Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home, brightening rooms and creating a sense of openness. However, like any other roof component, skylights can leak if not properly installed or maintained. Understanding why skylights leak, how to prevent leaks, and the role of roof ventilation in this process is crucial for keeping your home dry, safe, and comfortable.
Why Do Skylights Leak?
Skylights can leak for several reasons. While modern skylights are designed to be more leak-resistant, poor installation, deteriorating seals, and lack of maintenance can still result in leaks over time. Here are some common causes:
- Improper Installation
One of the primary causes of skylight leaks is improper installation. If the skylight isn’t sealed properly or the flashing isn’t installed correctly, water can find its way through gaps and cracks, causing leaks. Hiring a professional installer with experience and knowledge of skylight installation is essential for avoiding leaks. - Deterioration of Seals and Flashing
Over time, the seals around the skylight and the flashing used to waterproof the installation can deteriorate. Exposure to the elements, such as rain, wind, and UV rays, can break down these materials, allowing water to seep through and create leaks. - Condensation Build-up
Condensation in the roof cavity is a major issue when it comes to skylight leaks. Warm, moist air from inside the home rises into the roof cavity, where it cools and condenses on the underside of the skylight. Without proper ventilation, this moisture can build up, leading to water seeping into the home.
How To Prevent Skylight Leaks
While roof ventilation is the key factor in preventing leaks, there are other steps you can take to protect your skylights from water damage. Here are some tips:
1. Ensure Proper Installation
Proper installation is the foundation for preventing skylight leaks. Hire a qualified professional who is recommended by the skylight manufacturer. A professional installer will ensure that the skylight is correctly sealed and flashed, reducing the risk of leaks.
Always listen to the skylight installation professional! Essentially there are many variables when installing a skylight. Roof construction can change based on the age of the home, materials used, shape, pitch and many more variables. Its always a good ideal to listen to the professional and the recommendations they make when it comes to product selection and location.
To ensure the installation of quality products in your home we test our products through NATA approved test facilities that ensure our products meet Australian Standards 4285. Water penetration test on our new Trimdek formed soaker and hob flashing.
2. Avoid Cheap, Low Quality Products & DIY Kits
DIY, cheap kits are often the main reason skylights have such a bad reputation for leaking. While the initial product price is cheap they often cost significantly more to install as it’s very difficult to waterproof. Further, tradesmen/handymen are often the main installers of skylights. As a result, the installation often does not focus on longevity.
There are lots of different options when installing natural lighting products but don’t cut corners and select cheap products for your most valued asset. While many customers will select a cheaper skylight, the product will often cost significantly more to install due to the difficulty of installation in comparison to more expensive high-quality products. A homeowner should expect to pay more than $600 for a quality skylight product installation.
Try to avoid products with square or round flex ducting. Flexi-tube products come in a variety of shapes and sizes and often a common choice or suggestion by builders due to the cost of these products. You should avoid these due to very poor light output, significant deterioration of the ducting material and often cheaper components used to lower costs.
Opt for high quality customisable skylights with a warranty of 7 years+. Product warranty is often a good indication on the quality of materials in a product with many products only offering 1 to 2 years. You should look closely at this to avoid buying an inferior product which could cost you more to replace with a better quality product.
3. Maintain the Seals and Flashing
Inspect the seals and flashing around your skylight regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you notice cracks, gaps, or deterioration, have them resealed or replaced to prevent water from entering.
4. Keep Drainage Channels Clear
Skylights are designed to allow rainwater to drain off the roof. Make sure the drainage channels around the skylight are free from debris to allow water to flow freely and prevent pooling that can lead to leaks.
5. Install Roof Ventilation
Roof ventilation plays a crucial role in preventing skylight leaks. Proper ventilation helps reduce the buildup of moisture in the roof cavity by allowing warm, moist air to escape and be replaced by cooler, drier air. This reduces the risk of condensation forming around your skylight and helps maintain a dry, leak-free roof space. Installing a solar-powered roof ventilator, such as the Solatube Solar Star, helps regulate the temperature and moisture levels in your roof cavity. The Solar Star system works efficiently to remove excess heat and moisture, preventing condensation and reducing the chances of leaks. With continuous airflow, your roof cavity stays dry, keeping your skylights in top condition.
6. Regular Roof Maintenance
To keep your skylights from leaking, it’s important to maintain your roof and skylight system regularly. This includes inspecting the roof for any damage, cleaning the skylight glass, and checking for signs of leaks. Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your skylights and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Skylight leaks can be prevented by addressing the root causes: improper installation, deteriorating seals, poor drainage, and excessive moisture buildup. Roof ventilation is a key factor in keeping your skylights dry by reducing condensation and ensuring proper airflow. By taking the necessary steps, such as hiring a professional installer, maintaining the seals, and installing a solar-powered roof ventilator, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light from your skylights without the risk of leaks.
For more information on skylight installation, maintenance, and roof ventilation, contact Solatube today to explore our high-quality natural lighting and ventilation solutions for homeowners.