Skylights are an attractive and practical feature that many homeowners enjoy in their homes. They provide natural light and a great view of the outdoors, while also providing additional ventilation. Skylights can help to keep a home cooler in the summer months, reduce heating costs during winter, and even boost overall energy efficiency throughout the year. Unfortunately, skylights are prone to storm damage from high winds or hail storms. As such, it is important for homeowners to inspect their skylights for any signs of storm damage after any major weather event.
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When inspecting your skylight for storm damage, you should first look at its physical condition. Look closely at all areas of your skylight – both interior and exterior surfaces – to check for cracks or other signs of wear-and-tear. You should also check around the edges of your skylight frame where there may be missing caulk or sealant that could cause water leakage when rain falls on it during a storm. If you have access to the attic space above your skylight, you should also inspect that area for evidence of water intrusion or wet insulation due to leaking caused by damaged seals around your window’s frame and/or glass panes themselves being cracked or broken due to impact from flying debris like hailstones during a severe thunderstorm.
In addition to checking for physical damage such as cracks in the glass pane itself, it is important not only visually inspect but feel around with gloved hands any soft spots along roofing material near where flashing attaches between two sections of roof decking as well as feeling down inside gutters near where they attach against eaves; these could indicate weakened roof structures which can result in costly repairs later if left unchecked now following severe weather events like windstorms which frequently occur across much North America each year.
If after thorough inspection no signs visible nor tactile evidence suggesting potential structural issues exist then homeowner need only address cosmetic repair work needed; i e replacing shingles blown off reattach metal flushing along seam connecting rooftop surfaces together etc However if upon further investigation serious concerns exist then professional advice must sought immediately before proceeding so avoid longterm problems regarding safety & cost resulting from delayed action taken addressing necessary repairs needed soonest possible.
What Causes Skylight Damage?
Skylight damage is one of the most common roofing issues that homeowners face. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as strong winds, hail, and even snow accumulation on the roof. Other causes include tree branches rubbing against the skylight or debris falling from higher levels in a building onto it. In some cases, animals may also cause skylight damage if they are able to get inside your attic or other areas near your roofline.
When inspecting for storm damage to a skylight, it’s important to check for cracks and dents along its frame and glass panes. A damaged sealant can also be an indication of storm damage since this will allow water to seep through into your home or business premises when it rains heavily. As well as this physical inspection, you should also check for any signs of mold around the window area which could indicate that there has been water leaking in from outside due to faulty seals or gaps in the framework.
Inspecting for skylight storm damage should form part of regular maintenance checks on all roofs but particularly those with large numbers of windows which are more prone to becoming damaged during extreme weather events such as storms and heavy rain showers. If any problems are found then immediate repairs should be carried out before further deterioration occurs leading potentially more costly repair bills later down the line.
Assessing the Extent of Storm Damage
Assessing the extent of storm damage to skylights can be an arduous task. For one, it is difficult to know where exactly the problem areas are without a thorough examination. There may be underlying issues with structural integrity that are not immediately visible upon inspection. Fortunately, with some simple steps and proper tools, you can identify any potential problems and make sure your roof is in optimal condition following a storm.
To start off, use binoculars or climb up onto the roof if necessary to get a better view of your skylight from above. Check for cracked glass panes or missing pieces which could indicate more serious damage than just surface-level destruction caused by hail or wind gusts during a storm event. If any glass has broken out completely then take extra caution when inspecting further as this could lead to more extensive repair work down the line.
Inspect each component of the skylight carefully – both from inside and outside – looking for loose parts such as screws or nails that might have been dislodged during high winds; these should be re-secured before continuing on with your assessment process so as not to cause further harm in future storms due to their instability now present in the structure of your roofing system. Look for signs of rust along metal edges or around fasteners that could compromise strength over time if left untreated; these will need special attention given they require immediate attention since they cannot simply wait until repairs are completed later on down the road.
Examining for Structural Damage
Inspecting a skylight for storm damage requires careful consideration of the structure’s overall integrity. A trained eye can identify problems with the structural framework, such as misalignment or gaps between the components. When examining these areas, it is important to look for signs of rust and corrosion that could be indicative of a compromised frame. Check around any edges or corners where wind-blown debris may have caused abrasion damage to the metal parts.
It is also essential to inspect all fasteners used in securing the skylight into place on your roofing system. Any loose screws or bolts should be tightened up before further investigation takes place. If necessary, replace any missing parts in order to ensure secure attachment and maximum stability against future storms and high winds. Examine the sealant that runs along each joint for any signs of wear or cracking which may allow water infiltration when exposed to extreme weather conditions like hail or heavy rainstorms.
If possible take note of how much clearance there is between your roofline and the bottom edge of your skylight window itself – this will help you better understand how much potential risk exists during severe weather events due to airborne projectiles being driven by powerful gusts at speed towards your home exterior surfaces.
Determining Replacement or Repair
Determining whether a skylight needs to be replaced or can simply be repaired is an important step in inspecting for storm damage. A roofer should first inspect the window frame, as well as the flashing and sealant around it, to check for any signs of leaking. If they find any evidence that water has been getting into your home through the skylight, then replacement is likely necessary.
On the other hand, if there are no visible signs of water intrusion but you still suspect there may have been some type of damage due to a storm or other event, then further investigation will be needed before making a decision about repair versus replacement. A professional roofer will take measurements such as depth and width of existing framing members and compare them with manufacturer’s specifications in order to make sure that everything is structurally sound before attempting repairs on any part of the system.
In some cases where only minor damage exists, such as small cracks in sealants or chipped paint around frames, simple repairs may be enough to restore functionality while also keeping costs down. However, if more serious issues are found during inspection – including larger cracks or dents along with evidence that wind-driven rain has entered through those areas – then full replacement would probably be recommended instead.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Skylights
Cleaning and disinfecting skylights is a necessary part of inspecting for storm damage. Storms can cause debris to accumulate on the surface of the skylight, which can make it difficult to properly inspect. It’s important to clean the entire area around the skylight with soap and water before attempting any inspection or repair work. To ensure that no contaminants are left behind, use a solution of bleach and water (1:10 ratio) when cleaning your skylight. This will not only help remove dirt and grime but also kill off any harmful bacteria that may have been introduced during a storm event. After cleaning, it’s recommended to rinse the area thoroughly with clear water in order to remove any residual bleach from the surface of your skylight as well as other surrounding materials such as shingles or flashing. For added protection against future storms, consider applying a waterproof sealant around your newly cleaned and disinfected skylight after rinsing it off completely with clear water. The sealant should be applied liberally along all edges where two surfaces meet so that no moisture or debris can penetrate through into areas below or above your roofline.
Replacing Damaged Skylights
Replacing damaged skylights is a critical part of inspecting for storm damage on your roof. The process starts with assessing the extent of the damage and determining what needs to be replaced or repaired. You’ll need to take into account factors such as type, size, material, and cost when making this decision.
The first step in replacing a skylight is selecting an appropriate replacement model that fits your specific requirements. It’s important to choose one that is designed for strength and durability so it can withstand extreme weather conditions without cracking or becoming loose over time. Look for models made from materials like tempered glass which offer additional protection against impacts and harsh weather elements.
If you are going to install the new skylight yourself make sure you follow all safety precautions including wearing protective gear like eye protection when drilling holes or cutting metal pieces during installation. Taking these steps will ensure that your new skylight will stand up against future storms and protect your home from further damage down the line.
Installing a New Skylight Properly
Installing a new skylight is an important step in ensuring that your roof is properly protected from storm damage. If you’re looking to replace or install a new skylight, it’s best to start by researching the various types of materials available for use. Metal-framed skylights are one popular choice and can be designed with either acrylic or polycarbonate glazing panels. These types of skylights provide excellent protection against high winds, but they do require more effort during installation than some other options.
Once you have decided on the type of material you will use, make sure that all components necessary for proper installation are present before beginning the project. This includes both support and flashing systems, as well as fasteners such as screws and nails. It is also important to ensure that any windowsills are level before attaching them to the frame; otherwise water could pool around them after heavy rainstorms and cause damage to your home’s interior walls or furniture.
Always follow manufacturer instructions when installing a new skylight so that it fits securely into place without compromising its overall strength and integrity over time due to improper placement or attachment methods. If possible try using tools like tape measures and spirit levels throughout each step of the process; this way you can guarantee that every component has been placed correctly according to manufacturer specifications before moving onto the next stage of inspection.
Inspecting for Leaks and Gaps
When inspecting a skylight for storm damage, one of the most important things to check for are any leaks or gaps. Leaks can be caused by hail or high winds which may have damaged the sealant around your skylight, allowing water to enter. It is essential to examine the entire perimeter of the skylight and identify any cracks in the sealant that could lead to water intrusion.
Gaps are also something you need to watch out for when inspecting a skylight during storm season. If there is a gap between two pieces of glass in your skylight, this could indicate that they were improperly installed and should be repaired immediately before it leads to further issues such as leaking or structural damage. To find these gaps, look closely at each piece of glass and make sure all edges are flush with no spaces between them.
If you suspect any form of leakage or gaps after examining your skylights during storm season, contact an experienced roofer right away who can provide expert advice on how best to repair it before more extensive damage occurs from future storms.