How To Deal With A Skylight Leak In Case Of Emergencies?

A leaking skylight is one of the more deceptive roofing problems a homeowner can face. The water damage it causes, including stained ceilings, soaked drywall, and mold growth, is visible and obvious. The source of the leak, however, rarely is.

If you notice signs of a leaking skylight, do not wait and observe. The next heavy rain could turn a manageable repair into thousands of dollars in water damage. Call a roofing professional as soon as possible. In the meantime, here is what you can do to diagnose the problem and limit the damage until help arrives.

Step 1: Diagnose the Skylight Leak

Finding the source of the leak is the first step, and it requires a careful inspection. There are three common sources of a skylight leak and each has a different fix.

Condensation Buildup

Not every skylight leak is actually a leak. In some cases, excessive condensation builds up on the underside of the glass and drips into the room below. This is most common in humid environments or in rooms with high moisture levels like bathrooms and kitchens.

If the dripping happens regardless of whether it is raining outside, condensation is likely the culprit rather than water intrusion from the roof.

Leak Between the Glass and the Frame

Skylights are essentially a pane of glass set into a metal frame. Over time, the seal between the glass and the frame can wear out, allowing water to enter through that joint.

If the skylight opens, check that it is fully closed and that the weather seals around it are intact. A worn or cracked seal in this location can sometimes be addressed by caulking around the glass and frame. However, if moisture has already entered between the panes, the skylight will appear permanently foggy. At that point the only solution is a full skylight replacement.

Leak Between the Roof and the Frame

This is the most serious type and the most common cause of significant water damage. It occurs when the flashing around the skylight has deteriorated or when the skylight was not installed correctly in the first place.

When the leak is between the roof and the skylight frame, caulk alone will not fix it. The flashing needs to be properly repaired or replaced by a licensed contractor. Read more about the common reasons skylights leak and what the repair process involves.

Step 2: Check the Roof Flashing and Surrounding Area

Once a professional arrives, they will inspect the skylight and the surrounding roof for potential causes of the leakage beyond the skylight itself.

Common areas they will check include:

• The flashing around the skylight perimeter for cracks, separation, or rust
• Nearby roof vents and penetrations that may be directing water toward the skylight
• The condition of the skylight frame for warping, deterioration, or improper installation
• The seal between the glass and frame for wear or cracking
• Signs of water travel in the attic, since the leak entry point may be higher up on the roof than the skylight itself

A thorough roof inspection is the only reliable way to determine the true source and scope of the problem. Visual inspection from inside the room will not give you the full picture.

Step 3: Call a Professional and Do Not Delay

Never ignore a leaking skylight. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more water infiltrates the surrounding structure, potentially saturating insulation, warping roof decking, and promoting mold growth inside your walls and ceiling.

A licensed roofing contractor has the tools and experience to accurately identify which of the three leak types you are dealing with and recommend the correct fix. They can also advise on preventive measures to reduce the risk of the problem recurring.

For broader guidance on preventing roof leaks and minimizing damage, and for a full walkthrough of emergency steps when a leak is active, read our guide on what to do if your roof is leaking.