Maintaining Skylights and Roof Windows in New Zealand Homes
Skylights face rain, wind and sun every day. These simple checks help you catch leaks and damage before they get expensive.
Skylights and roof windows bring natural light deep into a home, but they sit in one of the most exposed spots on the house. Rain, wind, UV and temperature changes all take a toll, and a small problem around a skylight can turn into a leak if it is left alone. Regular checks, careful cleaning and timely repairs keep them working well and help them last longer.
1. Inspect your skylights regularly
Make skylights part of your routine home maintenance checks. From inside, look for water stains, damp patches, discolouration around the frame, damaged finishes or unexplained moisture. From outside, where it can be seen safely, look for damaged roofing, lifted or corroded flashings and debris building up around the unit.
2. Keep the glass clean
Dirt, pollen and grime gradually reduce how much light comes through. Clean the glazing following the manufacturer's instructions for your product, and only clean the outside if you can reach it safely.
3. Clear leaves and debris
Leaves, twigs, moss and dirt collect around skylights and their flashings. This can block the normal flow of rainwater and cause water to pond around the opening, which puts extra pressure on seals and flashings.
4. Check the flashings
Flashings direct rainwater around the skylight and away across the roof. Look for corrosion, lifting, gaps or other deterioration. Many skylight leaks start where the unit meets the roof, not through the glass itself, so the flashings deserve close attention.
5. Look for deteriorating seals
Seals and gaskets break down over time with UV, moisture and changing temperatures. Moisture around the glazing, visible cracking in the seal or water entering around the frame are all warning signs. Adding sealant over the top rarely fixes the real cause, so have the source identified first. It could be the seal, the flashing or something else.
6. Don't confuse condensation with a leak
Water around a skylight does not always mean rain is getting in. Condensation on roof windows is common in New Zealand homes when warm, moist indoor air meets cold glazing, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Good ventilation, such as rangehoods and extractor fans that vent outside, helps reduce it.
7. Check the glazing for cracks or damage
Inspect the glass or dome for cracks, chips, cloudiness or other damage. Damage affects both appearance and performance, so have the unit assessed as soon as you notice it rather than waiting for water to come through.
8. Check opening roof windows
If your roof window opens, make sure it opens and closes smoothly. Check handles, hinges, locks and any filters following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. Some models have washable air filters that need occasional cleaning.
9. Investigate water stains early
A small ceiling stain is worth investigating straight away. Water may be getting in through damaged flashings, worn seals, nearby roofing or a point further up the roof before it shows near the skylight. Repairing leaks quickly limits damage to ceilings, insulation and framing.
10. Know when to call a professional
You can check skylights from inside and clean the parts you can reach safely. Roof-level inspections and repairs involve working at height, so leave them to a professional. If you notice recurring leaks, damaged flashings, failing seals, cracked glazing or moisture you cannot explain, have the skylight and the surrounding roof properly assessed.
Frequently asked questions
How often should skylights be checked? Check them from inside a few times a year, and have the roof cladding and flashings around them checked at least once a year.
Why is my skylight dripping water? It could be a leak through a failed seal or flashing, or condensation forming on cold glass. Condensation usually appears in cold weather and in humid rooms, while a leak tends to show after rain.
Can I fix a leaking skylight with sealant? Sealant may hide the symptom without fixing the cause. Have the leak traced first, as the fix may be a new flashing, a seal replacement or a roofing repair.
Is it safe to clean skylights from the roof? Only if the roof can be walked on safely and you have the right equipment. If in doubt, use a professional.
Keep your skylights in good condition
Regular checks and timely repairs keep skylights bright, dry and working for years. If your skylights or roof windows need attention, get in touch with your local Oncore Branch Owner to have them assessed and repaired.
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