Leaking Skylights

Our approach to repairing leaking skylights is to provide a permanent solution to the problem. Our extensive experience in all types of roofing applications and our access to replacement parts provides us with the means to offer the customer a maintenance-free waterproofing system that will not leak, ever. No caulk or sealants are used. We will even repair that unsightly plaster damage on the light shaft or ceiling.

Causes for problematic leaky skylights

in the order they occur most frequently:

• flashing system absent or not properly integrated with the roofing materials.

• the existing skylight is not designed to be installed on the present slope.

• inadequate or absent condensation gutters and weeping ports.

• the absence of a proper underlay to protect against leakage in the winter months  when ice damming occurs.

• manufacturing defects. (These problems usually show up shortly after installation and are 100 % covered by reputable manufacturers.)

Job Sites:

Eglinton Avenue

The original skylight was very old with a large moisture vent. Current skylight designs effectively vent moisture through slits on the underside. Note the higher angle of the new unit we designed to deflect snow. It incorporates a series of thermally efficient glass skylights on our custom A-frame curb.

  

Thornbank Road

This barrel vaulted acrylic dome style cluster skylight had numerous problems associated with it. Because there was no thermal break condensation in the colder months was an on-going problem. Thousands of dollars were spent by the owner in futile attempts to stop the leakage problems that are commonly associated with this type of skylight as well. The heat loss and cold drafts in the winter months and the excessive heat gain in the summer made the space underneath it costly to condition comfortably. The contraction and expansion of the materials used in this unit also made a bothersome cracking noise in the mornings as the sun came up and again in the evening as the air cooled. Because there was no UV protection the sun rays cause extensive fading on all interior surfaces.



We designed and installed an A-Frame skylight system using standard size quality thermally efficient glass skylights. Each individual skylight has its own condensation gutter and thermal break. The glass lenses in the new skylight system offers better thermal performance by incorporating Low-E heat reflective film and argon gas filling between the layers of glass. The new glass skylights also come with a UV filter to reduce the fading of interior surfaces. Our custom flashing system, which does not incorporate the use of caulk or other sealants, provides a maintenance free waterproofing system that will last at least 20 years. All air drafts were eliminated and the cost of heating and cooling the room was greatly reduced.

2. Removal of the rotten roof board
and wet insulation.

3. Notice the damage to the roof
sheathing caused by water leaks
around this acrylic dome style skylight.

4. The roof board and insulation has
been replaced and the new skylight
is fastened in place.

5. Ice and water shield is installed
on and around the skylight frame.