Skylight Leaks After New Roof

Either the skylight wasn t installed correctly or the flashing and seal around it have become worn.

Skylight leaks after new roof.

Start by clearing any water or debris that has collected between the roofing and flashing. In between the glass and the frame this happens from a worn or weathered seal in the skylight itself. 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. Seal flashing around a leaking skylight.

Another good measure we like to do is install a ice water barrier around the light before installing the flashings. Most skylights made these days have flashing kits that need to be installed correctly. When the warm moist room air reaches the cold glazing of the skylight it condenses and drips down. Leaks at skylights left unattended can lead to costly structural damage rotted roof sheathing rotted roof framing and wet moldy insulation as well.

A skylight in a humid room such as a bathroom can drip moisture it appears to be a leak but it isn t. Depending on the location of the leak you may need to. These skylight leaks should not be blamed on faulty product design although at some leaky skylights we find a combination of multiple failures. 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.

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. Then lift the roof shingles away from the edges of the skylight so you can access the flashing. In between the frame and the roof this is a roof problem. Installation issues are usually the culprit for leaking roofs that are relatively new.

Use a putty knife to add a layer of roofing cement in the gap between the edge of the flashing and the roofing. Use roofing cement can or tube to seal any gaps or holes in the flashing. Apply 100 silicone caulking tube to seal leaks around the skylight lens. However proper repairs will require removing shingles near the skylight installing appropriate flashing and reinstalling new shingles in the area.

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. Your best approach to a leak with your new roof is calm confidence rather than melodramatic mayhem. Replace or repair the metal flashing around the frame of the skylight.