Skylight Leak: 5 Great Tips To Prevent A Skylight From Leaking

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for Skylight installation and leak repair!

Skylight leaks are one of the most common causes of water damage in many Dayton homes.

We are sure you've heard that a leaky skylight can cause significant water damage to your ceiling and other parts of the house, but did you know it could also lead to mold growth? However, there are some ways to prevent these issues from happening!

For a skylight to leak, something has either gone wrong with the installation or maintenance. In some cases, an improperly installed flashing is the culprit; in others, improper caulking may be at fault. Skilled professionals can identify and fix these problems before they cause leaks.

In the following blog post, we will go over ways that the professionals at SERVPRO suggest you can prevent a skylight from leaking. Our crews have had to mitigate and restore hundreds of skylight leaks, so we are glad to share this information with you.

Signs of a skylight leak

It's important to know the signs of a skylight leak. Keep an eye out for dark spots on the ceiling below your skylights, such as water stains or mold. You may also be able to hear signs of a leak, such as dripping or puddling.

If you notice any condensation or leaks around your skylight, it's best to call a professional restoration company immediately and get it fixed before the water damage becomes extensive.

5 great tips in preventing a skylight leak.

Tip 1: The first tip is to ensure that your flashing was installed properly when you had your skylight installed. Skylight flashing is the material that surrounds the base of your skylight. It's designed to keep rain and snow out, so water can't seep in and cause severe damage.

Tip 2: The second tip is to ensure that your skylight has the proper ventilation. Water vapor can build up around your skylight during the colder months, so it is important to add insulation around the skylight's framing.

Tip 3: The third tip is to reapply caulking around your skylight if it's beginning to peel away from its frame. Caulking is a great coating to prevent water from seeping in, but it will only work if applied correctly. In addition, you will want to seal off any openings at least once a year for normal wear and tear.

Tip 4: The fourth tip is to clear out any gathered leaves around the skylight and to install a screen if not present. A screen will help prevent dirt, leaves, or any other materials from entering the home, and removing excess debris will prevent water from pooling. 

Tip 5: The fifth and final tip is to inspect the skylights regularly.

If you do these things and prevent a skylight leak from occurring, you will save your skylights and money on repairs and materials. 

Call SERVPRO today for expert advice and service.

The professionals at SERVPRO understand that the best way to avoid water damage from occurring is understanding how it begins in the first place. With that being said, we hope that you found this post helpful in preventing a skylight from leaking. To learn more about our services and other ways to prevent water damage, contact SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek today! We can help you remove any amount of standing water and stop any mold growth before it starts!

SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Additionally, our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, also known as the IICRC, to perform water restoration in your home or commercial property.