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Skylights - Signs of Trouble

By
Home Inspector with Pillar To Post

portland home inspection, pillar to post

Once a skylight is installed, it may be difficult to recognize if the installation was done properly. Here are a few signs that there could be trouble.

  • Mastic or Sealant (roofing tar) has been used to seal the skylight. Good skylight flashing should shed water and does not require mastic. Mastic on the flashing is a sign of trouble.
  • If a skylight is installed too close to a plumbing stack or some other roof penetration or intersection (less than 18 inches) it is very difficult to flash properly. Room is needed around the skylight for the flashing components.
  • Moisture or stains on the inside could be evidence of a leak or could be condensation. Sometimes it's a hard to determine what you are looking at.
Posted by

Chris Livingston

Owner/Oregon Certifed Home Inspector

Pillar To Post

www.PillarToPost-PortlandWestSide.com

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Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty LLC - Big Rapids, MI
Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI

Goos call Chris. That's why you should get a good inspector on the roof when a skylight is present. Way too many do their roof insections from the ground with binoculars but skylight issues can sneak up on you.

Mar 26, 2011 06:14 AM
Robert Butler
Aspect Inspection - Montreal West Island, QC
Montreal Home Inspector | Aspect Inspection

Always walk the roof unless you can't (for slope - too steep, or material e.g. slate - can't be walked on). If you can't walk the roof, get up to the edge or out a dormer and  see the details.

Mar 26, 2011 06:39 AM