How do I know if my leak is coming from the skylight or the roof around it?
Water staining that radiates outward from the corners of the skylight frame points to flashing failure at the skylight curb. Staining that appears well away from the skylight opening usually indicates a separate roof leak unrelated to the unit.
What does skylight leak repair typically cost?
Skylight leak repair starts at $300, in line with our standard roof repair pricing, with final cost depending on whether the flashing, curb, or surrounding shingles need replacement. A written estimate is provided after inspection, before any work begins.
Can a skylight leak be repaired without replacing the whole unit?
In most cases, yes. The majority of skylight leaks originate at the flashing or curb seal, not the glass or frame itself, so replacing the flashing assembly resolves the leak without the cost of a full unit replacement.
How long does a skylight flashing repair take?
A standard skylight flashing repair on a single-family Houston-area home is typically completed in a single day, provided weather allows access to the roof and no extensive decking damage is found underneath the curb.
Why does my skylight leak only during heavy rain?
Minor flashing gaps often only allow water through under wind-driven rain, which Houston’s storm systems produce frequently. Light rainfall may not generate enough pressure to force water past a small gap, which is why the leak can seem intermittent.
Will re-caulking my skylight fix the leak permanently?
Re-caulking alone is a temporary measure if the underlying flashing has failed. Caulk breaks down under Houston’s UV exposure and heat cycling faster than metal flashing, so a caulk-only repair commonly needs to be redone within one to two storm seasons.
Can extreme heat damage skylight seals?
Yes. Repeated expansion and contraction from Houston’s summer roof surface temperatures accelerates cracking in rubber gaskets and sealant around the skylight frame, which is why seal failure is more common here than in milder climates.
Do you repair skylights on flat roofs and pitched roofs both?
Yes. Flat and low-slope skylights require curb-mounted flashing systems designed for standing water, while pitched-roof skylights use step flashing integrated with the surrounding shingles. Our crews assess and repair both configurations.
Is a skylight leak covered by homeowners insurance?
Coverage depends on the cause. Leaks caused by a specific storm event, such as wind or hail damage to the flashing, are often covered, while leaks from gradual sealant wear or age typically are not. We document the damage so you can review it with your adjuster.
Do you serve The Woodlands and Cypress for skylight repair, or only Houston?
Achilles repairs skylight leaks throughout Houston, The Woodlands, and Cypress. Our supply yard at 16310 Cypress Bend Drive in Cypress keeps flashing materials close to northwest Houston-area job sites.
How often should skylight flashing be inspected?
We recommend a visual flashing check once a year, ideally before Houston’s peak storm season, and again after any major hail or wind event. Flashing that has never been replaced since the skylight’s original installation is the most common point of failure we find.
What warranty comes with a skylight repair?
Skylight leak repairs completed by Achilles carry the same 5-year workmanship warranty applied to our standard roof repair work, covering the flashing and sealant installation against defects.