Skylight Repair in Marietta, GA That Actually Stops the Leak
When a skylight starts leaking, the first instinct is usually to replace it. Most of the time that's not necessary. The skylight itself is built to last 20 to 30 years. What fails first is the flashing kit around it, especially if the roof was redone and the original flashing got reused. We see that constantly on Cobb County homes.
We pull shingles around the unit, inspect the flashing, and figure out whether it's a $400 re-flash or an $1,800 replacement. Then we tell you straight which one it is.
What Actually Causes a Skylight to Leak
Old or reused flashing kit
Most common cause by far. The original flashing was designed for the original shingles. When the roof gets redone, the flashing should be replaced too. Often it isn't. The interface between old flashing and new shingles is where water finds its way in.
Failed perimeter seal
The gasket between the glass and the frame can dry out and crack on units 15+ years old. Water sneaks past the seal, down inside the frame, and into the room.
Failed insulating glass seal
If the skylight is fogging between the panes, the seal has failed. Water isn't necessarily coming inside but the unit has lost its insulating value and the sash will eventually need replacing.
Cracked weather shroud or frame
UV breakdown on plastic dome skylights or impact damage on the aluminum frame. Repair sometimes possible, replacement often cheaper.
How We Diagnose and Repair
We start on the roof with the shingles around the unit. Lift the courses, inspect the step flashing along the sides, the head flashing at the top, the apron at the bottom. Most leaks announce themselves by visible rust streaks, gaps, or improvised caulk. If the flashing is the problem, we install a fresh manufacturer kit (VELUX, Fakro, depending on the brand of skylight) and re-shingle around it. Properly installed, the repair carries our 5-year workmanship warranty plus the manufacturer's flashing kit warranty.
When Replacement Makes More Sense Than Repair
If the unit is 20+ years old, has a failed insulating glass seal, or has visible damage to the frame, replacement is usually the right call. The labor to install a new unit isn't much more than the labor to fully re-flash an old one and you reset the warranty clock.
What Skylight Repair Costs in Cobb County
Most flashing and seal repairs run $300 to $900. Full skylight replacement runs $800 to $2,500 depending on size, brand, and shaft work. We give a written quote with both options when applicable so you can pick.
Get a Free Skylight Diagnostic
Call (678) 720-3565 or use the contact form. We come out, climb the roof, photograph the situation, and give you a real written quote. Free, no pressure.