Skylights are an excellent addition to any home. Aside from providing illumination for your sunroom or showering your entire home with pleasant sunlight, they can also reduce power costs by reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. Skylights can also help circulate fresh air around your home and prevent stale air from lingering. Moreover, skylights are aesthetically desirable for your home's exterior by creating a striking focal point. Though skylights offer many advantages, they also present many challenges. Installing one can be costly, and skylights present a substantial heating load during the summer. Most importantly, the greatest challenge confronting homes with skylights is the potential for leaks, especially if installed improperly.
Skylights typically deteriorate faster than the rest of the roof, making regular maintenance and timely repairs necessary. Aside from leaks, skylights may lose their UV coating, which is required for homes located in Southern California. Our experts at Rescue Roofer have compiled a list of the most common skylight problems to help homeowners with skylights maximize their benefits and longevity.
Common Skylight Problems and Solutions
Issues with Glare and Excessive Light
Skylights allow more light into a room than windows, especially around mid-day when the sun is overhead. However, this sunlight can be excessive, especially in summertime, which can be particularly problematic for bedrooms and home offices. Installing your skylight facing away from the south can help mitigate issues from excessive sunlight.
Solutions:
Install blinds or shades: Specifically-designed shades, such as solar shades, combine the benefits of interior and exterior shades to block excessive sunlight when needed.
Install Low-Emissivity or Tinted Glass: These types of glass reduce heat gain and loss and the amount of UV radiation and visible light, helping regulate temperature and minimize glare.
Condensation Issues
Condensation happens if skylights aren't installed properly or left open. It occurs when moist air meets a cold surface like your skylight. Though reinstalling skylights and regular maintenance performed by experienced roofers are the best options, other remedies can help minimize condensation caused by your skylight.
Solutions:
Ventilation Strategies: Consider installing skylight vents to allow moisture to escape. Dehumidifiers or opening windows in the room can help reduce excess moisture from the air.
Improve Insulation: Proper insulation can help regulate the temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the skylight, reducing the chance of condensation forming.
Installing Solar Shades or Blinds: These can also help regulate temperature by reducing the amount of heat entering the room.
Overheating and Energy Loss
Aside from excessive light, skylights can let in a substantial amount of heat in the summer months, especially when unshaded or improperly installed and maintained. This can lead to a significant increase in energy consumption because of the additional demands on your air conditioning.
Solutions:
Installing Shades or Blinds: High-quality solar shades or blinds can block a significant amount of solar radiation, keeping heat gain down.
Skylight Placement and Orientation: The angle of the roof influences how much heat gets in. In Southern California, a steeper roof pitch reduces the amount of direct sunlight that streams into the skylight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Installing Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Glass: Low-E glass can help reduce heat gain by reflecting solar radiation.
Improving Insulation: Proper insulation can help regulate temperature and help reduce heat transfer.
Wear and Tear
Like the rest of your roof, your skylight will accumulate wear down over time. The most vulnerable areas are the sealant and other materials your contractor used for binding certain junctions around your skylight. Once they break down, expect leaks and condensation issues.
Solutions:
Regular Inspection, Maintenance, and Repairs: Regular inspections and maintenance can address any signs of damage before they worsen, especially in sensitive areas such as seals or areas prone to leaks and cracks. If cracks are found, the glass should be replaced. Replace the glass with energy-efficient options.
Re-Caulking: Sealants around the skylight frame are typically the first to wear down. Re-caulking around the flashing and joints can prevent water intrusion and prevent insulation issues.
Leaks
Leaks are the primary complaint among skylight owners. Various factors cause leaks, such as debris, fallen branches, and snow. Improper installation is another common cause of leaks. Aside from regular maintenance, here are other actions that will address leaking skylights:
Solutions:
Sealant Repair: Brittle or broken sealants are one of the leading sources of skylight leaks. Re-caulking affected areas where leaks are detected can help resolve the issue.
Flashing Repair or Replacement: Leaks can also originate from worn-out or improperly installed flashings. Replacing these and properly applying sealants will address the leaks immediately.
Glass Replacement: Weathering can damage even the toughest skylight glass. If glass damage is detected during inspection, replace any affected panes as soon as possible.
What Can I Do If My Skylight Was Improperly Installed?
Improperly installed skylights may show signs of wear within two years. Installers may not have used proper insulation or left gaps, which allow rainwater to enter and enable moist air to seep into the room, causing condensation.
Document the Issue and Contact the Installer: Take photos of the damaged areas and the resulting leaks, water stains, or mold. Contact the installer and provide them with the documentation gathered.
Review Your Warranty: Your warranty may cover any defects or damages resulting from improper installation. If the warranty is still valid, you can file a claim for repairs or replacement.
Consult with a Roofing Professional: Contact Rescue Roofer if your installer is unresponsive or unable to resolve the issue. We can assess the damage, provide expert advice, or apply the appropriate repairs.
Conclusion: Maximize the Benefits of Your Skylight Long Term by Trusting Rescue Roofer
Skylights are excellent home additions. Aside from providing exceptional aesthetics and ambiance, they can also improve your home's energy efficiency. However, they come with unique challenges that require more extensive care than roofs without them. Regular inspections and repairs can mitigate glare, address leaks, and ultimately maximize your skylight's lifespan and performance.
With Rescue Roofer, you can trust that any skylight issues will be handled by experienced professionals who will provide solutions that address your specific needs. Reach out to Rescue Roofer to schedule a consultation and keep your skylight functioning beautifully for years to come! Rescue Roofer can also provide emergency repairs, roofing repair, and replacement when needed.