How to Know When to Replace or Repair Your Leaking Skylight

Has your skylight started leaking when it rains? Replacing or repairing your skylight can be a difficult decision. However, there are some key signs that may indicate how to know that your leaking skylight needs to be replaced.

Age: Skylights can last for up to 20 years, but depending on the material and how well it was installed, it may need to be replaced sooner. If your skylight is older than 15 years, it may be time to start considering a replacement.
Leaks: If you start to notice water leaking around the edges of your skylight, it’s likely time to replace it. Leaks can cause major damage to the roof and surrounding area, so it’s important to address them right away.
Condensation: If your skylight is fogging up or collecting condensation inside, it could mean that it is not sealing properly. This could be due to a broken seal or poor insulation.
Drafts: If you feel air coming through your skylight, it could be a sign of poor insulation or a broken seal. If the skylight is not sealed properly, it can let in cold air and reduce energy efficiency.

Before making the decision to replace or repair your leaking skylight, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional to determine the best course of action.

SKYLIGHT FRAME NEW VELUX SKYLIGHTS

Velux Skylights and Sun Tunnels

These products are a great way to bring natural light into your home. Velux Skylights are available in multiple sizes and can be installed in virtually any roof type. Sun Tunnels are a great option for areas of your home where a traditional skylight cannot be installed. Both products are designed to be energy efficient and come with a 10-year warranty.

Types Of Skylights

There are many different types of skylights available, depending on what you are looking for. Common types of skylights are fixed skylights, tubular skylights, operable skylights: manual, solar-powered skylights, and electric-powered skylights.

Fixed skylights are designed to allow natural light into a space without opening. There are two different types of fixed skylights: deck mounted or curb mounted.

Deck-mounted fixed skylight (FS) is suitable for 14° – 85° roof pitch. The skylight’s deck seal is nailed directly to your roof deck for a low profile, energy-efficient installation. Deck mounted skylights offer flashing kits for shingle or shake roofs, tile roofs and metal roofs as well as combi flashing which combines multiple skylights for a seamless look.

Curb-mounted fixed skylight (FCM) is suitable for 0° – 60° roof pitch. The skylight is mounted on a wooden frame, known as a curb, that the installer builds around the opening on your roof. There are two types of flashing kits: One for both asphalt and shake type roofs and a high profile/tile roof.

Tubular skylights or Sun Tunnels are designed for smaller spaces and are usually dome-shaped. Velux offers two types of Sun Tunnels: flexible tubes or rigid tubes.

Flexible tubes are recommended when installation around obstacles within the loft space is required. They are the easiest product to install because of the maneuverability of the material.

Excellent for ease and speed of installation
Easily bends around attic obstructions
Helps diffuse sunlight in short runs
Ideal for shorter tunnel runs

Rigid tubes are recommended when there is a straight, unobstructed path from the roof to the ceiling, although they can be moved slightly.

Flexi Loc™ tube systems for easy and speedy tube assembly
Brighter white light
Excellent for long runs

Operable skylights are designed to open and close, allowing for ventilation as well as natural light. Velux line of “Fresh Air” skylights are operable in three ways:

Manual which allows you to open and close your skylight with just a turn of a handle.
Solar-powered skylights use energy from the sun to light up the space and to open and close the skylight with the push of a button.
Electric-powered skylights use electricity to create a light. The Skylight is equipped with a concealed battery that operates the skylight with a remote control.

To fit the specific needs of your home, all these skylights can be customized. If you have a leaking skylight or would like to have a skylight or sun tunnel installed. Give us a call at 901-590-0058 to set up your consultation with your local certified Velux installer.