3 Common Skylight Problems (What To Do About Them)

3 Common Skylight Problems and What to Do About Them: A Guide for Homeowners in Northeast Ohio

Skylights are an excellent addition to any home, providing natural light, enhancing the aesthetic appeal, and improving the overall ambiance of a room. However, just like any other feature of your home, skylights can face issues over time. Whether you live in Cleveland, Lakewood, Medina, or any of the surrounding areas of Northeast Ohio, understanding the common problems associated with skylights and how to address them can help you keep them functioning properly and avoid costly repairs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore three of the most common skylight problems homeowners face, what causes them, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent or fix them.

1. Leaky Skylights

One of the most common issues homeowners face with skylights is leaks. Skylight leaks can be frustrating and, if not addressed quickly, can lead to significant water damage inside your home. In areas like Cleveland, which experience harsh winters and heavy snow, leaks can become a serious concern if the skylight is not properly maintained.

1.1 Why Do Skylights Leak?

There are several reasons why skylights may leak:

• Improper Installation: If a skylight is not installed correctly, the flashing (the material around the skylight that ensures a water-tight seal) may not be installed properly. This can lead to gaps that allow water to enter.
• Aging Seals: Skylights have rubber seals that can deteriorate over time due to exposure to the sun, rain, and extreme temperatures. As the seals wear out, they become less effective at keeping water out, leading to leaks.
• Condensation: In humid climates or areas with high moisture, condensation can accumulate inside the skylight, eventually causing water to drip from the edges. This is often confused with a leak, but it’s actually just moisture build-up inside.
• Clogged Drains or Gutters: If the drainage system around your skylight (such as the gutters or weep holes) becomes clogged with debris, water may not be able to drain properly, leading to water buildup around the skylight and leaks.

1.2 What to Do If Your Skylight Leaks

If you notice a leak around your skylight, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent water damage to your ceiling, walls, and furniture. Here’s what you can do:

• Inspect the Skylight: The first step is to inspect the skylight for obvious issues like cracked glass, gaps in the flashing, or damaged seals. If you notice any visible damage, it’s important to call a professional roofing contractor to address the issue.
• Check the Flashing: Ensure that the flashing around the skylight is intact. If the flashing is damaged or improperly installed, it will need to be repaired or replaced. This is often a job for a roofing professional, especially if the issue is extensive.
• Clean the Gutters and Drains: Check the gutters and drains around the skylight for debris like leaves, dirt, and branches. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around the skylight, leading to leaks. Regularly cleaning your gutters will help prevent this problem.
• Replace the Seals: If the seals around the skylight are worn out or cracked, they can be replaced. While this is something that homeowners can sometimes do themselves, it’s important to ensure that you use the right materials and that the seals are applied properly to avoid future leaks.

If you’re unsure about how to address a skylight leak, it’s always best to contact a professional contractor with experience in skylight repair, especially if you live in areas like Lakewood or Chagrin Falls, where the winter months can be particularly harsh.

2. Skylight Condensation

Condensation inside a skylight is another common problem, especially in climates with high humidity or significant temperature fluctuations, such as those experienced in Cleveland and surrounding areas. This issue is often more noticeable in the winter months, when cold air from outside meets warm, moist air inside your home.

2.1 Why Does Condensation Happen?

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air inside your home comes into contact with the cold surface of the skylight. This can be exacerbated by:

• Poor Ventilation: If your home lacks proper ventilation, the moisture from activities like cooking, showering, and washing can accumulate in the air. Without a way for this moisture to escape, it will condense on the cold skylight surface.
• Improper Insulation: Skylights that are poorly insulated or not insulated at all are more likely to experience condensation problems. Insufficient insulation can cause the skylight frame to become cold, creating a surface where condensation can form.
• Temperature Differences: In winter, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of your home is often the most extreme. If the air inside is warm and humid while the exterior temperature is cold, condensation is more likely to form.

2.2 What to Do About Skylight Condensation

Condensation is usually a symptom of an underlying problem, such as poor ventilation or inadequate insulation. Here are a few things you can do to address it:

• Increase Ventilation: One of the best ways to reduce condensation is to improve ventilation in your home. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to help remove moisture from the air. You can also consider installing a ventilation system to regulate air circulation in your home.
• Improve Insulation: Properly insulating the skylight and the area around it can help maintain a more consistent temperature. Adding insulation around the frame of the skylight can reduce the temperature difference between the inside and outside, which can help prevent condensation.
• Use a Dehumidifier: If you live in a particularly humid area, using a dehumidifier can help reduce the moisture levels in your home, which will reduce the likelihood of condensation.
• Consider Upgrading Your Skylight: If your skylight is old and prone to condensation, you might want to consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient skylight. Modern skylights are designed with better insulation and features that reduce the risk of condensation.

If condensation is a recurring problem, or if it’s causing damage to your ceiling or walls, it’s a good idea to consult with a roofing professional who can inspect your skylight and recommend appropriate solutions.

3. Damaged or Broken Skylight Glass

Over time, the glass in your skylight can become damaged or broken. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including weather-related events like hail storms, high winds, or falling debris. In Northeast Ohio, where severe weather events like snowstorms and hail are common, skylights are particularly vulnerable to damage from the elements.

3.1 Why Does Skylight Glass Break or Get Damaged?

There are several reasons why the glass in your skylight might get damaged:

• Hail Damage: Hailstorms can cause cracks or shattering of skylight glass, especially if the hailstones are large or if the skylight is old and already weakened.
• Falling Debris: During storms, branches, and other debris can fall onto the skylight and cause significant damage to the glass.
• Impact from Animals or Birds: Birds or small animals sometimes fly into skylights, causing damage to the glass.
• Aging: Over time, the glass can degrade and weaken, making it more susceptible to damage from even minor impacts.

3.2 What to Do About Damaged Skylight Glass

If your skylight glass is cracked or broken, it’s important to address the problem promptly to prevent water leaks and further damage. Here’s what you can do:

• Temporary Fix: If the glass is cracked but not yet shattered, you can use clear plastic sheeting or weatherproof tape to temporarily seal the skylight until repairs can be made. However, this is only a temporary solution, and you should call a professional roofer as soon as possible to repair or replace the glass.
• Schedule a Professional Repair: If the glass is broken or severely damaged, it’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor to repair or replace it. Depending on the severity of the damage, they may be able to replace just the glass, or they may need to replace the entire skylight.
• Replace with Impact-Resistant Glass: When replacing the glass in your skylight, consider upgrading to impact-resistant or laminated glass. This type of glass is stronger and less likely to break, even during storms or other adverse weather conditions. It can also help improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss.
• Install Protective Covers: To prevent future damage, consider installing a protective cover over your skylight. These covers can help protect your skylight from falling debris, hail, or other potential hazards.

Conclusion

Skylights can bring beauty and natural light to your home, but like any other component of your home, they can experience problems over time. From leaks and condensation to cracked or broken glass, understanding the common skylight issues and knowing how to address them will help you maintain your skylight in top condition for years to come.

If you’re experiencing issues with your skylight in Northeast Ohio, don’t hesitate to reach out to S&K Construction and Remodeling. Our team of experts specializes in skylight repairs and replacements and is ready to help you solve any skylight issues you may face, whether you live in Cleveland, Lakewood, Medina, or beyond. Contact us today for a professional inspection and quality skylight solutions.