Having a skylight in a home can really add some great aesthetic value for its beautiful connection to the outside world from your inside living space. What could go wrong with extra natural light during the day and a view of a starry sky at night? Just like with any addition to your home, there are things to pay attention to. We’ll go over some common concerns to give you a better idea of what you’re facing if you’re thinking of adding this tempting feature or if you already have one!

Water Leakage

We’ll start with, probably, the most common question – will water leakage be a problem? The answer is… it depends. Here are the biggest causes of water leakage and what you can do about them.

Location – Be careful where you place the skylight. Bathrooms are not an ideal place due to the condensation and potential moisture problems. Consider a place that will really make an impression, such as a stairwell or entryway.
Normal Wear – Over time, it is inevitable for seals and flashing to get old. You don’t want to neglect re-sealing or re-flashing this area. Have it inspected 2 times a year, at least!
Poor Installation – This is not a DIY job unless you are extremely handy. An improperly installed skylight can fail within its first few years. Be sure to hire a company that is certified and professional. Getting quotes from companies that work on skylights has been vetted. (Pssst… we do skylight installs!) If you are wary of your installation, be sure to monitor the sealing of the underside and low levels of insulation.

Skylight Upkeep

Neglecting necessary care for your skylight can be a major factor in most problems. Regular maintenance and cleaning will extend its life. We strongly suggest you hire a professional service to clean and take care of your skylight unless it’s in a very convenient place (most of the time they aren’t). Make sure you know what your skylight is made of. Most of the time they are not typical glass, but a polycarbonate or acrylic base. This will change the way you take care of it.

Cleaning Your Skylight

Consider cleaning with liquid dish soap and water. Household cleaners that use ammonia can destroy the polycarbonate or acrylic base. When it is dry, finish with a thin layer of auto wax. Here is a how-to for cleaning.

Inspecting Your Skylight

Make sure it is inspected at least twice a year for wear and tear. Inspect all the seals and gaskets on the inside and outside. NEVER, EVER walk across the skylight. No matter how thick the glass is, the weight could seriously damage it. In the winter be wary of ice dams or heavy snow on top of it as well.

Energy Efficiency

Another big draw, but also a drawback, is how much natural light skylights let in. Adding light can be nice, but it will also add heat. Installing on the south-facing side is recommended, if possible. There are also energy-efficient options! The slope of the skylight can determine energy efficiency as well. If you are stuck with a skylight that turns your space into an oven, consider installing tinted glass or a tinted overlay.

The Bottom Line

Skylights are such a neat feature to add to a home. Just like any neat feature though, it takes a lot of consideration and care to have one. Do some research and talk to some homeowners that have had them for a few years. Avsten is locally owned & operated with offices in Cincinnati Ohio.

If you are excited about skylight installation or need your existing one inspected, Avsten Construction is here for you!