They don’t just look cool, skylights are an excellent source of natural sunlight during the winter months. Even on the coldest days, a clear sky can bring in lots of bright sunlight which not only brightens up a dark room it can help chase those winter blues away!. A defective or leaking skylight can wreck it all and cause problems that no homeowner wants.
Skylights function only as well as they were installed. Cheap materials or improper installation can cause leaks, sometimes not appearing for years. Leaking skylights allow moisture to seep into your home from rains and storms.
Preventing skylight leaks is no great secret, to prevent skylight leaks, problem areas must be identified and corrected during installation and after installation through regular inspections.
Skylight Installation
Skylight installation is a complex process with a large variety of problems that can occur if not installed properly. Although modern skylights have some parts pre-installed (flashing for example), the installation must be done in a precise way taking into account normal specifications and the installation environment. Having an experienced, professional installer install your skylight will help ensure you won’t have problems later on.
Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance is crucial to having problem-free skylights. Keep the skylights free of debris including ice, snow, leaves, sticks and other things that can hamper the drainage around the skylight. If your gutters are full of debris, chances are your skylights and the area around them will need to be cleaned as well. Clear any debris that may build up on the roof as they cause leaks not only through the skylight but through siding, loose shingles, and other areas of the roof.
That’s it, as long as they are properly installed and maintained, your skylights should last, leak-free for years to come. If you aren’t sure about your skylights or notice leaks, call your local roof contractor and get the problems fixed before it turns into a major issue.
If you notice condensation on your skylight, it may not be a leaky skylight! You may have an improperly vented room in the house. Condensation from bathrooms or sun rooms can be controlled by using dehumidifiers in these rooms or by having proper ventilation installed. Ensure all rooms, especially those prone to heavy condensation activities such as bathrooms and kitchens are properly ventilated.
Atlanta Roofing Specialists has been installing and maintaining skylights for homeowners and businesses in the Metro Atlanta area for over 21 years! Call us today at 770-419-2222 for a free inspection and estimate and have your skylights installed properly from the get-go!