Skylights are a beautiful addition to any Alberta home, offering a boost of natural light during our short winter days. However, because they sit directly in the path of least resistance for snow and rain, they require specialized care. If you’ve noticed a drip or fogging glass, you likely need a professional assessment for skylight replacement in Edmonton.
Understanding whether you have a simple maintenance issue or a failing unit is the first step toward protecting your interior.
Is it a Leak or Just Condensation?
One of the most common calls we receive in Edmonton involves leaking skylights needing repair. That said, they often aren’t leaking at all. In our climate, distinguishing between the two is vital:
- Surface Condensation: This occurs when warm, moist indoor air hits the cold surface of the skylight glass. You’ll see “sweat” or fogging on the interior. This is often a ventilation issue rather than a structural failure.
- Active Leaks: If you see water dripping from the frame, staining on the drywall, or “fog” trapped between the panes of glass (indicating a blown seal), you are dealing with an active leak.
Common Skylight Issues in Edmonton
The extreme temperature swings in Northern Alberta can take a toll on even the highest-quality installations. Here are the most frequent problems we encounter:
1. Failed Flashing
The flashing is the metal “collar” that seals the skylight to your roof shingles. Because metal and shingles expand at different rates, the seal can break over time. In Edmonton, ice damming can also force water underneath this flashing, leading to significant drywall damage.
2. Worn Weather Stripping
The seals around the glass can dry out and crack due to intense UV exposure in the summer and brittle cold in the winter. Once these seals fail, moisture can enter the home or settle between the glass panes, ruining the skylight’s insulating properties.
3. Improper Original Installation
Skylights require precise integration with your roofing system. If the original installer didn’t use the proper underlayment or ice and water shield, the unit is essentially a ticking time bomb for leaks.
What a Professional Skylight Inspection Includes
Before scheduling a full skylight replacement in Edmonton, a professional should perform a comprehensive evaluation. At A. Clark Roofing & Siding, our process ensures we find the root cause of the problem, not just the symptom. Our professional inspection includes:
- Exterior Flashing Check: Ensuring the metalwork is properly integrated with the surrounding shingles.
- Seal Integrity Test: Checking the gaskets and acrylic/glass seals for cracks or gaps.
- Roof-Area Analysis: Sometimes, a skylight leak is actually water traveling from a damaged shingle higher up the roof. A full roof inspection is the only way to be sure.
- Ventilation Assessment: Determining if interior moisture is caused by poor airflow rather than a mechanical failure.
Skylight Leak Repair or Replacement in Edmonton
If your skylight is over 15 years old and experiencing seal failure or flashing issues, a replacement is often the most cost-effective path. Modern skylights offer significantly higher R-values (insulation), helping you keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Restore Your Natural Light with Expert Help
Don’t let a faulty skylight damage your ceilings or compromise your home’s energy efficiency. Whether you are dealing with persistent condensation or a visible drip, our Edmonton team has the expertise to diagnose, replace, or repair your leaky skylight and fix the issue for good.
Notice a drip or foggy glass? Contact A. Clark Roofing & Siding to book your professional roof and skylight inspection today!
