Leaking around roof windows is often caused by poor maintenance rather than a specific defect. Most of the time, the problem can be resolved in just fifteen minutes
Understanding the Issue
Vertical glazing, like traditional wall windows, rarely shows minor sealing problems. However, with roof windows, even the smallest issue becomes very apparent and often results in leaks.
This problem is more than just aesthetic and practical; water can cause significant damage once it penetrates beneath the roof slope, including wetting electrical installations, soaking and destroying insulation, and damaging gypsum boards used as the final layer in attics.
Fortunately, you can often fix this problem yourself.
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Safety First!
When working on roofs or at heights, safety is paramount. If you are not completely sure you can perform such tasks safely, it is advised to hire professionals.
Identifying the Problem
Leaking roof construction is a complex issue best left to professionals, as the spot where water appears in your home is rarely where it enters the roof. However, if leaking occurs around the roof window, there is a good chance you can fix it yourself.
Common Causes and Quick Fixes
If you notice wetness only during heavy or prolonged rain, the issue is likely just a matter of cleaning, which is the most common cause of leaking roof windows. This intervention usually doesn’t even require going onto the roof.
- Inspect the Drainage Channels: If the roof window is not set too high, inspect the drainage channels around the window from inside. These channels are where the roofing material (tiles, shingles, metal, etc.) meets the roof window and are designed to capture and divert water. If they are full of debris, you are on the right track to fixing the problem yourself.
- Clean the Channels: Over time, these channels accumulate dirt from leaves and dust brought by the wind, and washed by rain. If trees are nearby, clean them once a year. Manually remove all debris, and rinse the remaining dirt with water or let the next rain do it.
- Monitor During Rain: After cleaning, monitor during the next rain to see if the cleaning was sufficient. If leaking continues, there may be another problem.
Further Inspection
- External Check: Once the rain stops and the roof dries, inspect the area around the roof window from the outside. If the roof is tiled, lift the tiles near the window to check for broken or cracked tiles and the condition of the metal flashings around the window.
- Professional Help: If water doesn’t appear soon after the rain starts, and the channels are clean, water might be entering under the roofing at another location, finding its way to the area around the window. In this case, it is best to consult professionals.
Conclusion
If you are not experienced in such tasks and have read this far, it’s wise not to attempt to fix the problem by going onto the roof yourself. It’s unlikely you’ll succeed, and more likely you’ll jeopardize your safety. All the tasks mentioned here should be performed from inside the house, and it is not advised for inexperienced individuals to go onto the roof.
Photo: Velux