Repairing and Replacing  Skylights – For Chicago Area Skylight Repair & Replacement Call 708-574-8052.

If there is one thing Chicago has more of than crime, it’s skylights. Leaking skylights the the windy city are a common problem. Most often a repair will work for many years, especially on the old “bird cadge” skylights from the 30s and 40s. They may be old, but they sure made things back then.

Sun tunnels are another option if you are looking to have a smaller hole, or want to bring light into a dark bathroom or hallway. The cost for a sun tunnel is also much less than the average skylight.

You can get skylights starting at around $250.00 going up into the thousands for custom and commercial skylights.

The two most common places for a skylight to begin to leak is around the flashing or curb, or around the rubber seal in the glass. Repairing or having to replace the flashing is a bit more work, but can be accomplished for a reasonable price, and bring peace of mind for years too come.

Having a leaking skylight can be a health risk as well, allowing moisture to penetrate and them mold grows. It’s best to stop the leak as soon as possible either with a repair, or total replacement.

If you are looking for skylight repair or replacement in Chicago and the surrounding area, be sure to give us a call. We can resolve most issues at reasonable prices.

Causes of Skylight Leaks

Many leak problems begin when water gets under gaps in the skylight itself, the flashing around the skylight, or the flat roof membrane that goes up what is called the “curb.”

When this water freezes in the Windy City, it expands causing the gap to expand. After a few seasons of this expansion and contraction, it starts to leak.

Repairing Or Replacing?

Most often a skylight can be repaired rather than being replaced entirely.  Even old skylights with cracked glass can be repaired with the right materials and know-how.

Replacing an existing light, or installing a new one, can be a major construction project. Many people are content with their current system, other than the leak. This can be repaired without, not only the added expense, but the mess and inconvenience of having an unwanted construction project in your home. You can check out roofing pricing at Angie’s List.

Skylights on a Shingled Roof

On a pitched shingle roof skylight, step flashing run under the shingles and along side of the skylight. Usually a counter flashing also covers the step flashing.  The first thing I look for is exposed nails under the shingles.

Many times roofers nail the flashing to the roof deck and leave the nail exposed. Rather than nailing high, they put the nail low, thus leaving the nail exposed. While the shingle may cover the nail, the flashing is not. Over time water gets under the nail head, freezes, and actually lifts the nail up causing a skylight leak.

The proper way to nail the flashing to the roof deck is to have every piece of flashing cover the nail that is holding the piece below the other. Every piece of flashing should totally cover the nail holding the piece below it.  This way water never touches the nail head, and you can’t see any nails even if you lift up the shingles.

This is the number one reason for leaks around skylight flashing on a shingle roof that I have come across. The funny thing is, this is a basic mistake! What’s the big deal with putting the nails up a few inches higher? I guess I’ll never know.

Skylights on Flat Roofs

A  flat roof skylight does not actually sit directly on the roof. These sun tunnels sit on what is called a curb. Several types of flat roof membrane run up this curb. I look for cracks and what are called bird’s mouths in the membrane.

In some cases any cracks or gaps can simply be patched with the proper material. In other cases the damage may be more extensive and resurfacing may be the wiser option.

I like to re-roof at least two feet on the roof deck itself, as well as up the entire curb with the appropriate material for the particular roof membrane.

In some cases I will patch any minor areas with torch down rubber patch, and then apply a liquid roof coating, such as elastomeric coating, to the entire area around the skylight and the curb.

I have over 20 years experience in roofing, flashing systems, and skylight leak repair.

Best Skylight Brands

VELUX offers a the best complete skylight systems with complimentary products and accessories for any solution.

VELUX® America Inc. is introducing a totally redesigned skylight product line which will be shown for the first time at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas in January 2010. Major upgrades include advanced energy efficient glass and added protection against water penetration. A no leak product warranty is included, as is an industry-first installation warranty for deck mounted skylights.

The VELUX deck mounted product family is now designated The No Leak Skylight. It carries the new 10-year installation warranty plus 20 years on glass, 10 years on skylights, and five years on blinds and controls. Features include a third layer of water protection advanced LoE3 glass for better energy efficiency, higher visible light transmittance, and improved solar heat gain performance pre-painted frames and sashes to eliminate the need for secondary high-cost trips by a painter pre-mounted brackets for quick installation of sunscreen blinds lower roof profile with an updated curved architectural design and a neutral gray color, preferred by consumers and builders, to blend with most roof materials and colors.