A home can benefit from skylight installation in multiple ways. Skylights are energy-efficient, fill the dark rooms of the house with natural light, improve comfort, and boost a property’s value. They are an excellent home addition that enhances its aesthetic beauty. However, homeowners need to stay careful with skylights and ensure their regular inspection and maintenance.
A common and hazardous issue that a skylight may develop due to improper installation, age, or damage, is a leak. A leaking skylight can severely damage a roof that may require expensive repairs by a roofing contractor. Several times it happens that a leak or water damage goes undetected, leaving homeowners with a major issue at hand.
Leaking skylight: Causes
Most skylights leak due to one of the following reasons:
- Improper installation
- A faulty, corroded, or damaged flashing
- Condensation due to poor or no insulation or damaged weatherstripping
- Melting snow
- Weather damage
Problems caused by leaking skylights
Homeowners should never ignore even the smallest of skylight leaks. Several hazards accompany a leaking skylight, including
Mold and mildew growth
A leaking skylight increases the probability of mold growth. The moist and damp wood around the skylight can quickly become an ideal place for mold and mildew to thrive. It is not favorable for the structural integrity of the home and the health of the family. Mold is notorious for causing several health problems, including asthma, allergies, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and other respiratory illnesses. Call a roofer for repairs as soon as you spot a leak to protect the home and the family.
Ceiling or drywall damage
Water build-up causes significant damage to the roof’s interior surfaces. Peeling or bubbling paint, exterior wall issues, and discolored stains are the consequences of a leaky skylight. It costs homeowners dearly to repaint the affected areas.
Wood rot and roofing material warping
Wood in the roof and ceiling rot when it absorbs water, which may cause it to weaken or break over time. If not treated on time, the roof becomes unsafe, and the rot increases the possibility of complete or partial roof collapse. It is essential to inspect the roof for rot, mold, and other visible problems to prevent landing in a dangerous situation. A leaking skylight also causes the roofing materials, like shingles, to warp, making them weaker and leading to roof caving.
Compromise the home structure
Skylight leaks are dangerous and can quickly spread to other home areas when not treated on time. Moisture compromises the home’s structural integrity along with the roof, causing severe issues.
Other issues
Dripping or running water from the skylight can damage the roof decking floor, furniture, and other home belongings. If water accidentally gets inside electrical equipment, it increases the risk of fire.
Ways to prevent a leaky skylight
As we see, skylight leaks are not to be ignored and require immediate attention and repair. They pose a threat to the safety of the roof, home, and family. Homeowners can do a few things to prevent skylight leaks from occurring in the future and causing severe damages.
Schedule annual roof maintenance by a roofing expert for catching roofing and skylight issues before they go out of hand and perform timely repairs. Apart from professional examination, homeowners should regularly inspect the skylight’s edges and sealing for any warning signs and call a roofing expert for inspection and repairs as soon as they notice any damage symptom.
A leaking skylight can significantly damage the roof and the home. Get in touch with a professional for efficient skylight installation and repair.