When Do Skylights Leak?

When a skylight leaks, the cause is not always the skylight itself. Water can enter a building through failures in the surrounding curb, flashing, roof construction or installation. Or, it may not even be a leak at all.

10.09.2026

Whitepaper
Homeowner
Water drops create a splash on a wooden surface, forming a crown shape with droplets radiating outward. The wood shows a wet sheen with visible texture.

We often hear of the notion: “There are two types of skylights: those that leak, and those that are going to leak...”

When a skylight leaks, the cause is not always the skylight itself. Water can enter a building through failures in the surrounding curb, flashing, roof construction or installation. In other cases, what appears to be a leak may actually be condensation forming on the inside of the building.

Understanding the difference is the first step toward identifying the cause and preventing further damage.

Download The Whitepaper

Download our comprehensive guide to preparing your site for a skylight installation, covering:

  • How to differentiate between leaks and condensation

  • How to spot a leaking skylight

  • Top causes of a leaking skylight

  • The importance of a professional installation