As the seasons change, drizzly autumnal weather will become more of the norm, which means if you didn’t know you had a leaky conservatory skylight, you soon will.
Rainy weather
Stronger downpours will become more common as the weather turns colder, and it might not be long before we experience snowfall.
This means you might start to see drips on the floor underneath a skylight that is not properly sealed or has warped materials if it has been a few years since it was fitted.
Alternatively, there might be a crack in the glass, which is letting in water from outside through to the house.
Leaking when clear outside
However, some homeowners might discover their skylight is still leaking when the weather is clear.
In this case, the problem is not to do with rain coming in through a crack in the glass or weakened seals, but because of condensation.
Your skylight can suffer from condensation if the temperature inside the house contrasts greatly with the conditions outside.
For instance, if you have your heating on high and warm air hits the glass surface, which is cold due to the autumnal or wintry weather, this can cause condensation.
Skylights are particularly prone to this because hot air rises to the ceiling, which is where they are fitted.
What to do if there is leaking
The first thing to do if you experience dripping from your skylight is to determine whether it is due to leaks or condensation, as this will inform what steps you take next.
- How to fix leaks
If there is a leak in the window, it is sensible to call in repair specialists to determine how they can fix the problem.
They might have to replace the flashing, which is metal that is installed to prevent water from roofs seeping into the house. Or you might find the flashing simply needs resealing or reinstalling if it is not positioned as tightly or accurately as it should be.
Alternatively, the weather seals might need to be replaced if they have deteriorated or peeled away.
It might also be caused by blocked drainage channels, leading to water building up on the window, resulting in it seeping into the conservatory below.
If repairs cannot be made to the skylight, such as if there are large cracks, it may need to be replaced entirely.
- How to fix condensation problems
If, however, you find the problem is related to condensation, it could be enough to improve insulation in the property.
This will prevent warm air from travelling to the ceiling as easily, as it will remain trapped within the house. Consequently, the air touching the cold glass will not be as hot and cause condensation to occur.
It is also a good idea to improve ventilation in the room, either by opening windows or removing obstructions from weep holes, which is where condensation is allowed to drain.
Once you have determined what the problem with the skylight is, you will be able to resolve it easily, enabling you to have a warm, dry conservatory in time for the colder months.