Leaks are a serious concern for homeowners. They can lead to water damage that can create an even costlier issue to resolve. Oftentimes, leaking skylights are caused either an improperly installed skylight. Aging skylights are more prone to leaks than newer ones, as wear and tear over time creates new issues or new maintenance requirements. If you are dealing with a leaking skylight, here are the next steps you should take.

Determine the Source of the Leak

Find the source of leaking in your skylight should be a main priority. Once you find it, it will be easier to determine your next course of action. You can also either temporarily seal the leak or try to contain the water damage before it continues to spread. If rain is in the forecast, weather seals or caulk could help protect your home temporarily until you can get an experienced contractor to come to your home.

Assess the Water Damage

Water damage can lead to all sorts of issues within your home. Serious water damage may require the homeowner to replace floors, walls, electronics, and furniture. It can also lead to mold within the home if the issue is not addressed right away.

If your skylight is leaking, you will want to contain the leak to avoid further damage. Once it is contained, assess the water damage in your home to see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. Make sure you dry up any water still in the home. If there are carpets or furniture fabric that got soaked, dry it using either a fan or hair dryer to ensure that the water is entirely gone.

Get the Help of a Skylight Contractor

Skylight contractors are professionals that deal with all types of skylight situations on a regular basis. Your leaking skylight could be from a common issue. Either way, a skylight contractor will be able to determine whether you need a skylight replacement or whether it can be repaired. 

If your skylight only needs repairs, never attempt to fix it on your own. Skylights should be professionally installed to ensure that there are no drafts or cracks that could lead to issues like leaking. The same goes for repairs. If you attempt to repair a skylight yourself, it could lead to even further damage that adds up in cost.

Repair or Replace Your Skylight

You should never wait long to repair or replace a leaking skylight. Once a skylight contractor assesses the leaking skylight, you should make plans as soon as possible to get it repaired or replaced, depending on their recommendation. While skylight projects may be an additional cost that you were not planning for, most skylight contractors offer affordable payment options to ensure that you do not have to wait long when dealing with issues such as leaks.