Skylights are a beautiful addition to any home, giving it natural light and an openness sense. However, once they start leaking, they can very quickly become frustrating and possibly damaging. So, in case you’re experiencing a leak in your skylight, it is essential to act quickly so that things don’t worsen. In this guide, we will take you through the process of how to fix a skylight by identifying the source of leakage and then efficiently fixing it.

1. Identify the Source of the Leak

Determination of the cause of the leak is the first step to any skylight repair. A skylight can leak due to several reasons, and its root cause must be treated for a permanent solution.

Most frequent reason: Deteriorated Sealant or Flashing-Around the Skylight. Sometimes seals of flashing around the skylight fail because of the degradation in time due to exposure to weather conditions.

Blocked Gutter or Drainage System. Sometimes, if the gutters or drainage system connected with the skylight is blocked, water keeps piling up and makes a way into the frame of the skylight and causes leakage.

Cracked Glass: Though not as common, cracked skylight glass can also lead to leaks, especially during heavy rainfall or snow.

Improper Installation: In case the skylight was not installed correctly, it might not be sealed properly or could have structural issues leading to leaks.

2. Check the Skylight

Before beginning the repair process, inspect the skylight closely to pinpoint where the water is entering. If the leak is near the edges of the skylight, it is probably due to damaged seals or flashing. If you find water trickling in through the glass itself, then the problem may be with the glass or the frame.

Here are some steps to help you with the inspection:

Check the flashing: Flashing is the metal or plastic material that goes around the skylight, helping direct water away from the roof. The flashing should be in place and properly secured.

Look for Cracks or Holes in the Sealant: Inspect the sealant surrounding the skylight for any cracks or holes. If the sealant is cracked or looking old, it needs to be replaced.

Inspect the Glass: If the glass is cracked or broken, then you may need to replace it all.

3. Collect the Tools and Materials

You will be requiring the following tools and materials to repair the skylight, depending upon the cause of the leakage. You will require;

• Roofing sealant or caulk

• Flashing replacement, if necessary

• Glass or acrylic replacement (for cracked skylight glass)

• Putty knife or scraper

• Ladder

• Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.)

4. Skylight Sealant Replacement

If the problem is old or damaged sealant, follow these steps to replace the skylight:

Clean the Area: Use a putty knife or scraper to remove any old, cracked sealant from around the edges of the skylight. Make sure the area is clean and dry before applying new sealant.

Apply New Sealant: Once the area is clean, apply a generous layer of roofing sealant or caulk to the edges of the skylight. Smooth it out with a putty knife to ensure an even application. Make sure to seal all gaps to prevent water from seeping in.

Allow to Dry: Let the sealant dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before testing the skylight with water.

5. Repairing or Replacing the Flashing

If the flashing around the skylight is damaged, it may need to be replaced or repaired. Follow these steps:

Remove the Old Flashing: Use a screwdriver or pry bar to carefully remove the old flashing. Make sure not to damage the surrounding roofing materials.

Install New Flashing: Measure the space around the skylight and cut the new flashing to fit. Put it around the skylight and nail or screw it to place. Make sure the flashing is tight against the frame of the skylight and that it sends the water away from the roof.

Seal the Edges: Once the flashing is installed, seal the edges with sealant for a watertight seal.

6. Replacing Broken Glass or Acrylic

If the skylight glass is cracked, it will have to be replaced completely. However, if the crack is small, you can use a glass repair kit to hold it together temporarily. But for larger cracks, the best option is to replace the glass. Here’s how:

Remove Old Glass: Gently take out the broken or cracked glass from the skylight frame. You would probably have to remove the trim or screws holding it in place.

Measure and Cut New Glass: Measure the dimensions of the skylight frame and cut a piece of replacement glass or acrylic that would fit in the available space. It should be the same size and thickness as the original.

Attach New Glass: Attach new glass or acrylic into frame. Ensure it is held securely using clips, screws, or trim. Make sure to apply sealant at the edges to avoid leaking.

7. Test Repair

After completing the repair, it’s essential to test the skylight to ensure the leak is fixed. You can do this by running water over the skylight using a hose. Watch carefully to see if any water seeps in. If the skylight holds up without leaking, you’ve successfully completed the repair.

Conclusion

The damage may be too much if this issue is not addressed early. Skylight repair becomes quite easy, though, with proper tools and knowledge. Identifying the source of the leak and then inspecting the skylight will help determine how to fix the leak properly using the right materials and techniques. Do not forget, skylight repair may not always be a job for DIYers, particularly when one is not sure about what’s going wrong or how to carry out the repair process, so call in the pros to ensure it’s done right.

Prompt attention to skylight repair ensures the preservation of beauty and functionality in your skylight, keeping your house dry and comfortable for long periods.