Skylight Installation Tips To Prevent Leaks And Improve Performance

Residential skylights often get a terrible reputation for being prone to leaks. However, skylight leaks aren't the norm—they result from poor design and installation practices. Therefore, don't let this myth stop you from enjoying the many benefits of a skylight window. Read on for a few installation tips to protect your skylight from leaks and improve its performance.

Install a pitched skylight

If you have a flat roof, you may be tempted to install a skylight with no pitch. Although a flat skylight will look good on your roof, the lack of a slope may increase the risk of leaks. The flat surface allows water to pool on the glass or acrylic. Over time, the water may cause the flashing to wear down, paving the way for leaks. If you have a flat roof, install your skylight with a slope to ensure rainwater sheds easily from the structure. The market offers a variety of curb-mounted skylight windows with modern designs that will blend seamlessly with your flat roof.

Repair roofing materials around the skylight

A leading cause of skylight leaks is damaged roofing materials. In this case, the leak doesn't occur from the skylight, but from the roof. For example, if the tiles or shingles around the penetration are worn, they will allow moisture to infiltrate the decking underneath the roof. Therefore, before installing your skylight, examine the materials around the installation site. Repair worn tiles and cracked or curled shingles to create a weathertight structure. 

Seal the skylight adequately

Improper sealing of skylight windows leaves small gaps that allow moisture into the home. Also, failure to insulate the glass allows condensation to form on the inside, creating the impression that the skylight has a leak. Therefore, install flashing around the skylight to curb leaks. Use a roofing compound to connect the flashing to the roofing materials and seal all existing gaps. Also, if you choose a glass skylight, go for double-glazed glass to prevent heat transfer and condensation.

Maintain your vented skylight correctly

Vented skylights are operable roof windows that you can open and close manually or using a remote operator. They boost ventilation by circulating fresh air into the room. However, when neglected, they can leak and cause water damage in the home. If you don't clean around the skylight frequently, leaves and debris may get stuck in the drainage channel, preventing the skylight from closing properly. Consequently, rainwater can easily penetrate the structure and leak into your home. Clean the drainage channel frequently to get rid of leaves and debris. 

In many cases, skylight leaks occur due to improper installation of the fixture. Don't take up the installation project as a do-it-yourself task. Instead, contact a roofing contractor for professional skylight installation services.  

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