Tips For A No Leak Skylight Installation

A skylight installation should be done correctly to keep water and wind from leaking into your home. If you're interested in adding a skylight to your home, make sure to hire a professional who's experienced in skylight installation.

Whether you're replacing skylights in your house or adding one with a brand new skylight installation, a proper fit is a necessity. If there are leaks, you'll be stuck with a new addition that's not energy efficient, or worse, one that lets in water every time it rains or snows. To avoid these common problems that are associated with an improper fitting, choose a contractor carefully. Doing this will help ensure you're using the right type of product for your home, and this way you can help ensure you're receiving a quality skylight installation.

Problems Associated With Leaky Skylights

A leak can do more than just allow water and cold air into your home. The initial damage can seem insignificant, but eventually you might need to replace carpets and furniture due to the damage. If the leak is ignored for too long, you might even be faced with needing structural repairs to your home's interior. If your skylights never leaked before and suddenly do, it might mean you have problems with your roof, so contact a roofing contractor to check out the structural integrity. The problem could be as simple as a caulking job that needs to be redone, or it could mean that there are loose shingles around the opening, allowing water to seep into your home. It's not advised that homeowners go up and inspect the lights themselves, so call a contractor who is used to the slippery nature of roofs.

Use A Product Guaranteed Not To Leak

There are a number of different types of skylights and many ways to install them. For the best results, look for one that's guaranteed not to leak. There are three main types of skylights: curb mounted, deck mounted and pan-flashed. Which type you should use depends on your roof, which is why it's a good idea to use an expert for your skylight installation.

A curb-mounted light has an insulated glass lens that's been sealed into a protective frame. Look for one with a maintenance-free interior frame and a sash that strengthens and insulates. A deck-mounted version is the most versatile type, which combines an insulated glass lens with a wood frame and a protective cladding. With a deck-mounted version, everything is integrated into one unit and it is mounted directly on the roof deck. A pan flashed light has a frame with integrated gaskets that drain condensation to the outside. The guarantee may vary according to what type of light you're using, so check with the contractor who's handling your skylight installation.

Find Quality Contractors Who Are Experienced with Skylight Installation

One of the most common causes of a leak is an improper fitting. This happens often, because a quality contractor (one who has experience specifically with roofing) isn't used for your project. Many people are tempted to use a handyman instead of a professional who can handle installing skylights. While a general handyman can handle many different types of home improvement projects, a skylight installation should be left to someone who has the experience and knowledge to do the job correctly the first time.

Skylights can do more than just make your home look great and allow natural sunlight into your home. If you find a professional to do a proper skylight installation, you can even increase the value of your home. Before choosing one, make sure you're selecting the right type for your home.

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