Skylight Leaks: What You Should Know

Skylights can be an effective way to bring natural light into your home, especially areas of that might not otherwise be well lit. Whether it’s a bathroom, dark hallway, or attic, skylights can add appeal and airiness to spaces that can feel dark and confining. They’re also a great choice for bringing light into spaces where privacy is a concern, such as bathrooms or closets.

As nice as they are however, skylights are not without their headaches for homeowners. Aging skylights especially can leak easily, so it’s important to stay on top of your skylight maintenance to protect both the skylight itself and the surrounding roofing.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Skylight?

Many factors influence the cost of skylight installation, from the rooflines and materials to the specific skylight model and more. Assuming you choose an average skylight however, and pay a median installation cost, you can expect to pay between $1000 and $2500.

Should I Repair or Replace Problematic Skylights?

If you have problem with an existing skylight, the extent of the damage generally determines whether you can repair or replace a skylight. On average, repairing a skylight can cost anywhere from $900 to $2,500. The components of the skylight — glass, motor, etc. — can often be replaced individually and can cost less than replacing the entire system as a result.

Since leaking is typically the most common problem skylights have, it can be worth it to repair the leak rather than replace the entire unit. There are two common reasons skylights leak: flashing and the glazing seal. If your skylight happens to have one of these problems, you can likely get away with repairing the skylight for around $500.

Skylights are also prone to impact and debris damage — things like falling branches, high winds, and even UV light can compromise the structure and performance of skylights. If your skylight has undergone this type of damage, it’s likely best to replace the entire light to make sure the rest of the structure remains uncompromised from moisture damage. This also protects against more serious water damage that can impact the structural integrity of the surrounding roofing.

Skylight Leaks: Signs and Symptoms

A leaky skylight manifests in a few ways, and luckily they’re pretty noticeable. The first is water dripping or discoloration on the flooring beneath the skylight. If the leak has gone unnoticed or is more serious, there may be pooling water in or around the skylight.

While dripping and pooling water are common indicators of a leaky skylight, you’ll want to rule out potential condensation causing the moisture. Skylights can be prone to increased condensation in the home especially if the placement is near bathrooms or kitchens where moisture tends to be released into the air during normal activities.

Bad flashing can also cause a leaky skylight. You’ll want to check the flashing around the skylight and look for areas where it might be pinched or compromised. Damaged or improperly installed flashing can also lead to minor leaks that can impact the moisture levels you see in and around the skylight.

Skylight maintenance in your home helps prevent both leaking skylights and dripping water. If you have questions about skylights, roofing problems, and more, our roofing and ventilation professionals can help you navigate everything from skylight installation to roofing maintenance. Call 724-969-4145 or send us a message: info@gregorroofing.com