Skylights

A skylight can add much beauty to your home. It makes a room brighter and lends an open and airy feeling. That is, unless the skylight springs a leak. That's what happened in Greensboro, N.C.

A skylight basically caps a hole in the roof. It must be measured and fit precisely. To ensure a tight fit, aluminum flashing is installed around the edges. Flashing is then caulked off against the skylight and the roof. But over the years that caulk dries out, gaps develop and water can seep behind the flashing. And that water will eventually leak into your house. But there are ways to keep your skylight healthy and shining:

• Check the flashing and caulk once a year to ensure the skylight is watertight.
  
• Check for small cracks. Skylights are durable but can become damaged by hail, ice or tree limbs.
  
• Have a licensed roofer install the skylights. It's important the job is done properly with as little damage to the roof as possible.

Skylights are beautiful, but like everything else around the house they must be maintained. A little attention will go a long way toward letting the light in and keeping the water out.