Leaking Skylight Roof Damage

Roof Damage That a Leaking Skylight Can Cause

Installing a skylight is a great way to add value to your home.

But if you aren’t careful, skylights can also be a great way to take value AWAY from your home. 

How?

It all comes down to one word: leaks. 

A leaking skylight can cause a lot of damage, and living with one can even be dangerous. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand the dangers of a skylight leak, what causes them, and how to prevent them in the future. 

So let’s get started!  

What Causes a Leaking Skylight?

There are a number of reasons your skylight can start leaking. Here are a few of the things you should keep an eye out for when it comes to your skylight. 

Damaged Flashing

The flashing is what seals your skylight to the rest of your roof. When it’s in good condition, this flashing will act as a watertight barrier. 

However, over time, the flashing might start to crack or corrode. This can create small leaks along the edges of your skylight. 

Weather Damage

If you live in an area that gets a lot of storms, the bad weather can cause damage to the skylight itself. 

The surface of the skylight can crack. Sometimes these cracks aren’t deep enough to pierce through the entire skylight, but many of these cracks will allow drops of water into your house. 

Blocked Weep Holes

Skylights have small holes dotted around the edges of the glass. These are called weep holes. 

If any condensation forms on the inside of your skylight, these weep holes allow the water to drain out of your home. If these holes are blocked by debris, the condensation can end up dripping into your home instead. 

Improper Installation 

Sometimes skylight leaks are the fault of improper installation. If you notice the leak right away, this is most likely the cause. 

You should call your contractor and have them come back to fix the problem.

Lack of Insulation 

While condensation can form in your skylight (which is what weep holes are for), it shouldn’t be a big problem. 

If you notice your skylight has condensation even on days without rain or snow, you might not have the right amount of insulation. 

The Dangers of a Leaking Skylight 

You should never ignore a leaking skylight. Even a small amount of water can cause serious problems if it gets into your home. 

Here are a few of the most common dangers of a skylight leak. 

Mold Growth 

As the wood around your skylight absorbs the water, it can become a breeding ground for mold growth. Even if you can’t see this mold, it can cause all sorts of medical issues, including: 

  • Headaches 
  • Respiratory problems 
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea 
  • Allergies 
  • Asthma 

If left alone, this mold can lead to serious respiratory diseases. You should always repair a skylight leak right away to protect yourself and your family.

Paint Damage 

Water can destroy your paint job. Even a small amount of moisture can make your pain bubble or peel. At the very least, you’ll have to deal with discolored stains on your ceiling. 

 Repainting the damaged area can cost a pretty penny if the problem gets worse. 

Warped Wood 

Remember, the wood in your roof and ceiling absorbs moisture. If it absorbs too much water, the wood can expand and warp.

This can weaken both your roof and your ceiling. If the problem is severe, the damaged sections of your roof may even be at risk of collapsing. 

Weaken the Structural Integrity 

It’s not just the structural integrity of your roof you have to worry about. Even a small water leak can spread to your walls and even to other rooms in your home. 

This moisture can weaken the structural integrity of your home if you don’t take care of it right away. 

Other Water Damage

As the water drips from your skylight, it can land on your floor, your counters, your furniture, or other belongings. This can damage a number of other items in your home. 

This can be especially dangerous if your skylight is in your kitchen. If the water gets into electrical components, it can lead to fires

How to Prevent Skylight Leaks in the Future 

Skylight leaks can be dangerous for you, your family, and your home. Because of this, you should do your best to prevent leaks from happening again in the future. 

Here’s the best way to do that. 

Annual Roof Maintenace 

Getting annual roof maintenance will give you the chance to catch and repair any signs of damage to your flashing or skylight itself. 

Don’t skip this maintenance. 

Think of it like a doctor’s appointment. You wouldn’t put your health at risk by missing doctor’s appointments. Your roof is the first line of defense for your home, so don’t put it at risk either. 

Regular Skylight Inspections

You should also give your skylight regular inspections yourself. Examine the edges and the sealing for any signs of damage. 

But be careful!

If your skylight is high off the ground, don’t risk your safety by climbing up a ladder every month. You can call an experienced professional to do the job for you. 

Call for Repairs at the First Sign of Damage

As soon as you notice a leak—or even just the beginnings of damage, call a professional for repairs. 

Living with a leaking skylight is dangerous for your home and everything inside it, including you! Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. 

Not sure who to call?

We can help! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today! 


Do you have leaking skylight problems with your roof? Whether you have a leak or are concerned about getting a leak, contact the team at AZ Roofing Works for a Free Roofing Estimate or call direct at (602) 283-3383.

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