Skylights can be a great addition to any home, bringing in more daylight and giving rooms an open, airy feel. But when light starts peeking through where it shouldn’t, like around the edges of the frame, it can mean there’s a problem. Light leaks may seem harmless at first, but they often hint at gaps or damage that could let in more than just sunshine. Left unchecked, those small leaks can allow moisture in, leading to bigger headaches like water damage or energy loss.
Fall is a good time for homeowners in New Hampshire and Southern Maine to check for these issues. As temperatures drop and the seasons change, skylight frames may expand or contract slightly. That shift can create tiny spaces that allow both light and cold air through. Addressing a light leak is more than just fixing a crack. It’s about making sure your roof is sealed, insulated, and doing its job. For that reason, skylight installation contractors are often called in to assess and solve these problems before they turn costly.
Identifying Light Leaks
Catching a light leak early can save you from dealing with a bigger roofing issue later on. The good news is that spotting the signs isn’t too hard if you know what to look for. Sometimes it’s a thin ray of sunlight visible when the skylight is closed. Other times, it shows up as a draft or a faint outline of daylight along the frame during certain times of the day. Homes with vaulted ceilings or taller skylight installations might notice it faster, especially if sunlight reflects from unusual angles.
Here are some of the most common signs that light leaks might be coming from your skylight frame:
– A defined shaft of light around the frame, especially when closed
– Drafts near the skylight, even when temperatures are mild
– Visible cracks or worn caulking around the skylight frame
– Fading or discoloration of nearby walls due to UV exposure
– A whistling sound on windy days pointing to poor sealing
These leaks can be caused by several things. Sometimes the original installation wasn’t done properly. In other situations, seals and materials just wear down over time. Expanding and contracting due to seasonal temperature changes can loosen the skylight’s fit. Even the best installations may need adjustments as the years go by. The important part is recognizing these early warnings before more than just light starts coming through.
DIY Troubleshooting Steps
Before picking up the phone, homeowners can take a few simple and safe steps to narrow down the issue. If the cause is basic—like cracked sealant or a poorly fastened screw—it can be helpful to get a closer look and decide if it needs fast attention from a professional.
Here’s a quick checklist to follow if you think your skylight is leaking light:
1. Look closely at the skylight during daylight hours to see if light passes through visible gaps.
2. Inspect the trim and interior frame for any loose joints or surface cracks.
3. Check the exterior seal around the skylight if accessible. Flaking sealant is a red flag.
4. Use a flashlight at night from outside. Have someone stay inside and check for incoming beams through the edges.
5. Feel around the skylight on a breezy day. Cold air might signal light can get through too.
If any of these steps turn up gaps, damage, or uncertain areas, it’s usually best to bring in a contractor. Fixes like adding temporary caulk or doing a patch job might hold up for a little while, but they rarely last through New England winters. A professional inspection will go deeper, finding out what exactly is going wrong and how to fix it properly.
Professional Solutions for Light Leaks
Some skylight problems can’t be solved with a tube of caulk or a screwdriver. When that’s the case, it’s time to call a skylight installation contractor in New Hampshire. These pros know what to look for, how to repair it right, and most importantly, how to do the work safely—especially when it means climbing up on a wet or steep roof during fall.
The process usually starts with a close visual check, inside and out. Contractors will inspect everything from seals and flashing to frame alignment and surrounding shingles. If the problem is simply failed sealant or a small gap, they may reseal the frame using weather-tough materials that are made to last. If the frame is warped or if the original setup wasn’t done correctly, they may need to make adjustments or replace parts altogether.
Here are some typical services a contractor might offer to fix skylight leaks:
– Removing and replacing worn or cracked flashing
– Resealing frames using high-performance sealants
– Fixing installation issues by realigning or rehousing the skylight
– Installing insulation to block energy loss through the skylight
– Re-caulking old frame sections no longer holding a seal
Getting a contractor involved means the problem gets handled at its source. Temporary patches might make the light go away for now, but without solving the deeper issue, it’s likely to show up again—usually at the worst time like during heavy rain or snow.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Once your skylight’s been repaired, it’s smart to add it to your regular home maintenance schedule. The weather in New Hampshire and Southern Maine can be unpredictable. That means even a perfectly installed skylight might shift a bit or wear down faster than expected. A little checking once or twice a year can go a long way.
Here are a few easy things you can do to keep your skylight in good shape:
1. Check skylights at the start of fall and spring when temps begin to change.
2. Clean both the glass and the surrounding metal or trim.
3. Trim back trees that might leave debris on the roof and trap moisture.
4. Keep an eye on the ceiling underneath for water stains or signs of leaking.
5. Schedule a contractor every couple of years just for a quick inspection.
Most of these don’t take much time but can help prevent bigger problems. That small hole in the seal or a screw working its way loose could lead to more serious damage down the road if it’s left alone. A few minutes of effort can provide seasons of peace of mind.
Keep the Light but Lose the Leaks
Light leaks around skylights may not seem like a big deal at first. It’s just a little sun slipping through, right? But it nearly always means something else is going on—and it’s better to tackle it sooner than wait for how bad it can get. When UV rays or drafts start showing up, it’s time to take action.
Keeping your skylight system strong means keeping your home protected. Seasonal changes, shifting temperatures, and normal wear can all create issues, but they don’t have to become disasters. A watchful eye and calling a trusted contractor are usually all it takes. Whether it’s sealing, replacing flashing, or doing a full correction, getting help from skylight experts can keep everything working the way it should. If your skylight shows signs of trouble, now’s the time to deal with it, before wind and rain test your roof even more. Staying on top of things now makes the next season that much easier.
If you’re seeing light leaks around your skylights, now’s the time to reach out to trusted skylight installation contractors who can make sure everything is sealed up tight. J. Carnes & Son Roofing delivers dependable solutions that keep your home comfortable, energy efficient, and ready for whatever the New England weather brings.