If you need to repair or replace your roof, you may want to think about what other projects can be taken care of at the same time. If your home has skylights, it would be the perfect time to repair or replace them. It can be hard to perform skylight repair on your own, which is why you should hire a professional roofing company to do it for you. They will have access to the right materials and techniques, so you can be sure that the job will be done right.
Deciding whether to repair or replace your skylight can depend on a number of factors. Some of them include the following:
- The skylight’s age.
- The skylight’s condition.
- How much you’re willing to spend.
Regardless of how you want to proceed, you should speak to a professional to get the proper advice.
Common Issues with Skylights
While they can be beneficial, skylights can develop issues over time. Some of the common ones include:
- Leaks and Water Damage — This is one of the most common problems with skylights. Poor installation, age, and damage can allow water to seep into your home. Some of the signs can include water stains on your ceiling, dripping, or even mold growth.
- Condensation Buildup — This happens when warm, moist air meets the cold surface of a skylight. This can cause water damage, which will eventually reduce its effectiveness.
- Cracked or Broken Glass — Any cracks in the skylight glass can cause leaks and can even be a safety hazard. This problem is usually caused by external impacts (such as hail or falling debris).
If your skylights are experiencing any of these issues, be sure to reach out to a professional as soon as possible.
When You Should Repair a Skylight
Skylight repair may be possible in the following circumstances:
- The skylight is new — If your skylights are relatively new and you haven’t had any serious problems, repairing them might be your best option. This is especially true if you’re not planning to have any substantial work done on your roof.
- The damage to the skylight is minor — If the damage to your skylight is relatively minor, you may want to consider repairing it before you do a total replacement. If you notice a small leak that showed up after a strong hailstorm, it may just be a problem with your flashing (which protects your roof and your home from structural damage.
- You’re on a tight budget — There’s only a modest difference between repairing and replacing a skylight, but a tight budget could be what determines how you proceed. You should start by speaking with a roofing contractor to see what they recommend, so you can know about an estimated cost.
If your roof is also damaged and you’re deciding whether to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance, you can include any storm damage to your skylights. Flashing also plays an important part in how effective your skylights will be, especially with regard to waterproofing. If they got damaged or weren’t installed properly, your skylights can leak. That’s why most professional repairs involve replacing the damaged flashing and making sure it’s properly sealed.
When You Should Replace a Skylight
There are times when your best option is to replace a skylight. Some of them include the following:
- You need to replace your roof — This would be the most convenient and cost-effective time to replace your skylights. It would be cheaper than a normal skylight replacement, because they’re easier to install when the roof deck is open.
- The skylight is old — If your skylight is ten or more years old, you may want to consider replacing it (even if you don’t notice any damage). A failing skylight can leak and can even increase humidity levels inside your home, which can create an ideal environment for mold growth. They’re also not meant to last forever, so it may be a good idea to install a new one before you see any serious damage.
- Your skylight has large leaks or major damage — A bad leak in your skylight may be easy to notice, but it can also indicate the need for a repair or replacement. You may also see cracks in the glass, that seals have rotted, or that your flashing is damaged (or even missing). All of these examples could be minor or major, but you won’t know until your skylight has been inspected.
If your skylight needs to be repaired or replaced and are looking for a roofer in Corpus Christi that can help you, be sure to get in touch with Bayfront Roofing.
