Skylight, waterspots...ugh

[keniz138]

Hi all,
Upon moving into my new house, new roof was put on and i opted to replace the OLD skylight with a new one. Problem is that the new one is actually too big for the hole that was tso it overlaps on all sides. It is a fixed, dual panel skylight that has essentially been "bonded" to the roof.

Now, shortly after moving in, I was getting a water spot in the kitchen after heavy rains. The roofer came back several times and could see no leak, but did some token patching. After several unseuccessful attempts, the roofer and I arrived at the conclusion that the waterspots may be being caused by condensation gathering on the skylight and leaking down inside, getting onto the cieling. Since then, I have been being very careful to wipe any condensation off of the skylight and have seen no worsening of the waterspot. However, last night some heavy rain did come...no waterspot last night, wiped down the skylight after showering (skylight in bathroom). This morning, looks like waterspot got worse. I can see no leak ANYWHERE in the attic. Question is this...do you think the heavy rain can make that much of an ATMOSPHERIC difference as to cause the condensation on the skylight to leak onto adjacent ceiling....or IS there actually a leak somewhere?

[shinstr]

Skylights are tricky animals.
Anytime you make a penetration in a roof...if not flashed correctly...it will leak. In my experience (25 years and counting), the only type of skylight installation that can be permanently waterproofed is one that has a solid/welded frame, installed on a curb 4" to 6" up off the roof, and the curb flashed with sheet metal as you would a chimney...Back pan, step flashing on the sides and an apron or head flashing. I can, and do, guarantee this type installation for the life of the current installed roof!

I am not sure of the type of skylight you have as there are many different types. If you purchased the "Self-flashing" type...don't believe it...never works.

One other important thing to know about skylights is that the frames have a weep system built-in. If you or your roofer has sealed the domes to the frame and/or frame to frame (it is in two pieces, a frame for the curb, with a ring to secure the domes), ...the natural weep system that is designed to drain condensation has been blocked.

Good Luck! :D

[keniz138]

wel,, i would imagine that the weep system is not functioning as it should...the thing is basically sealed to the roof. Again, I cant see any leaking from outside, but its possible it has no ventilation. What can I do at this point?

[shinstr]

It is difficult to say. I am not sure what type/brand of skylight you have.

Double plexiglass domes set in an aluminum frame and curb mounted up off the roof? Or does the frame sit down on the roof? Or a Velux style "roof window" with flat pane glass?..as I stated there are many different types.

Whichever way it sounds like it has been sealed to the point of failure. I have dissasembled, cleaned and re-mouted, countless assemblies. Most of the time it works.... if all else fails...Maybe it's time to start over. New custom made assembly to fit your existing opening. Your roofer may have caused the problem by ordering/fabricating an assembly that was improperly sized in the first place.

If it was installed with the new roof and is covered under the contractors labor warranty... he should be approached with the prospect of getting you a new one, correctly sized this time, fabricated and installed, in addition to; remove and replace all damaged (gooped up with sealant/mastic) shingles surrounding it.
If he disagrees...tell him you'll start sending him the bills for the interior repairs every time it rains.

[keniz138]

Frame sits directly on the roof. Problem here is that i was the one who bought the skylight. The sellers realtor told me roofer was not comfortable taking the measurements and purchasing the skylight...so it would be my responsibility. Unfortunately, there was NO skylight on the market that would fit exactly, so dealer recommened this scenario. The roofer installed it even though he did not agree that it should truly be going up there...what burns me is that he had my phone # the whole time.

The guy has been back a few times...but i can no longer track him down...he's basically a bum and i dont think he's even licensed. The relator has gotten the owner of the company he USED to work for to come out and take a look at things...and he maintains that there is no leak from outside, its fromthe condensation inside. The way he left it was, "show me where its leaking from outside and i'll come fix it."

Dunno what my options are at this point...thinking of taking realtor/previous owner to court regarding (potentially) having an unlicensed roofer do the job...in addition to not upholding the warranty. Thoughts? Any contractors here with insight?

[shinstr]

Well it will most likely cost you a lot more to go the legal route than just fixing it. For around $100 to $150, you can have a custom frame and lenses fabricated + installation, so in the $300 to $350 range total.

Option #1 - New assembly
Call a PROFESSIONAL roofing contractor...
He can remove what is there (and you can always try to return it)..never hurts to try. Measure the outside dimension of the existing curb and have one made to fit. It sounds like he may need to add a nailer atop or around what you have to raise it off the roof for proper flashing application.

Option #2 - Keep existing assembly
Call a PROFESSIONAL roofing contractor...
Have the NEW roofing contractor remove the existing skylight and extend/raise/widen the existing curb to fit your frame. Clean all the repair attempts to unblock the weep system.

Want to know who is a professional in your area..call a roofing supplier and ask him for the names and numbers of his 3 largest residential clients.

Good Luck!