Athens Roof & Leak
Leak repair

Skylight leaks

Skylights leak at the flashing kit or the perimeter seal far more often than through the glass itself. The unit sits proud of the roof plane and interrupts the water path, so everything depends on how the flashing was stepped into the surrounding courses. Water showing at the corners of the opening inside is the classic sign. Condensation on the inside of the pane is a different problem entirely — that is ventilation, not a leak, and sealing the outside will not touch it.

Call (229) 235-1425

What the job involves

  • Inspection of the flashing kit, head, sill and side step flashing
  • Assessment of the perimeter seal and any sealant previously applied
  • Check of the glazing unit seal where condensation is suspected
  • Reflashing rather than resealing where the kit has failed
  • Ventilation check if the moisture is condensation rather than ingress

Signs you need it

  • Drips at the corners of the skylight opening
  • Staining on the plasterboard reveal around the window
  • Moisture between the panes of the glazing unit

Where we cover

Each area has its own page for skylight leaks.

Questions

Is condensation on my skylight a leak?

No. Moisture on the room-side face of the glass is warm damp air meeting a cold surface, and it is a ventilation problem. Moisture trapped between the panes means the sealed unit has failed and the glazing needs replacing. Neither is fixed by working on the roof.

Can an old skylight be reflashed, or does it need replacing?

If the unit itself is sound it can be reflashed, which is far cheaper. Replacement makes sense when the frame has rotted, the seal between panes has gone, or the unit is old enough that matching flashing is no longer available.

Related work

Describe what you are seeing

Where a roof leaks in east Georgia usually tells you how old the house is. Chimneys and valleys on older stock, penetrations on newer builds. Both are fixable without replacing the roof.

Call (229) 235-1425
Call (229) 235-1425