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The 5 Most Common Causes of a Skylight Leak
5/26/2022 (Permalink)
Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for emergency skylight leak repairs!
Skylight leaks can cause water damage to your roof and interior walls.
Skylights are a beautiful addition to any home. They provide natural light and can help reduce energy costs. However, the SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties professionals relieve multiple water damage calls caused by skylights a year because they are one of the most common home leak sources.
A skylight leak can cause a lot of damage to your home, so it's essential to address the issue as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the five most common causes of a skylight leak:
- Poor flashing installation
- Improper roof ventilation
- Ice dams
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Debris on the roof
Be sure to read to the end to find tips on preventing a skylight leak in your home!
What is a skylight leak
A skylight leak is a water leak that occurs around or in a skylight. Skylights are a common source of water leaks, as they can be susceptible to wind and rain damage. Skylight leaks can cause extensive water damage to your home, so it is essential to identify and fix the issue as soon as possible. In some cases, a professional can fix the skylight leak with a simple repair, but the skylight may need replacing in other cases.
The five most common causes of skylight leaks
Now that you know what a skylight leak is, let's discuss the five most common causes of skylight leaks:
1) Poor flashing installation
One of the most common causes of skylight leaks is poor flashing installation. Flashing is a material used to seal the area around the skylight to prevent water leaks. Skylights are usually installed with a metal flashing, but the flashing can become loose or damaged over time. If the flashing around your skylight is incorrectly installed or poorly maintained, it can allow water to leak through and cause damage to your home.
2) Improper roof ventilation
Another common cause of skylight leaks is improper roof ventilation. Ventilation is essential for all types of roofs, but it is significant for homes with skylights. Skylights can trap heat and moisture in your home, leading to condensation and leaks. If your home does not have proper ventilation, it can cause the area around your skylight to become moist and damaged.
3) Ice dams
Ice dams are another common cause of skylight leaks. Ice dams form when snow and ice melt on your roof and refreeze. As the ice dam grows, it can block the drainage around your skylight, causing water to back up and leak into your home.
4) Damaged or missing shingles
Damaged or missing shingles are another common cause of skylight leaks. Shingles protect your roof from the elements, but they can become damaged or loosen and fall off over time. If the shingles around your skylight are damaged or missing, it can allow water to leak through and cause damage to your home.
5) Debris on the roof
Debris on your roof, such as leaves and branches, can also cause skylight leaks. When debris accumulates on your roof, it can block the drainage around your skylight and cause water to back up and leak into your home.
How to prevent skylight leaks
Now that you know the five most common causes of skylight leaks, let's discuss how to prevent them:
- Inspect and repair the flashing around your skylight regularly.
- Make sure your home has proper ventilation, especially in the area around your skylight.
- During the winter months, regularly remove snow and ice from your roof to prevent ice dams from forming.
- Inspect and repair any damaged or missing shingles around your skylight.
- Keep your roof clear of debris, such as leaves and branches.
SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties- your local experts for skylight leak repair
If you think you may have a skylight leak, be sure to contact a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties. Our team of IICRC-certified water damage restoration technicians has the experience and training to quickly and efficiently repair your skylight leak, minimize the damage to your home, and get your life back to normal.
Skylight leaks can cause extensive damage to your home, so don't wait to contact us. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we will respond immediately to your call.