How to Fix a Flat Roof Skylight Leaking on the Inside

A leaking skylight can lead to serious water damage inside your house, even if the leak does not seem to be very large. As water accumulates in the skylight’s shaft, it can ruin the drywall, soften the studs and damage the flooring below the skylight. If that water makes its way into the attic, it can weaken the rafters and ruin the drywall ceiling. Sometimes the skylight is not leaking, but the water you see dripping is from condensation which you can prevent by insulating the skylight’s shaft.

Ladder
Hose
Pry bar
Replacement flashing
Screws
Screwdriver
Silicone caulk
Hammer
Nails
Insulation

Instructions

- 1
  Climb onto the roof using a ladder. Inspect the metal flashing around the skylight for any signs of damage or corrosion. Run water over any suspected leak areas using a hose and have someone inside the house watch for leaks.
- 2
  Pull out the nails holding the flashing in place and pry up any other objects covering the flashing using a small pry bar. If the flashing is damaged or corroding, install a replacement.
- 3
  Drive screws through the flashing’s nail holes--screws will not pop out and lead to leaks in the future. Spread a thick bead of silicone caulk to both sides of the flashing’s edges.
- 4
  Climb into your house’s attic and locate the skylight shaft. Wrap insulation around the shaft if you do not see any present, driving nails into the studs to hold the insulation in place.

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