Skylight leak repair, found and fixed.
Skylight leaks come from two different spots, and knowing which one is failing is what keeps a repair from having to be redone across the Oklahoma City metro.
Skylight leaks are one of the most common calls we get on flashing work across the Oklahoma City metro. Most of the time the water isn't coming through the glass, it's getting in around the flashing kit at the curb or the seal between the glass and the frame. All The Way Up Construction repairs both types of skylight leaks for homeowners in Moore, Norman, Oklahoma City, and the surrounding towns we serve. Telling the two apart before starting work is what keeps a repair from having to be redone.
Is water coming in around your skylight but you can't tell exactly where?
Skylight leaks show up two different ways, and the fix depends on which one you have. A leak at the flashing kit means water is getting under the metal wrapping the curb and running down into the ceiling, usually worse during wind-driven rain. A leak at the glazing seal means moisture is getting between the glass and the frame itself, often showing up as a steady drip regardless of wind direction. We inspect the curb, the flashing, and the seal around the glass to pin down which one is failing before recommending a fix.
Signs to watch for
Dripping worse during wind-driven rain
If the leak gets worse when rain is blowing sideways, it usually points to the flashing kit at the curb rather than the glass seal. Wind pushes water up under flashing that a straight-down rain would never reach.
Steady drip regardless of wind direction
A leak that shows up in any rain, not just sideways storms, often means the seal between the glass and the frame has broken down. That's a glazing problem, not a flashing problem, and it's repaired differently.
Staining on the drywall well below the skylight
Water runs down the roof decking before it drops through the ceiling, so the stain is rarely directly under the leak. We trace the path from the stain back up to the actual entry point.
Visible gaps or cracks in the flashing
Flashing that has pulled away from the curb or cracked from age is a clear sign the seal there has failed. Left alone, it lets more water in with every rain.
What's usually behind it
Flashing kit pulled away from the curb
Years of temperature swings work the metal flashing loose from the roof decking, opening a gap that water works into during every storm. It's the most common source of a skylight leak.
Cracked or dried-out glazing seal
The seal between the glass and the frame dries out and cracks over time, especially on units that have been in place many years. Once it cracks, moisture gets in regardless of the flashing's condition.
An older skylight leaking at both points at once
Once a skylight has been in place many years, it's common for the flashing and the glass seal to be failing at the same time. In that case, resealing one and not the other just means the leak keeps coming back.
Roof damage near the skylight opening
Wind or impact damage to the shingles right around a skylight can open a new path for water that has nothing to do with the skylight itself. We check the surrounding roof, not just the unit.
What to expect during the visit
We start by inspecting the curb, the flashing kit, and the glazing seal to find exactly where water is getting in. We check the attic or ceiling side for the wet path and trace it back up to the source rather than guessing from the stain. If the flashing has failed, we reflash the curb and seal it properly. If the glazing seal has gone, we address the seal or, if the unit is old enough that a repair won't hold, walk you through what a replacement looks like.
Related services you may need
If the leak turns out to be tied to a chimney, vent, or wall flashing instead of the skylight itself, our broader Skylights & Flashing work covers those repairs too. If the leak followed a storm, our Storm & Hail Damage team can check for impact damage at the same time. And if the skylight itself is old enough that a repair won't hold long term, Roof Replacement can fold a new unit into a larger project.
The cost of waiting
A skylight leak rarely stays small. Water that keeps finding its way past a failed flashing kit or a cracked glazing seal soaks into the drywall, the insulation, and eventually the framing around the opening. What starts as a stain in the corner of the ceiling can turn into soft drywall or wood that needs replacing along with the skylight itself if it goes unaddressed through another season of rain.
Can a skylight leak be repaired without replacing the whole unit?
Often, yes. If the flashing kit has failed but the glass and frame are still sound, reflashing the curb solves the leak without replacing the skylight. We only recommend replacement when the glazing seal has also failed or the unit is old enough that a repair won't hold.
How can I tell if the leak is coming from the skylight or somewhere else on the roof?
Water runs down the roof decking before it drips through the ceiling, so a stain near a skylight isn't proof the skylight is the source. We trace the path from the stain up through the attic and across the roof to confirm where water is actually entering.
How long does a skylight leak repair take?
Most flashing or seal repairs are finished in a single visit, typically a couple of hours depending on how the skylight was originally installed. If decking around the opening needs attention, it can take longer.
If your skylight is leaking and you can't tell why, call All The Way Up Construction. We repair skylight flashing and seals for homeowners throughout the Oklahoma City metro.
- Skylight installs and flashing repair done right, sealing the spots where most roof leaks actually start.