Skylights represent a host of problems: from installation issues, to energy efficiency issues. Why someone would put something of so little resistance to heat loss at the warmest place in the room is confusing to me. I know they meet energy codes and all that----but should they? It would seem that one would get a lot of “points” for avoiding skylights. Answering the "politics" of this question is not really the focus of this post however. Nor am I going to go into issues related to water leaks due to poor flashings details. The reality of skylights is that newer units with proper flashing kits designed specifically for that particular skylight are VERY good at keeping water out. Most leaking associated with these skylights is due to installation errors---not due to anything inherently wrong with skylights themselves. Today I want to discuss improper installation of the skylight well (those structures that make up the transition from the interior ceiling to the skylight itself. In this picture one can see this transition structure in the attic all nicely wrapped with yellow insulation. Notice the little grey stain on the sheathing at the top right corner next to the truss. This grey stain is where warm moist air is moving from the bathroom interior space into the attic. Moisture condenses on the sheathing turning it grey. In this next picture, another skylight in the Master Bathroom of the same house-----the bathroom that gets used the most-----shows even more pronounced staining than the first picture. Note that there is staining of the roof sheathing at both corners. Over time this moisture can weaken and damage the sheathing. In the winter it would be likely to see the grey areas covered with frost----if the roof is cold enough. This condition is the result of poor sealing of the connection between the skylight and interior wall surfaces and is a relatively easy thing to fix----preventing heat loss and saving energy.
Charles Buell
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Click on the Rose to check out: AHA!---A Forum of Landmark Proportions---your Group
PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.
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I have a skylight in my home placed there by the previous owners. It doesn't leak, but condensation accumulates on the inside whenever it's really cold out and then drips down onto the surrounding wood and drywall. Drives me crazy!
Mr Charles,
I know that you are the homebuyers dream and know more about skylights than people would expect you to. But can you do this?
Nutsy S. Wallenda
David, this can be a function of inadequate ventilation in the are the skylight is in. You are in CA right? How cold are we talking?
Nutsy you look to be standing on thin ice as near as I can tell.
I have never seen this occurrence with a skylight...yet.
Nutsy is always one step away from going through the ice.
Hey James, it would look kind of cool all frosted up thought wouldn't it?
Nutsy or the roof deck?
Now Nutsy ala mode just sounds disgusting:)
Enough of that leaking you wouldn't need an exhaust fan.
Jay good point----then all they need to do is install the ductwork:)
If you are building a new home or even considering remodeling your existing home you will want to think about putting in skylights. Many people do not realize it, but skylights actually make a room look much lager than it actually is. They can really lighten a space up and make it more enjoyable. For more info visit my site on Skylights Ireland.
If you are building a new home or even considering remodeling your existing home you will want to think about putting in skylights. Many people do not realize it, but skylights actually make a room look much lager than it actually is. They can really lighten a space up and make it more enjoyable. For more info visit my site on Skylights Ireland.
If you are building a new home or even considering remodeling your existing home you will want to think about putting in skylights. Many people do not realize it, but skylights actually make a room look much lager than it actually is. They can really lighten a space up and make it more enjoyable. For more info visit my site on Skylights Ireland.
i currently have a skylight leak where i had 3 roofing companies come for estimates. 2 of the roofers stated that i needed "rubbering and shingles", and the last roofer opposed to this and stated that what he would do is "Aluminum cupping." Can you please help advise, as i do not know what would be the best method used here for my skylight? They both gave the same estimate, and guarantee there work for at least 5-10yrs! Skylights Ireland
i currently have a skylight leak where i had 3 roofing companies come for estimates. 2 of the roofers stated that i needed "rubbering and shingles", and the last roofer opposed to this and stated that what he would do is "Aluminum cupping." Can you please help advise, as i do not know what would be the best method used here for my skylight? They both gave the same estimate, and guarantee there work for at least 5-10yrs! Skylights Ireland
I disagree with your choice of replacement skylight... the flashing kit on that skylight is very poor as it doesnt use step flashing and the ice and water around the skylight is pointless unless you wrap it up the sides of the skylight..You shouldve put ina better skylight, if interior trim work is necessary you can simply add a piece of natural 1x2 which will blend in with the natural frame, these people got an inferior skylight because you were lazy and didnt want to do trim work
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