What Causes Long Island Skylight Leaking?
Failed flashing around the skylight frame is the most common cause of skylight leaks on Long Island. Homeowners in Suffolk and Nassau County often assume that the skylight unit is cracked or defective, but this isn’t the case. The flashing seal around the unit breaks down after years of humidity, temperature swings, and the freeze-thaw cycle.
Renew Roofing Solutions is ready to inspect the flashing around your skylight and will provide effective roof leak repair that protects your home.
Look for the Signs That Your Skylight is Leaking
Even a minor leak around a skylight can cause significant water damage leading to costly repairs. You can look for the signs that your skylight is leaking:
- Water stains or discoloration on the ceiling around the skylight.
- Dripping water or moisture/condensation visible during or after it rains.
- Peeling or bubbling on the drywall near the skylight frame.
Why Does the Skylight Flashing Fail?
Skylight flashing will eventually fail, even when it’s installed correctly. Regular maintenance and roofing inspections will help prevent leaks by catching problems early.
Skylight flashing fails because of:
- Age: The best flashing can still fail. Age breaks down seals. The flashing around a skylight usually needs replacement every 10 to 15 years.
- Improper Installation: A poor original installation will often cause a skylight to leak within the first ten years.
- Coastal Humidity and the Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Long Island’s South Shore, North Shore, and East End experience more humidity and a more aggressive freeze-thaw cycle compared to inland areas. This strains fasteners and seals, eventually leading to failure.
- Roof Age Mismatch: If the roof and skylight have a significant age mismatch, the flashing likely won’t conform with the shingle profile. This increases the risk of leaks. The flashing around a skylight should always be replaced along with the roof.
- DIY or Big-Box Skylight Installations: Many of the skylights on Long Island homes were installed using DIY kits. It’s more likely that the seal will fail if the flashing wasn’t properly integrated at the time of installation.
Roof Leak Repair and Flashing for a Skylight on Long Island
A licensed roofer on Long Island can repair an existing leak and replace the flashing around your skylight. If the unit itself is intact, a roofing contractor will remove the shingles around the frame, replace the flashing, and then reseal the joint. This creates a weatherproof seal without needing to replace the entire skylight. Flashing repairs are far more affordable than a full skylight replacement.
Book a Roof Inspection or Roof Repair with Renew Roofing Solutions
If you’ve seen the signs of moisture or water entry, you can book service for roof leak repair with Renew Roofing Solutions. If you are concerned about the age or condition of your skylight flashing, we can inspect the unit first and recommend the next step.
Ideally, your roof should be inspected annually, or twice a year if you’re in an exposed coastal area or if your roof is near its replacement age. Regular inspections keep problems small, reducing the cost of maintaining your roof.
Renew Roofing Solutions serves families and businesses throughout Long Island. Reach out to our team of licensed roofers at 516-212-0307 or 914-415-7702.