Do Skylights Always Leak? [Quick Answer]

Skylights are a great addition to any bedroom, and they can bring some much-needed light into what can sometimes be a darker room of your home (especially when paired with some gorgeous pendant lights!).

But what do you do if your skylights leak? Do skylights always leak?

Let’s take a look.

Do skylights always leak? (Quick Answer)
Do skylights always leak? (Extended Answer)
How to fix a leaking skylight
Frequently asked questions
- Is it common for skylights to leak?
- How do you stop a skylight from leaking?

Do Skylights Always Leak? (Quick Answer)

No, skylights should never leak. If your skylight leaks, this is a sign that your skylight has not been installed correctly and you should get it fixed as soon as possible.

Clean your skylight, and then look for the cause of the leak.

A skylight is simply a window on a slanted wall or ceiling – you wouldn’t expect a normal window to leak, and you shouldn’t expect a skylight window to leak either.

Do Skylights Always Leak? (Extended Answer)

Skylights should never leak, as they should be fitted perfectly into the ceiling/roof of your room.

If your skylight does leak, it can only be for one of three reasons.

Option 1: It’s Condensation Rather Than a Leak

First things first – check that your skylight is in fact leaking, and that it’s not just condensation on the inside of the window.

Condensation on a skylight occurs when the warm air from inside your home meets with the cold glass skylight window, causing the warm air to cool down and water droplets to form on the window surface.

A simple way to test this is to see whether your skylight drips water on cold days when it’s not raining.

If it is, try simply cracking your skylight open a bit – this will allow the warm air from your home to escape (as heat rises), meaning no more condensation!

Option 2: Not Fitted Correctly

The second reason your skylight may leak is that the frame of the skylight has not been fitted correctly against the edges of your ceiling.

If this is the case, when your skylight leaks, the water will seep through the outer frame.

A tell-tale sign that this is the case is if the water marks on the floor below your skylight form a rectangle that mimics the shape of your skylight’s frame.

It could also be that the frame has been fitted correctly, but it has not been sealed.

If no sealant has been applied, water will eventually seep through gaps between the outer edge of your skylight frame and your ceiling, regardless of how well fitted it is.

Option 3: Skylight Locking Mechanism Doesn’t Work

The other reason your skylight may be leaking is because the locking mechanism doesn’t work – that is, when you close your skylight, it isn’t fully closing, allowing water to get through.

If this is the case, the water mark from the leaked water will leave a single line on the floor directly beneath the lowest point of your skylight (the closest part to the floor) – the locking mechanism.

How to Fix a Leaking Skylight

To fix a leaking skylight window, follow these steps:

Reach Your Skylight Safely

You’re going to need to reach your skylight to fix any issues, which means you’re likely going to need a sturdy ladder like this one.

As well, make sure you take any necessary safety precautions before accessing the skylight – this may include removing items nearby and having some absorbent towels to hand.

Identify the Source of the Leak

Climb the ladder, and start checking for any visible cracks, gaps, or damaged seals around the skylight. You’ll also want to examine the flashing around the skylight for any signs of damage or deterioration.

If it’s not clear what could be causing the leak or where exactly the leak is coming from, place some buckets beneath the skylight, and when it starts raining next look to see which buckets are filling with water.

This will help you identify where exactly the source of the leak is on your skylight. It might be that it is just a single corner of your window as opposed to the whole fitting!

Clear the Area Around the Skylight on the Roof

Remove any debris, leaves, or dirt that may be blocking the drainage system or preventing proper sealing.

Do Your Checks and Repairs

The first step will be to check the window seal, and the weatherstripping around the outside of the skylight. If they are damaged, worn out, or deteriorated, they will need to be replaced.

Next, repair the flashing if needed. The flashing around the skylight is a common area for leaks, as it has to be properly installed and in a good condition to work as it’s supposed to.

If there are any visible gaps or damage, use roofing cement or flashing tape to seal or repair the affected areas.

You can also apply a high-quality silicone sealant specifically designed for exterior use. If so, apply a bead of sealant along the edges of the skylight window where it meets the roof, making sure to create a continuous and uniform seal.

Lastly, you’ll want to check for proper drainage. Ensure that the drainage channels around the skylight are clear and free from any blockages. Use a small brush or compressed air to remove any debris that may be obstructing the flow of water.

Test Your Fixed Skylight for Leaks

Once you have completed the repairs, simulate rainfall by spraying water onto the skylight window from the outside (or wait for it to rain next if you have the patience!).

Look closely for any signs of leakage. If you’re still noticing leaks, additional repairs may be necessary, and we would recommend at this point seeking professional help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Common for Skylights to Leak?

No, it is not common for skylights to leak. If your skylight is leaking, you should quickly identify the source of the leak and either repair it yourself or seek professional help to get it fixed as soon as possible.

How Do You Stop a Skylight From Leaking?

To stop a skylight from leaking, first identify the source of the leak, clear the area around the skylight on the roof, and then perform the necessary checks and fixes.

For more details, see our step-by-step guide above.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.