You’ve just installed new skylights, but now they’re leaking. Skylights are a beautiful addition to your home, bringing natural light into dark spaces – but when they start to leak, they can quickly become a costly headache.
If left unaddressed, leaks can lead to serious issues like mould growth, structural damage, and costly repairs. In fact, in 2024, 1 in 2 Australians had water damage in their home, causing thousands of dollars in repair cost.
So, why is your skylight leaking, and what can you do about it? Whether you’re in need of skylight repairs or replacement, we’re here to help you understand your options and protect your home from further damage.
Why Do Skylights Leak?
Let's explore common sources of skylight leaks, as there’s a number of potential causes, including:
1. Poor Installation
Improper skylight installation can create a lot of issues, including leaks. Installation problems can occur when the skylight isn’t carefully fitted to your roof. These issues could include:
- Installing the skylight at the wrong pitch, causing drainage issues.
- Incorrectly fitted flashing or insulation, leaving gaps for water to seep through.
- Accidentally damaging other parts of the roof during installation.
- Placing the skylight too close to other appliances or pipes in the house, such as A/C units, which can cause unintended water flow.
One homeowner shared their experience on the AusRenovation subreddit. “Directly above the skylight is our air conditioning unit and the pipe that dumps water was leading directly into the skylight. When I would leave the AC on for extended periods, I would notice water spots on the ceiling. We ended up getting a plumber to move the pipe so it avoids the skylight and we’ve had no issues since.”
A verified glazier on the same subreddit echoed the importance of expert installation. “Skylights are fine, the issues are with the installers…Just make sure you get a good company to do it.”
2. Debris Build-Up
Skylights installed in tiled roofs can trap debris beneath the tiles. Leaves and dirt accumulate on top of the flashing, causing rainwater to divert around the debris and overflow. With enough rain, water can spill over the flashing’s edge and enter the roof cavity. Metal roofs face a similar issue, where debris collects between the flashings and the roof surface.
How can you fix the issue? Regular maintenance.
- For tiled roofs: Remove the tile, clear away any debris around the flashing, and replace the tile – it’s that simple.
- For metal roofs: Reach underneath the flashing and remove any debris lodged between the roof and the flashing.
Another homeowner shared their experience on the AusRenovation subreddit. “Had a leak due to leaves and dirt there accumulated on one side - cleaned up, no more leaks.”
3. Not using a skylight correctly
Certain skylights – such as manual Velux ventilating skylights – require you to open and close them manually. If you accidentally leave the skylight open or don’t fully secure it, water can seep in, leading to leaks.
4. Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the protective layer fitted around your skylight to keep water out. Over time, exposure to natural elements can cause flashing to wear down. Also, if the flashing wasn’t installed properly in the first place, it may deteriorate a lot faster.
Either way, damaged or worn down flashing can create gaps between the skylight frame and roof, allowing water to enter and cause leaks.
5. Condensation
Sometimes, water dripping from your skylight isn’t due to a leak – it can be condensation. If your skylight is installed over a humid space, like the kitchen or bathroom, warm air rising to meet the cooler skylight surface can create moisture buildup.
If condensation is the issue, and not an actual leak, you reduce it by:
- Improving the ventilation in the room with a ceiling fan or dehumidifier.
- Upgrading your existing fixed skylight for a ventilating skylight to allow better airflow.
- Switching to energy-efficient glass to minimize temperature differences and condensation.
What Should You Do if Your Skylight is Leaking?
The best way to avoid a leaking skylight is prevention. If you haven’t installed one yet, be sure to hire a qualified and experienced skylight installer to ensure it’s fitted correctly. However, if your skylight is already leaking, the only permanent solution may be to remove and reinstall it properly.
If you’ve just noticed the leak, take these steps:
- Minimise the damage. Dry the impacted area as soon as possible and place a bucket under the skylight if necessary.
- Try and find the source of the leak, keeping safety in mind.
- Identify the cause – if condensation is the issue, the fix will be very different from one caused by improper installation or damaged flashings.
At this point, it’s best to have your skylight checked out by a roofing professional. While you could attempt a repair or replacement yourself, skylight leaks are often caused by installation errors. Hiring a qualified professional ensures the job is done correctly, safely, and with minimal damage.
How Can I Fix a Leaking Skylight?
So you want to repair your leaky skylight yourself? Even the most skilled home renovators should reconsider doing it themselves to prevent further damage. Finding a local roofer in Melbourne to do your skylight repair is the safest option.
However, if you’re determined to tackle the repair yourself, here’s what you need to know.
1. Consider safety first
- Never go up on the roof when it’s wet or has been raining.
- Wear proper closed-toe, non-slip shoes.
- Use proper safety equipment, especially if you’re working on a steep roof.
2. Find the problem
Inspect the skylight carefully to determine the cause of the leak. If you’re unsure, a professional can help you diagnose the problem. Remove any leaves and debris and check for the following:
- Damaged or improperly installed flashing
- Any signs of leaks on the roof around the skylight
- Sun-damaged or deteriorating weatherstripping
- Gaps in the skylight’s glass joints
3. Repair or replace the skylight
Once you’ve identified the issue, decide whether to repair or replace the entire skylight.
- For minor leaks, reseal any gaps in the flashing or glass joints with high-quality caulking.
- If the weatherstripping is damaged, replace it entirely to prevent further leaks.
If the problem is beyond a simple fix, cover the skylight with tarp to prevent further water damage while you consult a professional.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace Skylights?
Now that you know how to fix a leaking skylight, you’re probably wondering – how much will it cost? The answer is, it depends. Based on the extent of the damage, the type of skylight you have, and the labour costs. When it comes to full skylight replacements, costs can vary based on the style and features you choose.
“Velux has a range of skylights to suit just about any budget, starting at just a few hundred dollars and working up to around $2500 for solar powered models that open by remote and close automatically when it rains,” Velux marketing manager Stephen Parry told realestate.com.au.
The best way to get an accurate estimate is to speak with a professional roofer who can assess your skylight and walk you through your options.
Where Can I Find Skylight Repair Near Me?
If you have a leaking skylight, it’s important to fix the problem as soon as you notice it. Otherwise, it can lead to bigger issues down the track. The secret is finding a qualified roofer who has experience with skylight repairs.
“Be sure to choose a good installer with a track record, not some cowboy who has recently started installing skylights because they are so popular,” shared one user on the AusRenovation subreddit.
If your skylight is leaking and needs to be repaired, we’re here to guide you through the process over a friendly chat. We’ll assess your skylight’s condition, discuss your options, and provide a detailed, transparent quote.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what one of our happy customers had to say after experiencing a broken skylight:
“Outstanding customer support. Returned from a holiday to find a top layer of our Velux skylight shattered with no sign of impact. Not only did I receive a phone call the next morning (used contact form on website at 7pm), I received a confirmation email that afternoon regarding processing of the replacement,” said Cameron Waldon on Google reviews.
Contact us today on (03) 9499 8059 for a casual, no-obligation chat to find out how we can help fix your leaking skylight.
