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.
Key Takeaways
- Leaks around skylights often show up as stains, mold, or even dripping water.
- If you’re dealing with water damage, first, contain the water, then turn off the electricity, document the damage, stop the leak, begin the drying process, and contact the restoration professionals.
- Professionals can fix the damage and get to the root cause—whether it’s flashing, insulation, or roofing issues.
If you’re in the Chicago area, contact ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for help!
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.