Signs Your Skylight Needs Repair or Replacement Before Winter

Skylight repair or replacement doesn't have to break the bank.

When the clocks fall back each November, daylight gets scarce, and a skylight that is not doing its job is easy to notice. Colorado winters are also hard on skylights. Snow load, freezing nights, and sunny afternoons that melt it all again put steady stress on the seals and flashing around the glass.

The good news is that most skylight problems show warning signs well before they turn into ceiling damage. Here is what to look for, and how to think about repair versus replacement.

Why winter is hard on skylights

A skylight sits at the most exposed spot in your house. Water, ice, and wide temperature swings all test the seals, the flashing, and the glass. Small gaps that go unnoticed in summer can start leaking after the first heavy snow melts, and older skylights have had more seasons of wear.

Signs your skylight needs attention

Water stains or drips. A brown ring on the ceiling around the skylight, or drips after snow melts or heavy rain, point to a leak. The source could be the skylight seal, the flashing around it, or the roof itself. Either way, it is worth looking at before more water gets in.

Fogging between the panes. Moisture trapped between layers of glass usually means the skylight itself has failed. It does not clear on its own, and the skylight needs to be replaced.

A cold draft or cold spot. If you feel cool air under the skylight, or the ceiling around it feels noticeably colder than the rest of the room, heat is escaping.

Cracks, crazing, or yellowing. Older plastic domes in particular can crack, cloud, or discolor with age and sun exposure.

Frost or ice buildup. A little frost on a very cold morning can be normal. Heavy or repeated buildup, or ice around the frame, suggests heat loss or a gap that is letting cold air in.

Worn sealant or flashing. Cracked, shrunken, or peeling sealant around the frame is an early warning, and an easy one to spot from inside the attic or on a ladder visit.

A skylight that sticks. If you have a venting skylight and it no longer opens or closes smoothly, the frame or hardware may need attention.

Repair or replace?

Repair is possible in some situations, but replacement is often the better long-term fix. A lot depends on how your skylight is mounted.

• Curb-mounted skylights sit on a raised frame above the roof. These can often be repaired. We can fix flashing problems, or replace just the skylight if it is cracked.

  
  

• Deck-mounted skylights sit flush against the roof. The flashing around them can be redone, but replacing the skylight itself means redoing the flashing, so we usually recommend a full replacement.

  
  

• Sun tunnels: VELUX sun tunnels can be repaired. Other brands cannot, and are replaced with a new VELUX sun tunnel.

  
  

A skylight that is old, keeps leaking, or fogs between the panes is usually better replaced. Newer skylights generally have better seals and glazing, which helps with drafts and comfort. A hands-on look is the best way to know, so you are not guessing from the floor.

If you would rather add light than fix an old skylight, sun tunnels are a good option for hallways, closets, and bathrooms, and they need a much smaller opening than a traditional skylight.

What newer VELUX skylights offer

We install VELUX skylights, and the current VELUX Skylight System comes with factory-installed, remote-controlled solar-powered shades as a standard feature. Depending on the model, you can also choose options like fresh air venting, rain sensors that close a venting skylight when rain starts, and glazing designed to block UV. Our team can walk you through which options fit your room and your roof.

Do not wait for the first snow

Problems are easier to deal with in the fall than in the middle of a storm. If you have noticed any of the signs above, book a visit now and give yourself time to plan. When you are ready to look at options, our skylight replacement page has the details.

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell a skylight leak from a roof leak? They can look the same from the ceiling. The water may be coming from the skylight seal, the flashing around it, or the roof itself. A technician can usually tell which, and will tell you what they find.

Can a fogged skylight be fixed? Fogging between the panes usually means the skylight itself has failed. It typically needs to be replaced, not cleaned.

Is condensation on my skylight normal? Some light moisture on the inside surface during very cold weather can be normal. Moisture that keeps coming back, pools, or appears between the panes is worth checking.

Is winter a bad time to replace a skylight? Not necessarily. Planning ahead helps, and a visit now lets you know what to expect before the weather gets worse.

Want a closer look at your skylight?

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