Skylights provide a practical solution for keeping your home naturally sunny, warm and cozy during the cold winter months by letting in sunlight. Unfortunately, a leaking skylight overshadows the benefits. These leaks can be complicated, and an unprofessional skylight repair can lead to interior damage which is why hiring a roofing company is highly recommended.
The following tips will help prevent winter skylight leaks.
Improper installation
The most common cause of skylight leaks is improper skylight installation, often due to the inadequate use of roofing paper around the skylight’s frame. Consequently, the snow that melts around the skylight’s framework seeps through, leaking through the gaps. Also, insufficient step flashing can result in melted snow getting into the skylight from under roofing shingles.
Proper Ventilation
Excessive indoor humidity on the highest floor in your home can cause condensation on the skylight glass, resulting in leakage around the frame. Consult with a roofing contractor to find out about dehumidifiers or ventilation systems that can help prevent condensation.
Melting Snow
As temperatures start to rise, accumulated snow begins to melt, often at a fast rate. As a result, the roof is exposed to a lot of water that could potentially make its way around flashing and leak through the skylight. To keep this from happening, reduce the snow on your roof with a roof rake.
Roof Inspections and Maintenance
Professional roof maintenance is crucial during and around the winter months to prevent skylight leaks. This is primarily because of the threat of ice dams that can cause significant damage to your attic and roof. Ice dams can end up blocking drainage, resulting in moisture leakage into your home from the roof or skylight.
Most skylight problems can be avoided with seasonal roof maintenance and inspections. Roof inspectors will check for damaged gutters and shingles, inspect the flashings for cracks and openings, check for skylight leaks and other indications of deterioration or damage. Schedule roof inspections prior to the winter season to make sure your home is ready for the cold, wet weather. It’s also a good idea to have the roof inspected in the spring to see how well it and the skylights endured winter storms and make any repairs, including a skylight repair or skylight installation if necessary.
