Why is my skylight leaking?

The most common causes are deteriorated flashing (the metal pieces around the skylight), failed seals between the glass and frame, or improper installation. In Northern Virginia's climate, UV exposure and thermal cycling accelerate seal deterioration.

Skylight Repair

Expert skylight leak repair and glass replacement. We fix the flashing failures and seal deterioration that cause most skylight leaks.

Leaking skylights are one of the most common roof repair calls we receive in Northern Virginia. The good news is that most skylight leaks are caused by flashing failures or deteriorated seals — not the skylight unit itself.

Our repair process starts with a thorough inspection to determine whether the leak originates from the flashing, the seal between the glass and frame, or condensation issues. We then provide the most cost-effective solution, whether that's reflashing, resealing, or replacing the unit entirely.

What to Expect

Skylight leaks are one of the most common repair calls we receive, and they're almost always fixable without replacing the entire skylight. The most common causes of skylight leaks in Northern Virginia are deteriorated flashing (the metal pieces that seal the skylight to the roof), failed sealant, condensation issues (often mistaken for leaks), and cracked or fogged glass.

Our skylight repair process begins with a careful diagnosis to determine the exact cause of the problem. We check the flashing system, the skylight frame seals, the glass seal, and the interior finish for signs of condensation vs. actual leaking. For flashing failures, we can often re-flash the skylight without removing it — saving significant cost compared to full replacement. For older skylights with multiple issues, replacement may be more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

Repair costs typically range from $300-$800 for flashing repairs, $500-$1,200 for glass replacement, and $1,500-$4,000 for full skylight replacement.

Seasonal Considerations for Virginia

Skylight problems in Northern Virginia often manifest seasonally. Summer condensation on the interior glass surface is common when cold AC air meets the warm glass — this isn't a leak but can cause water damage if not addressed. Heavy summer rains test flashing integrity, and wind-driven rain during tropical storms can overwhelm compromised seals. Winter's occasional cold snaps can cause sealant to contract and crack, creating new leak points. If your skylight only leaks during heavy rain or wind-driven rain, the issue is likely flashing-related. If it 'leaks' on humid days even without rain, it's likely condensation.