Catch the water
Put towels and a bucket under the skylight and protect the floor. Move furniture and electronics away.
Water leaking around a skylight?
Skylights leak through failed flashing, cracked seals, broken glass or condensation. Catch the water, keep people clear if the glass is cracked, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent roofer or skylight provider does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for drips at the skylight frame, water stains around it, or cracked or broken skylight glazing.
Is this urgent?Urgent if glass is broken, rain is entering, or water reaches electrical fixtures.
What do I do next?Catch the water and call 833-877-1717.
Flashing leaks: roof flashing repair. Hail-broken skylight: hail damage.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
What to do
Stay clear of cracked glass
If the skylight glass or dome is cracked, keep people out from directly under it.
Check for condensation
In cold weather, water on the inside of the glass may be condensation from humid indoor air rather than a leak. Note whether the outside was wet or dry.
Skylights are fall hazards
Never step on or near a skylight on a roof; they are not designed to bear weight. Do not climb onto a wet, steep or storm-damaged roof. Falls from roofs cause serious injuries. Stay clear of downed power lines and keep people out of rooms below sagging ceilings. Report downed power lines to your electric utility or 911, and stay well away from them.
Common skylight leaks
Failed flashing
Most skylight leaks come from the flashing around the frame, not the glass. Old or poorly installed flashing lets water behind it.
Broken seals
The seals between the glass and the frame wear out, letting water drip into the frame or fog the glass.
Cracked glass or dome
Hail, falling branches and age can crack glass or plastic domes. Cracked units usually need replacement.
Condensation
Warm, humid air meeting cold glass drips water that looks like a leak. Better ventilation and humidity control may be the fix.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code and whether it is a home, rental or business
- Whether water comes from the edges, the frame or the glass
- Whether it leaks during rain or in cold weather when it is dry outside
- Whether the glass or dome is cracked
- Approximate age of the skylight and roof
How skylight leak repair usually works
- Diagnosis. The roofer checks the flashing, seals and glass, and rules out condensation.
- Reflash. Leaking flashing is replaced with a flashing kit matched to the skylight and lapped with the shingles.
- Reseal or replace. Failed seals or cracked units are resealed or replaced, depending on age and condition.
- Interior repair. Stained drywall around the skylight shaft is dried, sealed and repainted once the leak is fixed.
If the skylight and the roof are both old, replacing the skylight during a roof replacement can avoid paying twice for labor.
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles skylight leak repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Skylight questions
Why does my skylight leak only in heavy rain?
Heavy or wind-driven rain overwhelms worn flashing that handles light rain. That points to flashing rather than the glass.
Is water on the inside of the glass a leak?
Not always. In cold weather it is often condensation from humid indoor air. If it happens on dry days, condensation is likely.
Repair or replace the skylight?
Newer skylights with failed flashing can often be reflashed. Old units with failed seals or cracked glass are usually replaced.
Can I walk near a skylight on the roof?
No. Skylights are not designed to bear weight and falls through them cause serious injuries. Leave roof work to a trained roofer.
Can I call at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.