Skylights provide wonderful natural lighting for homes, but they also can be a source of water leaks. If the leaks are severe, they can damage the roof, attic materials and interior ceilings beneath. Luckily, it is relatively easy to fix most skylight problems once they have been identified.
Leaks from a skylight can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common is that the sealant has eroded. In this case, a simple repair using caulking or roofing cement is often all that is needed. If the leaks are from a faulty flashing, the best approach is to have an experienced skylight repair nj roffer examine and replace the flashing.
Another common problem with skylights is that the shingle around them has become displaced or rotted. In this case, the best approach is to have a professional replace the shingles and install new flashing to ensure a weatherproof and watertight seal.
Some homeowners may have a skylight that opens, and if this is the case, the window must be cleaned regularly to remove dirt from the track. In addition, the dome and glass should be checked for signs of wear. If these are not the cause of the leaks, it is usually a sign that humidity levels in the room are too high and need to be reduced by opening windows or installing a dehumidifier.
Once a leak has been found, the most important step is to determine how bad it is. Small leaks will respond to a repair with caulking or roofing cement, while rotten boards or damaged flashing can indicate that the skylight needs replacing.