Skylights bring natural light into a home, but they are also one of the most common sources of roof leaks when repairs are done incorrectly. In this case, a homeowner contacted us after a skylight leak returned only months after a previous repair.
We’ve covered similar flashing-related failures in other case studies. This situation highlights why short-term materials and improper repair methods almost always lead to repeat leaks.
What the Homeowner Noticed
The homeowner experienced water intrusion around the skylight during rainfall, despite the skylight having been repaired only a few months earlier. The leak pattern suggested a failed seal rather than a roofing material issue elsewhere.
What Caused the Skylight Leak
Upon inspection, we found that the prior repair relied on low-grade roofing tar without any mesh reinforcement. While this approach can temporarily slow water intrusion, it does not hold up under sunlight, temperature changes, or normal roof movement.
As the tar dried and cracked, water once again entered around the skylight assembly.
Why Low-Quality Materials Fail
Skylight repairs require materials that remain flexible and reinforced over time. Common problems we see with failed skylight repairs include:
- Tar drying out and cracking from UV exposure
- No mesh reinforcement to stabilize the repair
- Movement around the skylight breaks the seal
- Repeated leaks that appear after short periods
The Permanent Repair Solution
To permanently stop the leak, we removed the failed repair and installed a reinforced system using rubber-embedded roofing material combined with mesh. This method allows the repair to flex with temperature changes while maintaining a watertight seal.
The materials used are designed specifically for long-term exposure and are far more reliable than standard tar-based patches.
Results: A Leak-Free Skylight
After the repair was completed, the skylight remained completely dry during subsequent rain events. The homeowner no longer had to worry about recurring leaks, interior damage, or repeated repair costs.
This case demonstrates that skylight leaks are rarely solved with shortcuts. Proper materials and correct repair methods are essential for lasting results.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Skylight leaks are often misdiagnosed or temporarily patched, leaving the underlying cause unaddressed. Identifying why a previous repair failed is just as important as fixing the leak itself.
For complete roof leak diagnosis and repair services, visit our Roof Leak Detection & Repair page.
If you’re dealing with a recurring skylight leak, contact us to schedule an inspection and get a permanent solution.
Jon transitioned into custom residential home construction with an opportunity to become a working partner with Mike Evangelist. Since roofing had been a large part of my past work experience, it was a natural fit. Finding and detecting hard-to-track roof leaks is our specialty.
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