Common Roofing and Skylight Problems (and How to Fix Them)

 

All householders know that sometimes things break and you have no idea how to fix them. Who would know that your brickwork needs to be redone, or that your windows could need replacing so quickly? There’s always something to take you by surprise. The same goes for roofing and skylight problems.
These work perfectly, until something goes wrong and you need to make some fixes.
Here’s some of the most common roofing and skylight problems you may come across as a homeowner, and how you can fix them.

 

3 Common Problems With Your Roofing

The roofing is one part of your home that you probably never even think about. Why would you? You literally can’t see it properly unless you get up on a ladder and take a look.
Here’s some of the problems you may come across, and how you can fix them.

 

1. Leaks and moisture:

Leaks and moisture problems are probably one of the biggest ones a homeowner can face. You start noticing damp spots growing on the ceiling, or down the walls.
If you’re really unlucky, you’ll see water start dripping through, too. You don’t want to think about where it’s coming from, but you’re going to have to do so, quickly.

The likely reason there’s leakage is that moisture has got under your shingles or flashing, ruining the watertight seal.
This means that water is getting in and causing damage to your home. Left unchecked, it can and will rot away timbers and cause other costly work to your home.

How to fix this:

If you find that your home is developing roof leaks and problems, it’s best to bring in an expert right away. They’ll get on the roof and look for the source of the leak, and make repairs to stop water from getting in again.
They’ll also be able to make repairs, or advise on repairs, that need to be done to anything in the home that’s been damaged by water.

 

2. Animals in the roof:

Another common roofing problem can be those cute furry friends you often see outside. You hear scurrying feet in your attic space, and you know that it’s already too late. There are animals taking up residence in your roof, and you need to get them out, pronto. Leaving them there can cause more damage than you can think of, but getting them out sounds like a real Herculean effort.

How to fix this:

This job is one for the pest control company. Bring them in, and tell them about what you’ve heard or seen in the attic. They’ll determine what’s there, and depending on what they’ll find, they’ll have a plan for removing them. There are even pest control people who’ll remove them humanely if you ask. When they do this, ask where they have been getting in from. You’ll then know where you need to make repairs.

 

3. Overhanging trees:

Those trees on your property may look fantastic, but they can be causing you problems that you hadn’t even thought of. If the branches are too close to your roof, then they can be rubbing against the shingles, abrading them or even pulling them off.

How to fix this:

If there’s trees that are too close to your roof, then they’re going to need to be cut back so they’re not interfering with it.
A tree surgeon or tree cutting service should be able to do this for you. They’ll be able to remove branches without causing damage to your trees, too.

 

 

3 Common Skylight Problems

A good skylight is a real boon for your home. They let in lots of natural lighting, lighting your home wonderfully and making it bright and airy. Being in the roof though, they can be prone to similar issues as the roofing itself. Here’s what skylight problems you should be looking out for:

 

1. Leaking skylights:

Around 90% of skylight problems are due to leaks that form around them.
You’ll soon see if a problem is occurring, as water or moisture will start to collect around the edges of the frame. This is most often due to improperly installed or damaged flashing, the seal around the outside of the skylight that diverts rain water away.

How to fix this:

If you’re quite handy, you can replace your own flashing.
If you’re not sure though, call in a roofing professional and they can diagnose your skylight leak and solve the problem for you quickly.

 

2. Broken glass:

Another one of the most common skylight problems occurs when the glass cracks. Being on the roof, your skylight can be prone to having the glass shattered or even broken. Falling tree limbs, hail, or even an errant bird can all cause damage to the glass.
Whatever broke it, you’re going to need to get it fixed, and quick.

How to fix this:

If your window has been broken, you’re going to need to get the glass replaced whatever you do.
If you’re doing this, you should consider getting a plastic, shatter proof version on the skylight installed. These can take a lot for impact than a regular glass window, so are great for skylights.
Ask your window installer about plastic windows and see if they can install one for you.

 

3. Sticking motors:

Most skylights will open a little, to allow air in. Sometimes the gears that allow them to open can get stuck, meaning the window jams either in an open or closed position.

How to fix this:

For these skylight problems, you may need to check the manual for your skylight if you have one, as it may be a jam you can fix yourself.
If you’re unsure though, it’s best to call in the installer, especially if they’ve given you a guarantee on it.
If the issue is electrical, as some skylights are these days, again you may want to call in the installer before attempting repair yourself.

 

Conclusion

These common problems are something that all homeowners will come across from one time or another.
If you know what to look out for though, you can catch most roofing and skylight problems before they become a real issue.
Follow these tips and you’ll have a healthy roof for years to come.