Skylight Leaking on Your Metal Roof and How to Fix It

Skylight Leaking on Your Metal Roof? Here’s How to Fix It Right the First Time

If water is dripping from your skylight every time it rains — or you’re seeing water stains, wet patches, or puddles on your ceiling — you’re dealing with a leaky skylight. Leaks are particularly challenging on a metal roof because “water’s sneaking in” at many different spots, often leaving the homeowner frustrated. But handled the right way, you can manage the problem effectively to avoid future problems, which will save you a lot of time and money down the road.

1. Why Skylights on Metal Roofs Leak

Skylights provide a great way to allow more natural light into your home, brighten up dark rooms, and can even increase your energy efficiency. But metal building skylights present special problems. Leaks happen much more often than most people think. Understanding how and why they occur is the first stage in making sure they get fixed properly.

Here are a few of the most common issues:

Worn or damaged rubber gaskets: Many skylights will use a rubber gasket at the intersection of the glass and the frame for sealing off water from entering the home. Eventually, the rubber and metal washers will shrink, dry out, or crack, thereby providing openings for water to leak into the house.
Faulty or loose flashing: That is the lead or rubber strip that prevents water from going to the skylight. It might get rusty or cracked or work loose and cause water to pool below the seal.
Thermal expansion and contraction: There is a lot of expansion and contraction of the metal roofs due to temperature. If your skylight’s sealants or flashing are not able to cope with this movement, then even small openings can lead to a leak.
Installation errors: Flashing that is poorly aligned, inadequate sealant, or components that are ill-fitting are all potential causes of leaks — even if the materials are premium quality.

2. Diagnosing the Leak

Before you make any kind of repairs, you want to find out exactly where the water is coming in at. Leaks can be deceptive and may drip from a distance from the point where the water initially enters the structure. Below are some guidelines for the accurate assessment of rain leaks:

Inspect the gasket: Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, shrinkage, or gaps between the rubber and the glass or frame.
Examine the flashing: Go around the skylight with your eyes and look for rust, missing sealant, and cracks.
Observe during rainfall: Observe your skylight during a rainstorm. Focus on the areas where water appears inside.
Simulate rain: If rain is not forecast, use a garden hose to soak one another. Throw a spray at the skylight and search for leaks.

Find out if your roof needs urgent attention by reading our 8 Warning Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced Before It’s Too Late.

3. Fixing the Leak the Right Way

Once you know what’s causing the leak, you can start making repairs. If you get it right the first time, then you will spare yourself the trouble in the future and protect your roof and property.

A. Replace or Refresh the Gasket

Remove old sealant: A scraper can pry away chipped or caked caulking around the skylight frame. The new sealant is not going to stick right if it is on a dirty surface.
Choose high-quality sealant: The key is to choose a sealant that is outdoor-rated, flexible, and specifically made for a skylight and a metal roof.
Apply the sealant carefully: You will work the sealant along each edge of the glass and work it around the frame to ensure there are no gaps or air bubbles.
Check coverage: Ensure that all edges are joined together properly with the seal and that the bond line is consistent.

B. Repair or Replace Flashing

Clean the area: Remove any old sealant and scrub down the flashing and surrounding metal to also remove old dirt, dust, and corrosion.
Install a flexible membrane: You can use a rubber or modified bitumen type membrane to seal the space between the skylight and the metal roof. This membrane also allows for expansion in the metal, so that leaks will not occur later on.
Adhere securely: It can be bonded with a suitable adhesive under the membrane, pressed, and rolled to eliminate air bubbles to ensure full adhesion.

4. Finishing Touches and Testing

After replacing the gasket and repairing the flashing:

Smooth and seal edges: Ensure that water is directed away from the skylight, not under the materials. A single, uninterrupted seal stands in the way of water pooling or entering the container.
Inspect your work: Note any thin spots or holes. Some even have tiny imperfections that can cause the seal to fail.
Test thoroughly: If rain is in the forecast, watch the skylight as the downpour arrives. Otherwise, hose it down for a simulated rain. Inspect for drips or moisture on the interior side.

5. Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Even a tightly sealed patch still needs maintenance to continue functioning. Here are some easy tips:

Inspect annually: Look at all of your skylights for cracks, and at a minimum, inspect the seals and flashings at least twice a year, a month before summer and a month before winter. Temperature shifts can create enough movement to allow the waterproofing to be compromised.
Clean regularly: Chunks of debris, leaves, and dirty stains can accumulate in areas of the skylight that can create moisture next to the skylight. A surface that is regularly maintained and easy to clean will allow water to drain properly and wear evenly.
Address minor problems immediately: If you see small cracks, seams, or crumbling sealant, don’t let it go; it will inevitably get worse and end up being larger leaks.

Get a clear idea of expenses by reading our Roof Replacement Cost Guide: What to Expect and How to Budget before beginning your roofing project.

Why Choose Sun SoftWash?

Selecting the right company to do the repair work is as important as the repair itself. With Sun SoftWas, you get experience, quality service, and peace of mind:

Specialized roof knowledge: They know the ins and outs of metal roofs and skylights, and everyone in the industry knows they do it the right way and without cutting corners.
Safe and cost-effective service: Sun SoftWash provides a safe and affordable service, as we believe results should never have to be sacrificed.
Attention to detail: Every repair is handled as an individual. Their team will make the solution stick and not just be a Band-Aid.
Tailored solutions: Quotes are free and so is the advice – it’s how we start, so that YOU know what you need done before anything starts.

With Sun SoftWash, your skylight repair is handled by professionals who prioritize lasting results, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Final Words

A metal roof skylight leak doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With top professionals like Sun SoftWash, you can trust your skylight repair will be done correctly the first time. You can feel secure that you have support and protection for your roof, now and in the future. Due to their professionalism, attention to detail, and with premium service, you are sure that you are at least putting your home in good hands.

With the right repair, with ongoing care, you will enjoy light and dry conditions and peace of mind for many years.