Md Skylight Repair - How To Fix a Skylight Leak

[MdRoofingServices]

If it's in a bathroom, make sure most of the moisture from showering, etc. is evacuated with a fan. Also make sure the tunnel is well insulated from the attic side ... maybe use some fiberglas or even foam board.

If that doesn't cure it all the way you may need to turn your humidifier down a bit. Velux skylights are pretty tight so vapor will NOT get out through air exfiltration.

Hope it helps.

-Bill T-

[ModernWarfareChick]

My question is how do you keep the tunnel and the sky light from sweating? We bought a Design home and replaced the skylight with a velux skylight, but now it seems to sweat more than ever. deb

[bobbytiger]

I'm going to look at this video about 15 more times,

then give it a go.

Thanks for the info.

[MdRoofingServices]

@bobbytiger Good luck with it, Bobby.

-Bill T-

[ziaaziz]

How much is this exact procedure suppose to cost! I have the same problem and the roofer that did my roof feels the skylight was too old and that`s why it started leaking because the seal has given away during re-boarding of the roof around the skylight!! Who should be responsible for this leak..

[hhova29]

i currently have a skylight leak where i had 3 roofing companies come for estimates. 2 of the roofers stated that i needed "rubbering and shingles", and the last roofer opposed to this and stated that what he would do is "Aluminum cupping."

Can you please help advise, as i do not know what would be the best method used here for my skylight? They both gave the same estimate, and guarantee there work for at least 5-10yrs!

[MdRoofingServices]

@hhova29 Thanks for the note . . . this is important stuff.

I'm not sure what the first two roofers meant by "rubbering and shingles", but I'm assuming they meant rubberized caulking with new shingles. If that's true, this is NOT the way to go . . .

I think the third roofing contractor meant "aluminum capping". As long as he's installing new aluminum step flashing, header flashing, and integrating them with new shingles installed properly in these new systems, that IS correct!

Bill T

[hhova29]

@MdRoofingServices thanks for the quick reply and resource of info. greatly appreciate it. one of the who suggested rubbering came very highly recommended and puts a 7yr warranty on the job, w/ 32yrs experience. The roofer that suggested "aluminum capping," on warranties his work for 5 yrs and has many yrs of experience but not as the contractor w/ 32yrs. both gave same estimates.

both Lowes and home depot Rep's suggested going w/ the rubbering/shingles. i'm confused now?

[camworx]

The glass leak issues are not addressed. My leaks come from the area between the glass and glazing profiles with the putty glazing application in between the two. This is done at the factory AND IT DEFINETLY LEAKS!!! Velux refuses to fix mine. I had to buy a kit which includes the putty roll and the silicone. You then choose which to use, however they recommend using the silicone because it lasts longer. Now I have rotting window frames because the factory didn't do it right!!!

[MdRoofingServices]

@camworx Yes, we see that from time to time with Velux units. As long as the seal between the glass panes is not broken, this type of leak is easy to fix. First, take off the header flashing at the top (2 screws). Then remove the metal next to the glass -- clean the metal -- and apply about a 3/8" bead of clear silicone 1/2" in from the edge. Push it back in place and reassemble.

Let the silicone harden, then come back later and clean the excess with a knife blade. That's it!

-Bill T-

[cat304cr]

Bill, I don't think it's possible to do a better job in repairing this skylight. It's nice to have a flashing system like the Velux flashing kits to work with, but when doing a reroof, and you are forced to work with existing skylights, it's better to take the time, clean it up and flash it properly. The end result is .....no call backs and keeping a good name in the community. Good job & Good video

[2miangels]

@cat304cr yes is always better way , those skylights sometimes leaks from the bottom on roof less than 3/12 pitch when I fix a skylight always remove the unit and applied sealant on the bottom and 8" from the bottom corner up and before install self stick underlayment around skylight I clean up with laccer thinner and then apply primer

[kgchomes]

Bill, Is it hard to make a custom aluminum header pan? I've got two skylight trio's leaking slightly on a 16 yr old home.

Thanks, Keith

[MdRoofingServices]

Hi Keith,

It's not too hard making a custom aluminum header pan for your skylights -- but it requires the right equipment.

We make them from aluminum "coil stock" that we get from our roofing supplier. It comes in 50' rolls, 14" and 24" wide. A normal pan would be 12" on the upper side of the skylight, then formed with a "sheet metal brake" (bent 90 degrees) to go up under the rear lip of the skylight.

You should be able to find a local guy with a brake to help you out

-Bill T-

[sinsagoodmansbrother]

Excellent! Thank You for posting this... I'm dealing with a Skylight leak right now. It's made the sheetrock cave in. I can see the water dripping down from the attic but I can't find where its getting in?

[MdRoofingServices]

Glad we could be of help. If you need any written assistance, feel free to ask.

You can either use this YouTube Channel or go to the description to the right of the video, click on the link and navigate to the "contact us" page.

People ask questions from all over the country; and I provide as much help as I can . . .

Good Luck!

-Bill T-