Although skylights can be a source of great cheer and make your house much less gloomy in winter, they can also bring great concern and expensive damage during winter storms if they suffer a malfunction. Here are some common reasons that you might find water inside your skylight, some of which will require repair or even replacement of the glass itself and others of which may only require cleaning.
Condensation
If you find condensation on the inside of your skylight and you don't know why, you could have a problem with humidity and with insulation. If your skylight isn't made of double-paned class, you could have problems with insulation. If your home is fairly humid inside and the outside air is cold, moisture can collect on the inside surface of the glass or plastic. Check the condensation channel, which is designed to carry condensation away so it won't drip on the floor. If the channel is blocked, this could be why your condensation is suddenly dripping. Clean it out, then wait to see if the problem is solved.
Flashing
The flashing on the outside of your skylight is one of the most crucial elements of its waterproofing. If it's incorrectly installed, damaged, or left off altogether, this could allow water to creep in through your skylight as it washes down from the ridge of the roof towards the ground and finds the skylight in its way. If you have flashing problems, get a roofing expert in ASAp before the next winter storm so rain will once again be diverted away from your skylight.
Micro-cracks
As the glass of your skylight ages over the years, you may find that it begins to develop tiny fissures known as micro-cracks. If these develop into larger cracks you'll eventually have to replace the skylight glass because of it, but when you first identify this problem you can have your roofer apply a sealant to the outside of the glass to keep moisture from penetrating.
Snow
The snow above your skylight may melt faster than the snow on the rest of your roof, especially if it's not a very energy-efficient skylight. When this snow melts, it may try to drain away but instead be captured by the intact snow just below the bottom edge of the skylight. If the water is trapped like this, it can pool against the bottom edge of the skylight until gravity helps it gain entry. Be sure to keep the roof around your skylight clear of snow to avoid this problem.
These are some common reasons why you might find drips, condensation, or water damage inside your skylight. Take the proper steps and have your skylights inspected occasionally to keep them in good shape and reduce your chances of water damage and expensive glass replacement.
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