Skylight leak repair in Decatur, TX begins with one question: is the water coming through the glass, the frame, the flashing or the roof above it? In many cases the culprit is the flashing or shingles around the unit, not broken glass. This guide explains how to narrow it down, what to do right away, and how the fix works.
If water is dripping onto your floor right now, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045. We are open 24/7 for emergency leaks. For a slow drip or a stain, you can also reach us through our contact page and schedule a free inspection.
Is it really the skylight? Narrowing down the source
Water travels. A stain on the drywall around a skylight shaft can start several feet uphill on the roof, run along a rafter, and show up where gravity finally lets it drop. Before anyone replaces a skylight, it pays to understand which of these four sources is to blame.
Condensation
On cold winter mornings, warm indoor air hits the cool glass and forms droplets that run down the frame. If the "leak" only appears on chilly mornings with no rain in the forecast, condensation is the likely cause, and the answer is usually better ventilation or insulation around the shaft rather than roof work.
Failed seals or cracked glass
Older units can lose their seals, leaving fogging between panes or water seeping through the frame joints. Hail can crack or craze acrylic domes and, less often, damage glass units, which is a real concern in Wise County's spring storm season.
Flashing problems
Flashing is a frequent culprit. Skylight flashing is a set of metal pieces that direct water around the curb: a head piece at the top, step flashing along the sides, and a sill piece at the bottom. If the flashing was installed with caulk instead of properly woven into the shingles, or if the caulk has dried out under the Texas sun, water slips underneath every time it rains.
Shingles and underlayment above the skylight
Debris builds up on the uphill side of a skylight, holding moisture against the shingles. Over time the shingles and underlayment there wear out first, and water gets under them before it ever reaches the skylight.
What to do before the roofer arrives
- Put a bucket or towels under the drip and move furniture and rugs away.
- Take photos of the stain and the ceiling around it, with the date, for your records.
- Note when the leak happens: every rain, only heavy wind-driven rain, or only on cold mornings.
- Stay off the roof. Skylights are slick, and the glass will not hold a person's weight.
That timing note is genuinely useful. Leaks that only show during wind-driven storms often point to the side or head flashing facing the wind, while drips after every light shower suggest failed flashing, a worn seal or tired shingles just above the unit.
How skylight leak repair in Decatur, TX is handled
When we come out, we look at the skylight from inside and out, check the attic or shaft for water trails, and examine the flashing and shingles around the curb. Then we explain what we found and give you options.
Reflashing the skylight
If the skylight itself is sound, we remove the shingles around it, replace damaged underlayment, and install new flashing in the correct order so each piece sheds water onto the one below. This fixes the cause rather than adding another layer of caulk.
Replacing the unit
If the frame is warped, the seals have failed, or the glass is cracked, replacing the skylight may be the better long-term choice. It is also worth considering if you are re-roofing soon, since the skylight and new flashing can go in together. Our article on skylight replacement or repair compares both paths.
Removing a skylight altogether
Some homeowners decide they no longer want the skylight. In that case the opening can be framed in, decked and shingled to match the rest of the roof. It is a reasonable choice for skylights that have leaked repeatedly over a room you rarely use.
Repairing interior damage
Once the leak is stopped, wet insulation and drywall around the shaft should be dried or replaced to prevent mold. Leaving damp materials in place is how a small leak becomes a bigger repair.
Hail, storms and insurance
If a storm cracked the skylight or damaged the surrounding flashing, your homeowner's policy may cover the repair after your deductible. Document the damage promptly. Cannon Roofing provides insurance claims help and can photograph the damage and meet your adjuster on the roof. For ongoing upkeep, our post on skylight maintenance lists simple checks to do each season.
Working with a local Decatur roofer
Skylight leaks are roof leaks, and they are best handled by a roofer who understands flashing, not just a window installer. Cannon Roofing has been based in Decatur since 1994 and handles roof repair across Wise County. Our crews are factory trained, and every employee holds the Technician Seal of Safety, which means background checked, drug tested and insured.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fix a leaking skylight with roofing caulk?
Caulk can slow a leak for a short time, but it dries and cracks in Texas heat. A lasting fix means correcting the flashing or replacing a failed unit.
Why does my skylight only leak in heavy storms?
Wind-driven rain pushes water sideways under flashing that handles normal rain fine. This usually points to worn or poorly lapped side flashing.
Should I replace my skylight when I get a new roof?
Often yes, if the unit is older or has had seal problems. Replacing it during the reroof means new flashing and a new unit go in together.
Do not let a skylight drip turn into soaked insulation and a stained ceiling. Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045, any hour, and we will find the source with a free inspection. You can also send us photos and details through our contact page.