Seasonal Checklist
A skylight that sits silent most of the year shows problems when the weather changes. After autumn leaves clog the flashing, before winter snow piles up, during snowmelt, in spring storms and summer heat—each season offers a different test. Some checks are five-minute looks from inside. Others mean a safe climb to the roof. This is what to watch for, and when to stop and call someone who does this work.
A property manager checks a skylight once a season, and once a problem shows itself, the fix rests on what the problem is, not when you noticed it.
The seasonal tasks
After autumn (October–November)
Leaves, twigs and debris collect on the roof around the skylight. They trap moisture and can block drainage. If you can safely access the roof, clear the area around the flashing—make sure water can flow freely. From inside, look at the ceiling around the frame for any water marks or discoloration that were not there before. Check the corners especially, where water tends to find its way in first.
During winter (December–February)
Ice and snowmelt are the hardest tests. If ice dams form on the roof, water pools against the flashing and can force its way in. Inside, watch for condensation on the glass or frame in the early morning—it means the seal is letting outside air in. Look for water stains or frost in the corners. If you see water dripping during a freeze-thaw cycle, the problem is urgent.
After spring storms (March–April)
Heavy rain and wind stress both the seal and flashing. After a hard rain, check for drips inside and for new water marks on the ceiling. Look at the exterior flashing if safe to do so: has anything shifted, come loose, or separated from the roof? If the frame or flashing looks different than it did before the storm, a contractor should assess it.
In summer (June–August)
Heat can expand the frame and harden sealant. If you notice the frame is not sitting flush to the roof anymore, or if the sealant is cracking and pulling away, that is the time to do a re-seal rather than wait for the first rain. Interior checks are still worth doing: any new water marks or staining, even small ones, means the seal or flashing is failing.
What the checks cost you
Repair versus replacement decisions in each season
In autumn, debris cleanup sometimes looks like a repair but is really maintenance. In winter, if water is coming in, you are past the repair window—replacement might be the only option if the unit is old and the seal is failed. In spring, after storms, the decision between re-sealing and replacement rests on how visible the damage is: if the frame or flashing is separated or corroded, replacement makes sense. In summer, if sealant is cracking, a re-seal buys you years before the next decision.
The questions to ask when you decide to call
- How long has the skylight been there, and what type is it (fixed, opening, sun tunnel)?
- When did the water or staining first appear, and what triggered the season it appeared in?
- Is the water coming in during specific weather conditions (hard rain, snow melt, wind)?
- Does the water appear in one spot or multiple spots around the frame?
- Have you noticed any visible cracks, gaps, or separation between the frame and the roof?
When to stop and call a professional
If the skylight is on a steep roof, if you cannot safely reach it from a ladder, or if the work involves going into an attic with poor ventilation or electrical hazards nearby, a contractor should do the inspection. Water coming into the ceiling means interior work as well—a professional can assess the full damage and set priorities. The decision helper on the planning notes page can point you toward the answer once you have the basic information from these checks.
