If you have noticed a stain spreading across your ceiling or condensation building inside the glass, you are likely searching for skylight repair before the problem gets worse.
Why Skylights Start Leaking in the First Place
A leaking skylight is rarely the fault of the skylight itself. The unit is engineered to shed water and resist UV exposure, so when moisture starts showing up on your ceiling the cause is usually somewhere else in the system. The flashing around the frame is the most common failure point, especially on skylights that were installed more than fifteen or twenty years ago, because the sealant breaks down and the metal can lift slightly with seasonal expansion and contraction.
Other frequent causes of a leaking skylight include damaged or missing shingles directly above the unit, clogged weep holes that prevent normal condensation from draining properly, a cracked or hazy dome on older acrylic models, and failed seals between the dual glass panes on glass skylights that cause that foggy appearance in the middle of the window.
Repair or Replace, How to Tell the Difference
Homeowners searching for skylight repair often discover that skylight replacement is actually the more cost effective option, particularly when the existing unit is older than twenty years or has acrylic glazing that has yellowed and become brittle.
You are usually a good candidate for repair when the skylight is less than fifteen years old, the glass and frame are in solid condition, and the leak traces back to flashing or surrounding roof materials rather than the unit itself. A skylight contractor can typically re-flash the opening, replace deteriorated sealant, and address any roofing issues without disturbing the skylight window.
Replacement makes more sense when the glazing is fogged or cracked, the frame has rotted or warped, the unit is approaching the end of its expected service life, or when you are already planning a roof project and want to coordinate skylight installation with new shingles for a single warranty on the entire roof system. Most modern VELUX replacement units come with a 10 year warranty on the glass and 5 years on flashing and electrical components, which is meaningful protection on a project of this size.
Preventing the Next Skylight Leak
Most skylight failures can be delayed or avoided entirely with a few maintenance habits that take very little effort over the course of a year. Inspect the area around your skylight every spring and fall, looking for cracked sealant, lifted shingles, or organic debris collecting in the flashing channels. Clean the glass and weep holes when you clean your gutters. After major storms with hail or high winds, take a look at the ceiling below each skylight for any new staining or moisture, since catching a small leak in the first week is far less expensive than discovering it after a year of slow damage.
Ready to Stop the Leak
If you are dealing with a leaking skylight in the North Atlanta area or weighing whether skylight replacement is the right move for your home, the team at Forsyth Exteriors is ready to help. Call us at 770 887 8646 or book a free consultation and we will give you an honest assessment along with a clear written estimate before any work begins.
