Leaking Skylight? When to Repair and When to Replace

A leaking skylight can quickly go from a minor annoyance to a major problem, turning your bright, sunlit space into a source of stress. Whether it’s a steady drip during storms or subtle signs of water damage, knowing how to handle a leaking skylight is crucial.

The question is: if your skylight leaks when it rains, should you try to repair the leak, or is it time to replace the entire unit? Each option has its pros and cons, and making the right choice depends on factors like the age of your skylight, the severity of the damage, and your long-term goals for your home.

Don’t let a leaking skylight ruin your day—or your home! Read on to learn more about skylight leak repair or click below to contact a home renovation specialist!

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Skylight Leak: Repair vs Replace

If your skylight leaks when it rains, the first step is identifying the reason. Our suggestions below are common cases we’ve experienced in our years of work, but each instance should be evaluated by a professional before taking any action.

Here are some common causes and whether you should repair or replace:

Improper Installation: Replace

If your skylight was installed incorrectly (improper fit, too flat of an angle, etc), it may never seal properly, leading to persistent leaks and structural vulnerabilities. In these cases, roof skylight replacement is often the only way to ensure a long-term fix, as the issue stems from the installation itself.

Faulty Flashing: Repair

Flashing is the metal or plastic barrier that helps seal your skylight to the roof. If it’s misaligned, corroded, or damaged, targeted skylight leak repairs can often restore its function without needing to replace the skylight.

Cracked or Damaged Glass: Replace

A crack in the glass compromises the integrity of the skylight, allowing water to drip through when it rains. Roof skylight replacement is typically the best solution to ensure safety and prevent future leaks.

Sealant Deterioration: Repair

Over time, the sealant around your skylight can break down due to weather exposure. Reapplying or replacing the sealant is a straightforward and effective fix for a leaking skylight.

General Wear and Tear: Replace

Skylights have a lifespan of about 10–15 years. If yours is nearing the end of its life or showing multiple signs of aging—like discoloration, water pooling, or structural damage—roof skylight replacement is the smarter choice.

Why Do You Need to Fix a Skylight that Leaks When It Rains?

A leaking skylight may seem like a minor inconvenience, but the consequences can escalate quickly if not addressed properly. Here are common types of damage that can result from ignoring skylight leaks when it rains:

Mold and Mildew Growth: If a skylight leaks when it rains, it can create a moist environment where mold and mildew thrive, potentially causing respiratory issues and health problems for your family.
Rotting of Structural Components: Persistent water intrusion can lead to the rotting of roof sheathing, joists, or even the surrounding drywall, weakening the structural integrity of your home.
Insulation Damage: Wet insulation loses its effectiveness, reducing your home’s energy efficiency and driving up heating and cooling costs.
Electrical Hazards: Water dripping near electrical outlets, wiring, or light fixtures can pose a serious fire hazard and endanger the safety of your home.
Damaged Flooring and Furniture: Leaks that go unnoticed can lead to water pooling, causing warping, staining, or other damage to flooring, carpets, and nearby furniture.
Increased HVAC Costs: A damaged skylight may allow air to escape, overworking your HVAC system to maintain a consistent temperature, increasing your energy bills.
Exterior Damage: Persistent leaks can seep into the roofing or siding near the skylight, compromising the exterior of your home and requiring expensive repairs.
Unpleasant Odors: Stagnant water and mold growth can lead to musty, unpleasant smells that linger and diminish your home’s comfort and air quality.

Fixing a leaking skylight promptly is essential to protect your home and your health. If you’ve noticed signs of a leak, don’t wait—contact a professional to ensure the problem is resolved before it gets worse!

Contact Us for Roof Skylight Replacement

A leaking skylight is more than just a nuisance—it’s a risk to your home’s structure, your belongings, and even your health. From mold growth to structural rot and increased energy costs, the potential damage can escalate quickly if the issue isn’t addressed.

Whether you need a skylight leak repair or a full replacement, acting now can save you from costly repairs down the road. At Choice Home Remodeling, we’ve been helping homeowners like you protect and beautify their homes for over 30 years. Our experienced team provides reliable, high-quality solutions for skylight leaks, in addition to roof replacements, Velux Sun Tunnel installations, and more, to ensure your home stays comfortable and dry.

Don’t let a small leak turn into a big problem—contact us today to schedule your skylight repair or replacement and experience the difference of working with a trusted, local expert.

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Choice Windows, Doors & More, Inc.

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We've had a great experience with Choice Home Remodeling replacing windows in our great room and kitchen area. Tim was fantastic to work with during the quote phase and explained our options clearly so we could make the best choices. We were able to divide the whole house project into two phases, and were so pleased with the initial work that we decided to proceed with the rest of the house as soon as phase 1 was complete. The installation crew was excellent! We are so happy we found Choice Home Remodeling!

Response from the owner:Beth, thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you’re happy with your new windows and that Tim and the installation crew made the process smooth and enjoyable. It was a pleasure working with you on phases one of the project, and are looking forward to completing phase two. Thanks again for trusting Choice Home Remodeling!

I had a great experience with Choice Home Remodeling! From my very first meeting with Tim, he was helpful and attentive to my needs and questions. The installers, Rob and Doug, provided more of the same professionalism and expertise. Thanks to you all!! I will definitely recommend Choice to friends and family!!

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Our new front door looks amazing. From the first phone call to Choice, to the seamless installation, everyone one involved made the project so easy and professional. We have a 20+ year relationship with Choice and it’s been a pleasure working with them.

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