Back to Blog Repairs Skylight Leaking? The San Antonio Homeowner's Fix-It Guide
Mark WhiteNovember 15, 20255 min read Skylights are wonderful, until they're not. Natural light, open feel, energy efficiency... all great until you're watching water drip through one during a thunderstorm. Skylight leaks are one of the most common calls we get, and the good news is they're almost always fixable.
The bad news? Most homeowners (and some roofers) misdiagnose the cause, which means the first 'repair' doesn't actually fix it.
The 4 Reasons Skylights Leak
In order of frequency:
- Flashing failure (60% of cases). The metal flashing that seals the skylight to the roof deteriorates over time. In San Antonio's thermal cycling environment, flashing sealant breaks down every 10-15 years. This is a repair, not a skylight replacement.
- Condensation (20% of cases). Not actually a leak. Temperature differential between indoor and outdoor air causes moisture to form on the glass and frame. Looks like a leak, acts like a leak, but the fix is ventilation and insulation, not roofing work.
- Worn seals/gaskets (15% of cases). The rubber gaskets in the skylight unit itself degrade from UV exposure. If the skylight is over 15 years old, replacement is usually more cost-effective than new gaskets.
- Improper original installation (5% of cases). Some skylights were installed without proper step flashing or with the wrong size curb. These require re-installation, not just repair.
Repair vs. Replace: The Decision
If your skylight is under 15 years old and the leak is flashing-related, repair makes sense. Cost: $300-$800 depending on accessibility and complexity.
If your skylight is over 15 years old, OR if you're getting a full roof replacement, replace the skylight at the same time. Installing a new skylight during a re-roof adds only $800-$1,500 to the project (vs. $1,500-$3,000 as a standalone job) because the area is already open.
This is one of my strongest recommendations: ALWAYS replace skylights during a re-roof if they're more than 10 years old. The cost difference is minimal, and you won't be calling me in 3 years when the old skylight starts leaking on your brand-new roof.
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Some homeowners who are tired of leak problems ask us to remove the skylight entirely. This is an option, we'd patch the opening with matching decking, underlayment, and shingles. But you lose the natural light and the ceiling inside needs drywall work.
Before going this route, let us properly diagnose the issue. A $500 flashing repair might save you from a $3,000 removal and interior renovation.
Call Legacy at (210) 272-7272 for a skylight assessment. We've repaired and replaced thousands across San Antonio.
Got a roofing question? Something keeping you up at night? (Besides that mysterious dripping sound?) Email me personally at mwhite@legacytx.com. I read and answer every single one.
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Owner, Legacy Home Improvements · San Antonio since 1999
Mark has been in the roofing business for over 25 years. He personally inspects homes, works with insurance adjusters, and answers every email at mwhite@legacytx.com.
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