Home?
Fixed
Similar to traditional windows, this skylight is installed directly onto the roof, offering natural light and a unique view of the sky, seamlessly integrating with the roofing structure for aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Vented
Vented skylights offer adjustable ventilation in homes, allowing fresh air to enter through a manually operated crank and latch system or an automated electric motor. This feature provides both natural light and air flow control, enhancing indoor air quality and comfort.
Tubular
A tubular skylight, characterized by its compact, dome-shaped design, efficiently channels sunlight into smaller, dimly lit spaces, effectively brightening them. This type of skylight is an excellent solution for illuminating confined areas where natural light is desired but traditional options are impractical.
Common Skylight Repairs & How to Fix Them Fast
Leaks
If a skylight leak is found, it might only indicate that the flashing needs to be serviced rather than necessitating a replacement. Maintaining a tight seal is crucial because the flashing, which overlaps the skylight and the roof, is necessary to transfer water to the shingles during rainy seasons. Call for assistance right away if you notice a leak, since it may cause water damage to the nearby drywall and surrounding area.
Discoloration
Discoloration can mean one of two things: either the skylight needs to be cleaned, or it needs to be reglazed due to aging or UV radiation exposure. If reglazing doesn’t solve the issue, a replacement skylight may be necessary.
Excess Heat & Light
If standing under your skylight feels as intense as being in direct sunlight, it might be time to consider reglazing. Proper reglazing can significantly reduce the penetration of harmful UV rays and the buildup of heat, enhancing the comfort and safety of your indoor environment.
Should You Repair or Replace? A Homeowner’s Guide
Replacements
When a Repair Is Enough:
- Small leaks? Seal them with professional-grade caulking.
- Minor discoloration? Clean or reglaze to restore clarity.
- Flashing issues? Fix seals to prevent further damage.
When Replacement Is the Best Option:
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- Cracks or fractures? Compromises structural integrity—replace ASAP.
- Puddles forming below? A major leak means full replacement is needed.
- Older than 15 years? Upgrading ensures energy efficiency & longevity.
Repairs
- Temporary solutions for issues
- For small issues like cracked window panes, flashing issues, or other issues, repairs are most effective.
- Depending on the kind and complexity of the repair, the price may range from $500 to $700.
Damage
The severity of damage to your skylight determines if it can be repaired or if a full replacement is necessary. Minor issues may require simple fixes, while significant damage might mean it’s time for a new skylight to ensure your home remains secure and energy-efficient.
Leaks
Small leaks producing minimal drips can often be fixed with caulking. However, if you notice puddles forming beneath your skylight, this could indicate a more serious issue, suggesting that a replacement might be necessary to prevent further damage.
Cracks
If you notice a crack in your skylight, unlike standard window panes, a simple repair won’t be adequate. Cracked skylights compromise the integrity of the structure, requiring immediate replacement to prevent leaks and further damage. Ensure the safety and efficiency of your home by addressing skylight cracks promptly.
Discoloration
Discoloration in skylights is common, often resulting from prolonged exposure to UV rays. Regular cleaning can effectively address this issue. However, if the skylight is significantly aged or has endured intense UV exposure, replacement may be necessary to ensure optimal performance and appearance.
Condensation
If you’re facing issues with condensation, it might be due to inadequate internal ventilation or faulty sealant around your skylight. To pinpoint the exact cause, it’s essential to have a skilled skylight repair contractor conduct a thorough examination. This will ensure the problem is accurately identified and effectively resolved.
Age
A skylight with excellent performance has a shelf life of 15 to 20 years. A fifteen-year-old skylight with a small leak needs to be replaced since it will cause the erosion of the working skylight to speed up. Expensive fixes will mount up, and fixing an outdated skylight will be a waste of good money.
Cost
The cost to replace a skylight might range from $1000 to $2000. In general, skylight repairs might cost between $500 and $700 per repair. A $200 skylight removal can result in significant up-front expenses. However, it is a long-term fix that avoids upfront payments and ongoing repair costs.
Things Not to Do When Fixing Skylights
Mastic materials and tar should never be used on a leaky skylight as they are inefficient and will eventually break. The flashing was typically neglected during the installation of a new roof, which is why leaks arise. For a temporary fix, the roofer’s fastest and least expensive option is to apply tar quickly.
The Worst Type of Skylight Repair
The worst thing you can do is to tar around a skylight. The purpose of skylights is to direct water to the eavestroughs and shingles, not to make them watertight. If you obstruct the drainage pathways, water will seep into your house and cause more serious issues from shoddy repairs. When tar is cut around an acrylic skylight, the expansion of the acrylic is stopped, causing the acrylic to break.
DIY Skylight Repair vs. Hiring a Pro: What’s the Risk?
Thinking of Fixing Your Skylight Yourself? Read This First!
While minor maintenance like cleaning or resealing is safe for DIY, major repairs or replacements should always be left to professionals.
Why DIY Skylight Repair Is Risky:
- Falls & Roof Damage: One slip can lead to serious injury or costly damage.
- Leaks Get Worse: Improper sealing can cause more leaks & mold growth.
- Higher Costs Later: DIY mistakes often lead to more expensive fixes.
When to Call a Pro:
- If you see cracks, persistent leaks, or structural damage.
- If your skylight is older than 15 years.
- If you want warranty-backed, expert installation.
Need Skylight Help? Contact Shumaker Roofing Today!
A skylight can be installed, repaired, or replaced by Shumaker Roofers, and it can be tailored to your specifications. Our strong reputation in the industry, along with our expert craftsmanship and creative problem-solving, ensures the successful completion of your home renovation project. We provide cutting-edge skylight technology, simple installation, dependability and longevity, competitive pricing, skylight installation and repair, glass replacement, modernizing existing skylights, maintenance schedules for skylights, leak detection, and emergency services. At Shumaker Roofing, we will assist you in letting the sunshine in. Get in touch with us for a free consultation to learn more about our range of services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether to repair or replace a skylight depends on the severity of the issues and the age of the installation. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend the life of your skylight, but an aged or significantly damaged skylight might require replacement for better efficiency and safety. Consulting with professionals like Shumaker Roofers ensures that you receive tailored advice and skilled service, guaranteeing the longevity and performance of your skylight. Opting for professional installation and repair safeguards your home from potential damage, aligning with both functional and aesthetic needs. Reach out to Shumaker Roofers for expert guidance and reliable skylight solutions.
FAQs: Should Your Skylight Be Replaced or Repaired?
1. How can I tell if my skylight needs repair or replacement?
Identify issues such as leaks, cracks, discoloration, or excessive condensation. These signs will help determine whether a repair will suffice or if a full replacement is necessary.
2. What are the expected costs for repairing versus replacing a skylight?
Repairs may cost a few hundred dollars for minor fixes but can escalate for more significant damage. Replacements are generally more costly, varying with the skylight’s size and type.
3. How long does a skylight typically last?
A well-maintained skylight usually lasts 15 to 20 years. Longevity depends on the quality of materials, installation accuracy, and environmental factors.
4. Can ignoring skylight damage lead to more serious problems?
Yes, unaddressed issues like leaks and cracks can lead to extensive water damage, increased energy bills, and structural damage over time.
5. Can I upgrade my skylight to a more energy-efficient model during replacement?
Definitely, replacing an old skylight offers the chance to upgrade to a newer model with enhanced energy efficiency features such as double glazing, tinted coatings, or integrated shades, improving thermal performance and UV protection.
