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Skylight Leak Repairs in Florida: Keep the Sunshine, Lose the Leaks ☀️
Skylights bring Florida’s sunshine indoors, but they can also invite water intrusion if seals wear out or flashing isn’t up to code. In a state where storms can drive rain sideways, even minor gaps around a skylight frame can lead to drips, stains, or mold. This blog covers common skylight leak culprits—from worn gaskets to condensation mishaps—and explains how to reseal, refit flashing, or even upgrade to better skylight models. With the right approach, you can enjoy the sun’s natural rays without risking water damage or steamy attic conditions. Let’s keep that “sun tunnel” leak-free for the long haul.
Why Skylights Leak in Florida
Florida’s weather sets skylights up for unique challenges:
- UV Degradation of Seals: The sun’s intense rays break down rubber gaskets or caulk lines around skylight edges, leading to cracks or shrinkage.
- Wind-Driven Rain: Tropical storms push water under shingles or flashing if the skylight curb isn’t sealed properly.
- Improperly Angled Curb: Skylights on low-slope or flat roofs need an elevated curb to divert water. A short curb in Florida’s torrential downpours can back up water around the frame.
- Condensation Traps: Florida’s high humidity can form condensation on skylight glass if the interior side isn’t well-insulated or ventilated. Water then drips down, mimicking a leak.
Over time, these factors compromise the skylight’s watertight seal. Homeowners might first see small stains or notice moisture around the trim. If left unchecked, the damage spreads to drywall, framing, or the roof deck. Identifying the exact cause—seal failure, flashing gap, or condensation—helps you apply the right fix without “chasing leaks” that reappear after the next storm.
Diagnosing a Skylight Leak
Before prying off shingles or re-caulking everything, pinpoint the leak source:
Visual Inspection:
Examine the skylight’s interior trim for stains or drip lines. Check if the water appears after storms (indicating external leaks) or on cooler nights (possible condensation).
Attic View (If Accessible):
Look around the skylight’s underside. If you see water trails running from the curb or flashing, it’s likely an external leak. If water forms near the glass edges, condensation might be to blame.
Hose Test:
Lightly spray water around the skylight edges while someone checks from inside. Start from the bottom upward to isolate where water seeps in first.
Check Sealants & Gaskets:
If the rubber gasket around the glass or the skylight curb’s top edge is cracked or missing, that might be your culprit.
Sometimes, you’ll have multiple issues. For example, older skylights in Florida’s climate can degrade both outside (flashing) and inside (insulation), causing dual condensation and infiltration problems. A thorough inspection, including the curb, flashing, sealants, and interior environment, ensures you’re not patching just half the problem.
Replacing Seals & Flashing
Many skylight leaks stem from failing seals or improperly installed flashing. Here’s how to tackle both:
Remove Surrounding Shingles/Materials:
Carefully peel back shingles or roofing membrane around the skylight curb. Expose the old flashing or step flashing, taking photos to guide reassembly.
Check/Replace Gaskets:
If the skylight is a curb-mounted type with a removable gasket, swap it for a new one. For flush-mounted skylights, re-seal the edges with a high-quality silicone or polyurethane sealant rated for UV and moisture.
Install New Flashing Kit:
Many skylight manufacturers (e.g., Velux) offer flashing kits designed for Florida’s steep or low-slope conditions. Follow the instructions meticulously—especially regarding overlap, nails, and waterproof underlayment.
Re-Lay Shingles/Underlayment:
Ensure each shingle layer interlocks with the new flashing, so water flows over, not under. Florida’s high-wind codes might require extra nails or adhesive around the skylight curb edges.
Sealing the Curbs & Screw Heads:
If you attach metal flashing with screws, dab roof sealant on each head. Lightly run a bead along any exposed metal edges.
If your skylight is older or severely corroded, consider replacing it entirely with a modern, hurricane-rated model featuring improved glass coatings. The additional cost can pay off in lower leak risks and better energy efficiency in Florida’s brutal sun.
Combating Condensation
Not all “leaks” are from outside rain. Skylight condensation forms when warm, humid indoor air meets cooler glass surfaces:
- Ventilation & Insulation: Improving attic or room ventilation reduces moisture buildup. If the skylight shaft or frame lacks insulation, add foam board or fiberglass around the chase.
- Thermally Broken Frames: Modern skylights feature insulated frames or double/triple-pane glass to minimize temperature differences. Upgrading can drastically cut condensation in Florida’s humidity.
- Dehumidifiers or Exhaust Fans: In rooms prone to moisture (kitchens, bathrooms), ensuring fans vent outside helps keep overall humidity down.
If you observe water droplets forming on the interior glass but no exterior drips during storms, you may only need better insulation or airflow. This is especially true in winter or cooler nights when glass surfaces drop below the indoor dew point. Solving condensation keeps your skylight crystal clear and prevents drip lines that mimic external leaks.
Conclusion
☀️ Florida skylights can channel dazzling sunlight into your living space—until a leaky seal or failed flashing invites rain and humidity to wreak havoc. By diagnosing water sources (storms vs. condensation), replacing worn gaskets, and installing proper flashing kits, you’ll restore your skylight’s watertight integrity. For older units, consider modern, hurricane-rated skylights that better handle wind and temperature swings. And don’t forget ventilation or insulation upgrades if condensation is a recurring nuisance. With the right fixes and materials, you’ll preserve the bright, open feel a skylight brings, minus the stains, drips, and mold that plague unprepared Florida roofs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
☀️ Stop Skylight Leaks & Keep Florida’s Sunshine Flowing!
Leaking skylight? Learn how to seal, flash, and protect your skylight against Florida’s storms and humidity while still enjoying natural light.
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