The Dark Side of Skylights: Leaks, Condensation & What You Can Do About It

Skylights are beautiful — they flood your home with natural light and make any space feel open and inviting. But if you’ve ever dealt with a leaky skylight, you know there’s another side to them that’s not so pretty.

In Ohio’s unpredictable weather, skylights can cause more trouble than they’re worth when they’re not installed or maintained correctly. Let’s break down some of the most common problems homeowners run into — and how to fix them before they turn into major repairs.

1. Skylight Leaks — The Most Common Issue

A skylight leak usually starts small. You might notice a faint stain on the ceiling or a soft spot in the drywall. But behind the scenes, water could already be seeping into your roof structure.

The main causes of leaks are:

• Improper installation or bad flashing work
• Aging skylight seals that have cracked over time
• Roof damage or worn shingles around the skylight
• Clogged weep holes that trap moisture

Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles only make things worse — that small leak can quickly grow once ice and expansion start working against the roof.

2. Condensation — The Hidden Damage You Don’t See Right Away

Even if your skylight isn’t technically “leaking,” condensation can cause just as much trouble.
When warm, humid indoor air hits the cold skylight glass, it turns into water droplets. Over time, that moisture can lead to:

• Mold or mildew forming around the frame
• Paint or drywall bubbling and peeling
• Wood rot around the window casing

It’s a slow process, but it adds up. The best way to fight condensation is with proper home ventilation and energy-efficient skylight glass that’s designed to handle Ohio’s temperature swings.

3. Fix It or Replace It? Here’s How to Tell

Not every skylight problem means you need a full replacement. Sometimes a simple flashing or seal repair will do the trick. But if your skylight is more than 10–15 years old, or the leak keeps coming back, replacement is usually the smarter move.

Repair it if:

• The leak is coming from a small gap in the flashing or sealant.

Replace it if:

• The skylight is older, fogged between panes, or causing repeated damage inside.

The key is hiring a roofing contractor who understands how skylights and roofs work together — not someone who just caulks the edges and calls it a day.

4. Skylight Repairs & Roofing Solutions in Ohio

At American Way Exteriors, we’ve seen just about every kind of skylight issue — from small drips to full-on water damage inside the ceiling. We provide detailed roof inspections, proper flashing repair, and full skylight replacements across Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus.

Our goal is to make sure your home stays bright, dry, and protected.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

If you’re seeing water stains, peeling paint, or moisture buildup near your skylight, don’t wait. A small leak today can lead to big repairs down the road.
Reach out to American Way Exteriors for a skylight inspection and find out exactly what’s going on.

Serving homeowners throughout Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and surrounding Ohio areas.

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