Skylight Leaking When Raining in San Antonio – Expert Diagnosis and Permanent Repair

Minor skylight leak repairs range from $200 to $600, depending on access difficulty and flashing condition. Resealing and flashing repair fall in this range. If the skylight frame is damaged or the glass is cracked, expect $500 to $1,500 for component replacement. Full skylight replacement runs $1,000 to $3,000 depending on size and type. In San Antonio, flat roof skylights cost more to repair due to drainage challenges. Get a professional inspection first. Many leaks traced to skylights actually originate in adjacent flashing or roof deck issues, which changes the repair scope and cost.

Homeowners insurance typically covers sudden roof leaks from storm damage, but not leaks from neglected maintenance. If wind rips off shingles or hail cracks your skylight, you have coverage. If your skylight leaked because you ignored worn-out flashing for years, the claim gets denied. Insurance companies distinguish between damage and deterioration. Document the leak immediately with photos. In San Antonio, file claims quickly after hailstorms or windstorms. Review your policy for wind and hail deductibles. An experienced roofer can help document storm damage versus maintenance issues to support your claim.

Quality skylights last 15 to 25 years, but San Antonio's harsh sun shortens that lifespan. UV exposure degrades seals, gaskets, and plastic components faster here. Metal flashing can last 30 years if maintained, but the skylight itself often fails first. Acrylic skylights yellow and crack sooner than tempered glass models. Flat skylights accumulate debris and water, reducing lifespan compared to sloped installations. Inspect annually for cracks, discoloration, and seal failure. If your skylight is over 20 years old and leaking, replacement often makes more sense than repair because multiple components are nearing end of life.

Fixed skylight replacement costs $1,000 to $2,500 installed, depending on size and roof complexity. Standard 2x4 foot models run cheaper than custom sizes. Curb-mounted skylights cost more to replace than deck-mounted versions due to additional flashing work. In San Antonio, expect higher costs for tile roofs because removing and replacing tiles around the skylight adds labor. Flat roofs also increase costs due to drainage modifications. This price includes removing the old skylight, repairing any damaged roof deck, installing new flashing, and sealing. Get multiple quotes and verify the contractor includes flashing replacement, not just the skylight unit.

Polyurethane sealants work best for skylight flashing repairs in San Antonio. They remain flexible through our temperature extremes and resist UV degradation better than silicone. Products like Sikaflex or Geocel perform well on metal flashing. For glass-to-frame seals, use butyl rubber tape or EPDM gaskets designed for skylight applications. Avoid cheap acrylic caulks. They crack within months under intense sun. Clean all surfaces thoroughly before applying sealant. Remove old caulk completely. Apply sealant in dry conditions above 50 degrees. A proper repair uses multiple sealant types for different joints, not one product everywhere.

Hard rain leaks indicate small gaps or compromised areas that light rain does not exploit. Wind-driven rain from San Antonio thunderstorms pushes water sideways and upward under shingles, through tiny flashing gaps, or into hairline cracks. Normal rain runs off before finding these weaknesses. Heavy downpours overwhelm drainage capacity, causing water to pool and seep through defects. Check low-slope areas, valleys, and penetrations like skylights and chimneys. Capillary action draws water through gaps too small to see. If you only leak during hard rain, the problem is small but real and will worsen over time.