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watkinsway's podcast


Feb 9, 2022

Skylights are a beautiful feature that can transform the look and feel of any home. They invite in natural light, add warmth, and style and allow for views that are otherwise impossible from inside your home. But while they're a huge benefit, they can also be a headache if they're not installed or maintained correctly. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about common skylight problems and the importance of making necessary repairs or replacements if it is beyond repair.

Common Skylight Problems that Require Repair or Replacement from a Pro

If you have a skylight that's not in the best shape or is having trouble opening and closing, it might be time to call in a professional. Homeowners can repair some of the easier problems themselves, such as replacing a skylight motor if it quits working. More serious problems, such as leaking, may require the help of a licensed roofing contractor.

Here are some common skylight issues that require the help of a pro:

Skylight Leaks

One of the most common skylight problems is leaking. Over time, exposure to rain and snow can cause caulking around the glass or flashing to deteriorate, allowing water to leak in. If left unrepaired, a skylight leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your roof, ceiling, walls, and flooring. Therefore, it's important that you call a roofing contractor as soon as possible to properly seal the skylight and repair the roof before more serious damage is done.

Condensation

Condensation forms when warm, moist air contacts a cold surface such as a glass or plastic skylight panel. If condensation forms on the inside of your skylight, this is known as sweating, and it is usually caused by excessive humidity in your house. This can also be caused by air leakage around the framing of the skylight. To prevent condensation, a roofing contractor can install proper ventilation and dehumidification to lower the humidity level in your house below 60 percent relative humidity (RH).

Skylight Not Opening/Closing Properly

Opening or Closing Issues

If you have a motorized skylight and it won't open or close properly, there may be an issue with the motor itself. However, make sure nothing is blocking the path of your skylight first — sometimes small animals get stuck between the glass and frame and keep it from opening. If no obstruction exists, try replacing the batteries or contact a roofing professional who can help you with this complicated task of replacing the motor if necessary.

Aging Skylights

Skylights are one of those features that frequently get neglected until there's an obvious problem. Some older models had glass sealed into place with putty, which can eventually crack and expose the glass edges. When this happens, water can seep into a home through these gaps, causing damage to walls and ceilings over time. Newer models have a rubber gasket that tends to last longer than putty. If you have an older model with putty and you notice cracking, call in a contractor to replace it with modern glazing materials.

Tired of Your Old, Leaky Skylights? Call Watkins Construction Today

Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home. But if your skylight has seen better days or needs to be replaced, what can you do?

At Watkins Construction, we're specialists in fixing and replacing skylights. We have qualified technicians who can repair most skylights — and if yours is beyond repair, we'll replace it with the highest quality Velux model available that will bring daylight and fresh air into your home for years to come.  The VELUX Skylight is known to be one of the highest-quality skylights on the market. This skylight is made from durable, weather-resistant materials that are designed to last through any weather condition. In addition, it is energy efficient and easy to install.

Our expert VELUX installer will take care of the entire skylight replacement process from start to finish, including the removal of your old skylight, installation of the new model, and any necessary finishing work. Our technicians are trained to install VELUX skylights, which come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and models. We can help you choose the right model for your home and needs.

Call us today or fill out the form to schedule a free quote with one of our skylight professionals and we'll take care of your skylight repair in no time!

Watkins Velux Skylights