Fixing a Leaky Skylight

After the heavy rain and flooding in DC this weekend our friends were able to get to work this morning but they face bigger worries once they return home as they've discovered leaks around the skylight in their newly renovated DC home.

The purpose of a skylight is to bring light, not water, into your home. But an improperly installed skylight or a damaged roof can provide an easy entry point for water. You should first determine whether the water is dripping from condensation inside. If it only leaks on rainy days or after a snowfall then this is unlikely.

Unless you are an experienced roofer you should call in a professional. There may also be expert skylight specialists in your area. But whomever does your work make sure they inspect not only the flashing around your skylight but the upslope along the roof above the skylight. Damaged shingles and flashing around a roof vent or pipe collar can allow water to enter yards away from where your skylight is located.

If the external fix doesn't do the trick you may need to tear into the drywall and check on the space between the skylight and the framing. If there's too much space you can fill it with spray foam insulation.
— thanks Alix