Skylight Leaking When Raining in Dallas – Expert Diagnosis and Permanent Repairs

Your skylight leaks in heavy rain because water finds weak points in the flashing or sealant around the frame. Dallas experiences intense thunderstorms with sideways rain, which tests every seal. The flashing may have deteriorated, shrunk from heat cycles, or was installed incorrectly. Debris buildup on the uphill side diverts water behind the flashing instead of over it. Cracked glazing or damaged gaskets also let water penetrate. Age and thermal expansion from our temperature swings weaken these seals over time. A professional inspection identifies whether the issue is flashing failure, sealant breakdown, or structural damage requiring immediate repair.

Fix a leaking skylight by first identifying the source. Check flashing for gaps, rust, or separation from the roofing material. Remove old sealant and apply high-quality polyurethane or silicone specifically rated for roofing applications. Replace damaged flashing entirely if corroded. Clear debris from the uphill side that diverts water incorrectly. Inspect the skylight dome for cracks and replace if compromised. For Dallas homes, verify the flashing extends properly under shingles to handle our storm intensity. If the leak persists or involves structural damage, hire a roofing professional. Temporary patches fail quickly under Texas sun and rain cycles.

Yes, skylights can be resealed when the existing sealant degrades. Remove all old caulking with a scraper and clean surfaces thoroughly. Apply a premium exterior-grade sealant designed for thermal expansion, which matters in Dallas with our 100-degree summers and occasional freezing winters. Focus on the junction where the skylight frame meets the flashing and roofing material. Resealing works if the flashing and skylight structure remain intact. If the flashing is bent, corroded, or improperly installed, resealing alone will not solve the problem. Inspect carefully before deciding between resealing and full flashing replacement.

No, a roof should not leak in heavy rain. Leaks during storms indicate a failure in your roofing system. Flashing around chimneys, skylights, or vents may be compromised. Shingles could be missing, cracked, or improperly sealed. Valleys may have debris buildup or deteriorated underlayment. Dallas thunderstorms dump significant water quickly, exposing these weaknesses. Even minor leaks worsen rapidly, leading to wood rot, mold, and insulation damage. Address leaks immediately. Water stains on ceilings mean the problem existed for some time before becoming visible. Schedule a professional roof inspection to locate and repair the source before structural damage escalates.