A dripping skylight doesn’t always mean you need a new one. The trick is knowing whether a targeted repair will solve it—or if a full replacement is the smarter, longer-term move. Here’s a clear guide for Southern Maryland homeowners.
How to Spot the Source
- Ceiling stains around the light shaft → often flashing or roof leaked above
- Water between panes or fogging → failed skylight seal/insulated glass
- Drips only during wind-driven rain → weak step flashing or sealant at the uphill side
- Damp drywall after snow/ice → missing/short ice-and-water shield around the opening
When a Repair Is Enough
- Flashing failures: Re-flash with proper step flashing at the sides, apron at the bottom, counterflashing at walls/chimneys nearby, and add ice-and-water shield 18–24″ around the opening.
- Brittle pipe boots/nearby shingles: Replace adjacent materials so new flashing ties in correctly.
- Sealant refresh: Only for hairline gaps—should never be the primary waterproofing.
A proper repair includes shingle removal/reinstall, new underlayment, and manufacturer-style flashing—not surface caulk.
Signs You Should Replace
- Aged unit (15–20+ yrs): with crazed/cracked acrylic or failed glass seals
- Deck-mounted unit: repeated leaks from warped frames
- Fixed skylight: where ventilation is needed (swap to venting for humidity control)
- Energy upgrades desired: modern glass is far more efficient and UV-stable
What a Quality Replacement Includes
- Measured-to-fit skylight: we recommend modern units like venting, laminated, LowE/argon glass
- Factory flashing kit: matched to your roof material and pitch
- Ice-and-water shield: fully wrapping the curb/opening and lapped correctly
- New shingles: integrated into the field (no “patchwork” shortcuts)
- Interior finish: reinsulated shaft, drywall/trim repair, and paint-ready surface
- Ventilation check: confirm ridge/soffit balance to reduce condensation risk
Cost Drivers (What Affects Price)
- Roof pitch and height safety/staging
- Skylight size, fixed vs. venting, manual vs. solar/electric
- Interior shaft depth/finishing needed
- Condition of surrounding shingles and underlayment
Maintenance Tips to Stay Leak-Free
- Keep gutters/downspouts clear: reduce splash back around the opening
- Trim overhanging limbs
- After major storms: scan ceilings for new stains and call early if you see any
- Annual tune-ups: consider roof & skylight checkups to refresh seals and catch issues
FAQs
Can you repair an acrylic dome skylight?
Yes—if the dome is intact and the issue is flashing/underlayment. Cracked or UV-brittle domes usually warrant replacement.
Do new skylights really improve efficiency?
Modern Low-E, argon-filled glass drastically reduces heat gain/loss versus older units.
How long does a replacement take?/strong>
Most are completed in a single day, with interior finishing shortly after.