Adding a skylight to your home can completely transform a room. Natural light makes spaces feel bigger, brighter, and more welcoming, and in East Texas, where we enjoy plenty of sunshine, a skylight can bring that outdoor warmth right into your living space. However, while skylights are beautiful and functional, they come with a catch: if they aren’t installed correctly, they can quickly become one of the biggest sources of roof leaks.
Let’s talk about why that happens, what you can look out for, and how to make sure your skylight adds value to your home instead of costly repair bills.
The Risk of Improper Skylight Installation
A skylight essentially requires cutting a hole into your roof, and that alone introduces potential vulnerabilities. When done correctly, flashing and sealants are carefully layered to create a watertight barrier. But when shortcuts are taken or details are overlooked, gaps can form around the skylight frame.
In East Texas, we get our fair share of heavy rainfall, especially during spring storms and hurricane season remnants. Water will always look for the path of least resistance, and even the smallest gap in your skylight’s installation can allow moisture to seep inside. Over time, that slow leak can damage your ceiling, insulation, and even the structural framing of your home.
How Weather in East Texas Makes Skylights More Vulnerable
The climate in our region plays a big role in how well skylights hold up over time. For one, East Texas humidity can cause sealants to break down faster than they would in drier climates. Add in the hot summers, where roof temperatures can soar well above 100 degrees, and you’ve got a recipe for expanding and contracting materials around the skylight frame.
Then there’s the sudden heavy downpours and strong winds we often see during severe storms. If the flashing or underlayment around your skylight isn’t done right, wind-driven rain can be forced under the shingles and into the skylight opening. This is why improper installation doesn’t just cause small leaks—it can sometimes lead to widespread roof damage.
Common Signs of Skylight-Related Leaks
If you already have a skylight, it’s important to know the warning signs of a leak. These may not always appear directly around the skylight itself. You might notice water stains on your ceiling, bubbling paint or drywall, or even mold growth in areas near the skylight.
During especially rainy periods, you may see dripping or dampness along the interior frame of the skylight. In some cases, condensation caused by poor insulation around the skylight can be mistaken for a leak, but either way, it’s a problem that needs attention before it worsens.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Some homeowners consider installing skylights themselves to save money, but this is one project where professional installation is critical. A roofing expert knows how to properly integrate a skylight into your existing roof system, making sure flashing, underlayment, and shingles are all aligned to protect against leaks.
In East Texas, where local weather can be unpredictable, professional installers also understand how to select the right skylight materials and sealants to withstand our conditions. Cutting corners during installation may save a little upfront, but it often leads to expensive water damage repairs down the road.
Protecting Your Roof Investment
If you’re thinking about adding a skylight, or if you already have one and suspect issues, it’s better to act sooner rather than later. A skylight should enhance your home, not become a source of stress. By investing in proper installation and regular roof inspections, you can enjoy the beauty of natural light without worrying about hidden leaks or structural damage.
Let Us Help Safeguard Your Home
At Home Projex, we’ve worked with many East Texas homeowners to ensure their roofs and skylights are built to last. Whether you’re planning to install a new skylight or need an expert to check an existing one for leaks, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free quote, and let’s make sure your skylight brings light into your home—not water.
