Do Skylights Cause Roof Leaks? The Top 3 Risks of Skylights
Skylights add an abundance of natural light to your home. They can even aid in ventilation. Are you planning to purchase a home with skylights or are you considering new skylight installation? You may be wondering if skylights pose a risk to your home. Do skylights cause roof leaks? Here are the top three risks of skylights to consider:
Skylights are prone to leaks. A skylight is another roof penetration just like vents or pipes. These areas require extra sealants and flashings to remain watertight. Leaks most commonly form around roof penetration areas because these are spots where holes are made through your roof. Over time, these penetration points and areas of flashings and sealants deteriorate. Correct installation and proper roof maintenance are key in preventing skylight leaks.
Skylights can lead to ice dams: Because they don’t have the same insulation as the rest of your roof, skylights lead to heat loss during winter. When the heat transfers from your home and through your skylights, the surrounding roofing warms up. When this happens, snow accumulation melts and refreezes towards the edges of your roof. This is how ice dams are formed. Ice dams are a common cause of roof and interior and exterior home damage. To learn more, check out our article about ice dams here.
Skylight breakage: Skylights are the weakest part of your roof, so they are more prone to cracking in severe weather. Breakage is an important thing for the Colorado homeowner to be aware of. Hailstorms that frequently occur across the state often cause skylights to break. This can result in major leaking and interior water damage during a severe storm. In addition to hailstorms, homeowners must be aware of high winds and flying debris that also cause breakage. If your skylight breaks, contact your roofing contractor immediately to prevent further damage and expenses.
Are skylights worth the risk? Keep in mind that just because skylights come with higher risk of leaking, it doesn’t mean that your skylights will. If you are planning to install new skylights, make sure you hire a trustworthy contractor for the job. Proper installation will ensure that your roof is watertight. Should your home already have skylights, it’s important to take care of them with regular roof maintenance. This is the best and most cost-effective way to make sure your roof is secure and functioning as it should. Call us today at (719) 487-7663 or contact us online and ask about our roof maintenance program. We’ll get you on our schedule for a free assessment.
