Glass Roof Leaks

Before dripping through the ceiling or running down a wall.

Glass roof leaks.

Inspect the weep holes at the bottom of the track on each window in the sunroom. Leaks can sprout down the sides of poorly fitted skylights and rubber seal around the glass can dry out and wear out as well ruining the water barrier. Finding the source of a leaking roof can be tricky. Some roof leaks are tough to locate.

Also ensure the skylight was installed with proper pitch. In between the frame and the roof this is a roof problem. Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. Sometimes the water will travel several feet from the entry point to the point at which the leak shows up.

If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures. Sunroofs are particularly susceptible to leakage because most are actually meant to leak by design. Sunroofs can leak in a number of places. From a visible crack in the glass to a subtle draft during breezy days a leaking conservatory roof can lead to costly structural and electrical repairs.

Check for cracks in the flashing along the top and the sides of the skylight as well as any missing or cracked shingles around it. It s not uncommon for roof leaks to start high and for water to travel down rafters or drywall. Caulk around the glass. In between the glass and the frame this happens from a worn or weathered seal in the skylight itself.

In order for the glass to sit flush against the roof there is usually no exterior gasket to block water from dripping down along the outside edges of the sunroof. These holes often get blocked with dirt and debris. Either the skylight wasn t installed correctly or the flashing and seal around it have become worn. This results in leaks because the windows can t drain water appropriately.

A skylight like all windows is made up of a pane of glass surrounded by a frame usually metal.