The primary function of a skylight is to admit light, but its primary challenge is maintaining a watertight seal within the roof system. Skylight leaks are almost always due to one of two issues: flashing failure or seal/frame deterioration. In the high-sun, the rubber or metal flashing system surrounding the skylight can degrade, crack, or pull away from the roof deck, allowing water to penetrate. Additionally, the insulated glass unit seals can fail over time, resulting in that cloudy or “foggy” appearance between the panes, which drastically reduces light transmission and insulation value.
Ignoring a leaky or damaged skylight is equivalent to ignoring a hole in your roof. Even small amounts of water intrusion can lead to widespread damage: damaged drywall, ruined insulation, dangerous mold and mildew growth, and even compromised structural integrity of the roof deck and rafters.
Our dedicated skylight repair services focus on addressing these issues at the source. We provide a far more cost-effective and less disruptive solution than a full replacement when the frame itself is still sound. By repairing or upgrading the skylight flashing and seals, we not only stop the leak but also restore the thermal efficiency and aesthetic appeal of your skylight, ensuring it continues to brighten your home without posing a threat to its structure.
Skylights leak in two places; either the skylight itself is leaking or it is coming from a nearby hole in the roof or flashing system. It can be very tricky to diagnose where the leak is coming and sometimes a water test has to be performed. If the leak is coming from the skylight, it’s usually because the silicone seal between the glass and the frame has decayed. Skylights can be re-glazed to prevent further leakage. If the leak is coming from the roof or flashing system, the flashing and surrounding roofing material has to be pulled out and replaced.
West Vancouver Skylights offers full warranties guaranteeing against leaks on our skylight repair and reseal projects
Upgrade Your Old Dome Skylight To a New Velux
Glass Skylight Today!
If you live in West Vancouver and have an old dome skylight that needs to be replaced, why not look at switching to a new glass skylight by Velux! Instead of looking up at a of plastic you can enjoy a direct view of the sky through modern skylight glass. Here are the 3 main benefits of glass skylights over acrylic domes:
1. Aesthetics – A clear view of the sky and a more appealing skylight both from the inside and out as well as additional light that will brighten up your home even more! Velux also offers accessories like blinds and venting options to customize your skylight and make it do more for you!
2. Energy Efficiency & UV Protection – Modern skylight glazing that Velux uses blocks 99.7% of UV light and will improve energy efficiency by blocking heat from entering your home. Velux glass has the LoE3 coating between dual-laminated glass to prevent fading to the interior of your home.
3. Durability – Glass skylights in general will last longer than a dome skylight. Around 10-15 years the acrylic starts to fade and become brittle due to the elements and the UV light and little cracks start forming. The lifespan of a glass skylight is about 20-30 years before it starts to show signs of wear and tear.
