Leaking Skylight? Here’s How to Fix the Damage

There’s nothing quite like the charm of a skylight. It brings natural light into your home, creates a sense of openness, and can even boost your mood on gloomy days.

But what about when that beautiful feature starts to leak?

Suddenly, your sunlit sanctuary can turn into a serious source of stress.

A leaking skylight can lead to water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs if not handled quickly.

Fortunately, you’re not in this alone.

At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we’ve helped countless Chicago homeowners deal with skylight leaks—and we’re here to walk you through what to do, step by step.

Signs Your Skylight Is Leaking

Not all leaks are obvious, especially if they’re slow or hidden in a sneaky place like the roof.

With that in mind, here are the telltale signs to watch for:

• Water stains or damp spots on the ceiling or drywall near the skylight.
• Peeling paint, bubbling plaster, or warped drywall.
• Mold or mildew is growing around the skylight frame.
• Dripping water during or after rainstorms.
• Musty odors in the room with the skylight.
  

6 Steps to Take When Your Skylight is Leaking

1. Contain the Water

Grab towels, buckets, or tarps—whatever you need to catch and absorb the water.

The goal is to prevent further damage to your floors, furniture, and surrounding structures.

Pro Tip: If water is dripping onto hardwood flooring, act fast—wood swells and warps quickly when exposed to moisture.

2. Turn Off the Electricity (If Needed)

If water is near light fixtures or electrical outlets, don’t take any chances.

Shut off power to the affected area to avoid potential shocks or fire hazards.

3. Document the Damage

Take clear photos or videos of the leak and any damage it’s caused.

This documentation can be helpful when filing a homeowners’ insurance claim.

4. Stop the Leak (If Possible)

If you’re able to access the roof safely and the leak source is obvious—say, a missing shingle or visible crack—you can attempt a temporary patch with roofing tape or sealant.

Pro Tip: Always prioritize your safety. If the roof is slippery or unstable because of moisture, it’s best to wait for the pros from ServiceMaster of Lake Shore to arrive.

5. Begin Drying

Run fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows (if it’s not raining) to help dry out the area.

Remember: mold can start growing in as little as 24–48 hours of moisture intrusion, so it’s important to get the area as dry as possible as quickly as possible.

6. Call Restoration Pros

Even if the damage seems minor, calling in water damage restoration professionals is the best way to make sure that all moisture, structural issues, and mold are addressed fully.

How Water Damage Restoration Experts Deal With Leaking Skylight Damage

At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, our certified technicians use a step-by-step approach to tackle skylight leaks and the damage they cause.

Here’s a quick overview of our process:

1. Thorough Inspection

We start by identifying the extent of the water damage and locating the exact source of the leak—whether it’s from the skylight itself or surrounding roofing materials.

2. Water Damage Mitigation

Next, we remove soaked materials, extract water, and set up drying equipment to prevent mold and further deterioration.

3. Fixing the Root Cause

Once we’ve gotten rid of the wet materials, we get busy identifying and resolving the root cause of the leak.

Common causes include the following:

• Improper installation: Especially after a roof replacement. Poor sealing can cause leaks even in brand-new skylights.
• Worn flashing: Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles can degrade flashing over time.
• Cracked or damaged skylight lens: Hail, debris, or simple aging can cause small cracks that let water in.
• Condensation issues: Lack of insulation or ventilation can lead to interior leaks that mimic roof leaks.
• Roofing issues: Damaged or missing shingles, poor sealing, or deterioration around the skylight can allow water intrusion.

4. Water Damage Restoration

Once the leak is fixed, we restore affected areas—patching drywall, repainting, replacing insulation, and performing mold remediation if needed.

When in Doubt, Call Chicago’s Restoration Experts

Skylights are a beautiful addition to any home, but when leaks strike, the damage can spread fast.

If you’re dealing with a dripping ceiling or musty smell near your skylight, don’t wait.

Let the trusted team at ServiceMaster of Lake Shore step in.

We’re proud to serve the Chicago area with fast, reliable water damage restoration services —bringing peace of mind back to your home, one skylight at a time.

Don’t wait! Call us today for an estimate: (312) 707-8597