Skylight flashing is the set of metal pieces and seals around a skylight frame that direct water down the roof instead of into the opening. Repair means resealing or replacing the head, side and sill flashing and checking the curb or deck connection. It is a specialist part of professional roof flashing repair services.
What skylight flashing repair involves
A skylight opening interrupts the roof on all four sides, so the flashing has to shed water from above, divert it at the sides and carry it over the lower edge. Many units use a manufacturer flashing kit sized to that exact model, with step pieces along the sides and a saddle at the top. When a kit is mismatched or sealant stands in for metal, leaks follow.
Not every drip near a skylight is a leak. Condensation on cold glass or inside the light shaft can look similar. A provider will separate condensation, a failed glass seal and flashing failure before recommending work. Repairs range from re-sealing and re-seating flashing to removing the skylight, replacing the kit and re-installing it correctly.
Common problems this repair solves
- Dried or cracked sealant around the frame
- Flashing kit that does not match the skylight model
- Step flashing at the sides not woven into the shingles
- Missing or short saddle at the top where water dams up
- Rusted or loose fasteners and bent metal at the corners
Signs you may need skylight flashing repair
- Water stains or drips on the ceiling around the skylight well
- Peeling paint or damp drywall in the light shaft
- Streaks or moisture between the frame and the roof surface
- Leaks that start only during heavy rain or wind
- Visible gaps or lifted metal at the skylight corners
How the repair process works
- Check the source. The provider confirms whether the water is from flashing, a failed seal or condensation.
- Open the surroundings. Shingles are lifted around the frame and the existing flashing and underlayment are examined.
- Rebuild the flashing. Matching flashing pieces are installed in order, from the lower edge up, and tied into the roof layers.
- Seal and test. Seams are sealed where needed and the skylight and light shaft are checked for dryness.
What a good repair achieves
- Dry ceilings and light shafts around the skylight
- Protects framing and insulation near the opening
- Lets you keep the daylight without worrying about rain
Flashing leak, glass seal or condensation: diagnosing a skylight drip
Three different problems produce water at a skylight, and each needs a different fix. A flashing leak shows up when it rains, often more in wind-driven rain, and the water tracks down the light shaft from the frame edges. A failed glass seal, in a double-pane unit, shows up as fogging or moisture trapped between the panes, with or without rain. Condensation forms on the inside surface of cold glass on cool mornings when indoor humidity is high, and it often disappears by midday.
To sort them out, note whether the drips match the weather, check whether the moisture is inside the glass or on the room side, and look at the ceiling around the shaft for staining that lines up with one frame side. A roofer can confirm with a close inspection and, if needed, controlled water testing starting low on the frame and working up.
Deck-mounted or curb-mounted: why it changes the repair
Deck-mounted skylights sit flat on the roof deck and rely on a manufacturer's flashing kit with pieces that interlock with the shingles. Curb-mounted units sit on a raised wooden frame, which is then flashed like a miniature chimney with its own apron, step pieces and cap. Curb-mounted skylights are common on low-slope roofs and larger units.
The curb adds more joints but also gives the roofer more height to work with. Knowing which style you have helps predict the repair: a deck-mounted leak usually points to the kit, the sealant or the shingle integration, while a curb-mounted leak often points to the curb flashing or the curb itself.
Skylight repair mistakes to avoid
- Smearing silicone or roof cement around the frame, which traps water and hides the real source
- Reusing a flashing kit that does not match the skylight model
- Skipping the saddle or head piece on the upper edge, where water dams up
- Replacing a skylight when only the flashing has failed
- Forgetting the interior: damp insulation and drywall in the light shaft should be dried and checked after the roof is fixed
If your skylight is under warranty, take photos before anyone touches it and ask the manufacturer what it will cover. Some warranties require installation or repair by a qualified roofer.
Skylight Flashing Repair in Folsom: local considerations
Skylights appear on homes of every age, from Central District to newer areas like Folsom Ranch and Parkshore. In newer homes, early leaks sometimes trace back to installation details, so check any builder or manufacturer warranty before you pay for repairs.
Strong summer sun ages sealant quickly, and a skylight that has been caulked repeatedly may need a full rebuild. For leaks elsewhere on the roof, see roof flashing leak repair, or return to the Folsom roof flashing repair homepage for all services.
Cost considerations
Skylight flashing cost depends on the skylight size, whether a manufacturer kit is available, roof material, number of skylights and interior damage. Re-sealing is far less work than removing and re-installing a unit. Prices vary by job.
Check the skylight's warranty first. A manufacturer may cover the unit or a specific repair if the original installation was done to specification.
When to call a professional
Call a professional when a skylight leaks more than once, or when the stain is growing. Working around skylights means walking near an opening in the roof, and repeated DIY caulking can hide the true source while the framing stays wet.
Skylight Flashing Repair FAQs
Does a leaking skylight mean I need a new skylight?
Not usually. The flashing is the most common cause, and it can be repaired or replaced without replacing the skylight unit.
Can I seal a skylight leak with silicone?
Silicone can slow a drip temporarily, but it does not replace proper flashing and often traps water.
How can I tell condensation from a leak?
Condensation forms on cold glass in cool, humid conditions and usually does not correlate with rain. A leak follows rainfall.