Skylights bring natural light and charm into your home—but when they leak, they can quickly become a major source of stress. Leaky skylight repairs are among the most common roofing fixes for homeowners, and if left unaddressed, even a small leak can lead to serious water damage, mold growth, or roof deterioration.
If you’ve noticed moisture, staining, or drips around your skylight, don’t wait. Catching the issue early and knowing what to look for can save you time and money.
Whether you’re a hands-on DIYer or a concerned Delaware homeowner seeking guidance, this step-by-step guide will help you pinpoint the source of the leak and explore the best repair solutions—whether it’s a Velux skylight or another brand.
2 Simple Steps to Mastering Leaky Skylight Repairs
Step #1: Diagnosing Skylight Leaks
Before you can fix the issue, you need to identify the true source of the leak. Not all moisture problems around skylights are due to faulty flashing or cracks—some are simply condensation, which can look like a leak but requires a different solution.
Start by inspecting the skylight on both the inside and outside:
Check for condensation on the inside of the glass. In humid spaces like bathrooms or kitchens, or in cold climates with single-glazed skylights, condensation can build up on the glass and drip down the frame. This isn’t technically a leak, but it’s still a problem that needs to be managed through ventilation or insulation.
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Inspect the weather seals around an operable skylight. If it opens and closes, ensure it’s tightly shut and that the gaskets or seals are intact and flexible. Worn or cracked seals can easily let in water during storms.
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Watch for seasonal patterns. If the leak happens only during winter or after heavy snow, ice dams or debris buildup might be forcing water to back up under the shingles and into the flashing. Leaves or ice on the roof behind the skylight can trap moisture and redirect it under roofing materials.
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Look beyond the skylight. Sometimes, water enters through vents or roof penetrations farther upslope and simply travels down until it finds the weak point—often near the skylight. That’s why a full roof inspection is often necessary.
Also, check nearby roof components—like vent flashing or other penetrations—as water can travel from elsewhere and pool at the skylight. If you’re unsure or want a professional opinion, it’s best to consult a licensed Delaware roofing contractor for a detailed inspection.
Step #2: How to Fix a Leaky Skylight
Once you’ve identified the problem area, you can determine the best course of action. Repair needs will vary depending on where the leak originates.
If the insulated glass is compromised:
If you notice foggy or cloudy glass, or water trapped between the panes, the seal of the insulated glass unit has likely failed. Unfortunately, this kind of failure can’t be fully fixed without replacing the glass or the skylight itself. While temporary resealing around the frame may stop external leaks, it won’t solve internal condensation or visibility issues. In most cases, replacing the skylight is the most reliable long-term fix.
If the leak is coming from damaged flashing:
Flashing problems are a common culprit—and fortunately, they can be fixed without replacing the entire skylight.
- Short-term fix: You can apply roofing cement around the perimeter of the skylight to seal gaps or cracks in the flashing. This may stop water temporarily but isn’t a permanent solution.
- Long-term repair: Proper flashing repair involves removing shingles surrounding the skylight, replacing or installing new flashing (often using a kit specific to your skylight brand), and reinstalling the roofing materials. Velux and other brands offer prefabricated flashing kits designed to work with specific roof pitches and materials for a watertight seal.
- Don’t forget the underlayment. When flashing is replaced, a waterproof underlayment should be installed beneath the new flashing to ensure complete protection against wind-driven rain and ice dams.
These repairs are best done during dry weather and ideally by an experienced professional. Faulty skylight repairs can lead to more damage down the line if the water barrier isn’t properly restored.
Bonus Tips for Leaky Skylight Repairs
If you’re dealing with minor leaks or waiting for a professional repair, here are a few quick fixes that may help in the short term:
- Seal flashing gaps with roofing cement (available in cans or tubes) to help block water entry around the skylight frame.
- Apply 100% silicone caulk around the skylight lens to close any visible gaps where water might seep in.
- Still leaking? It may be time to replace or repair the metal flashing surrounding the skylight—especially if it’s old, corroded, or improperly installed.
Keep in mind: while these DIY steps can help stop leaks temporarily, permanent fixes typically involve proper flashing installation and may require removing shingles to do it right.
We Offer Leaky Skylight Repair Services
If you notice leaks around your skylight, contact All Roofing Solutions for a comprehensive evaluation. With 25 years of experience and are here to help with all your roofing needs, large and small. Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania — we offer Free Estimates and honest service, never take shortcuts, and ensure every step is done right!
- Family-owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Over 25 years of experience with roofing & siding installation and repair.
- A+ rated BBB member
- Complimentary Extended Material warranty
- 30-year workmanship guarantee on full roof replacements
- Lien Waiver to protect the homeowners from material liens
- Own crew—no subcontractors!
- Full-service roofer handling all types of residential and commercial roofing, windows & siding projects.
- Most re-roofing projects are completed in one day.
- Because we are efficient we are able to offer very competitive prices compared to large contractors with bigger overhead.
- Each roofing/siding project includes a meticulously performed, post-roofing inspection. We want to make sure that your roof replacement is done correctly and that it meets your complete satisfaction.
- The company owner supervises all projects to ensure high-quality workmanship.
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