Top 6 Types of Skylights That Prevent Leaks in Storms

Different types of skylights can enhance natural light in your home while still offering strong protection against leaks during severe weather. For homeowners in Matthews and surrounding areas, selecting the right skylight design makes a major difference in how well your roof performs in heavy rain, hail, and wind. Choosing storm-ready skylights prevents water intrusion, improves energy efficiency, and keeps your home safe year-round.

• Boosts natural light: Skylights brighten dark spaces and reduce reliance on electric lighting.
• Protects against leaks: Properly designed skylights withstand harsh weather.
• Adds home value: Stylish skylight options increase both curb appeal and comfort.

Why Skylights Are Often Vulnerable to Leaks

Skylights add beauty and light, but they also create openings in your roof. Without the right design or installation, these openings can become weak points during storms. Improper flashing, aging seals, or low-quality materials often cause water intrusion. By choosing the right types of skylights and ensuring professional installation, you can enjoy all the benefits without the risks.

Top 6 Types of Skylights

Not all skylights are created equal. Here are the most reliable options for storm resistance and leak prevention:

1. Fixed Skylights: These do not open, making them less prone to leaks. With strong flashing systems and impact-resistant glass, fixed skylights are one of the safest options for storm-prone areas.
2. Vented Skylights with Weather Seals: Modern vented skylights include durable weatherstripping and improved locking systems that keep water out, even when closed tightly during storms.
3. Tubular Skylights: These smaller skylights capture and reflect natural light through a reflective tube. Their compact design reduces the risk of leaks while still brightening dark interior spaces.
4. Curb-Mounted Skylights: Installed on raised curbs, these skylights provide extra height to keep water from pooling around the edges, reducing leak risks.
5. Deck-Mounted Skylights with Flashing Kits: Installed flush with the roof deck, these skylights rely on precise flashing systems designed to prevent water intrusion. They are best installed by experienced professionals.
6. Impact-Resistant Skylights: Built with laminated or tempered glass, these skylights withstand hail and flying debris, offering superior protection in storm-heavy regions.

How Skylights Protect Against Storm Damage

When properly chosen and installed, skylights not only resist leaks but also strengthen the overall storm-readiness of your roof.

Strong Flashing Systems

Flashing is the barrier between the skylight and roofing material. High-quality flashing kits, combined with professional installation, create a watertight seal that prevents water from seeping inside.

Laminated and Tempered Glass

Skylights designed with storm-resistant glass reduce the risk of shattering under hail or debris. Even if cracked, laminated glass holds together, preventing dangerous leaks and sharp fragments.

Proper Roof Slope Considerations

Installing skylights on the correct slope helps water flow away instead of pooling. This detail is often overlooked but is crucial to storm performance.

Signs Your Skylight May Be At Risk

Even durable skylights can wear down over time. Here are common warning signs that your skylight may fail during storms:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls near the skylight
• Fogging or condensation between glass panes
• Cracked or brittle seals
• Rusting or deteriorating flashing

If you notice these issues, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection before storm season.

Preventing Leaks With Regular Maintenance

A skylight’s durability doesn’t end with installation. Ongoing maintenance ensures lasting protection:

• Annual inspections: A roofing professional can confirm flashing, seals, and glass integrity.
• Clearing debris: Leaves or twigs that gather around skylights can trap water and cause leaks.
• Re-caulking seals: Over time, caulking can dry out or crack, requiring touch-ups to maintain waterproofing.

These steps extend the life of your skylight and roof while reducing the risk of leaks.

Professional vs. DIY Skylight Installation

While some homeowners attempt to install skylights themselves, mistakes can lead to major water damage.

• DIY Risks: Improper flashing, poor sealing, and incorrect placement often create weak points that storms exploit. DIY projects may save money upfront but often cost more in long-term repairs.
• Professional Benefits: Roof Medic ensures precise installation that accounts for slope, flashing, and storm resistance. With professional expertise, homeowners in Matthews and surrounding areas can rest assured their skylight will perform well for years to come.

How Skylights Add More Than Just Light

Beyond storm resistance, skylights provide year-round benefits that improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Energy Efficiency

By allowing natural light in, skylights reduce the need for artificial lighting, cutting down on electricity use during the day. This small change can translate into noticeable savings on your energy bills over time, especially in rooms that typically rely on lamps or overhead lights. Many modern skylight designs also feature low-E coatings, which are thin layers applied to the glass that help regulate heat transfer. These coatings allow light to pass through while reflecting heat away during hot summer months and keeping warmth inside during winter. The result is a more comfortable home with consistent indoor temperatures, less reliance on heating and cooling systems, and improved overall energy efficiency. For homeowners in Matthews and surrounding areas, where both hot summers and chilly winters occur, this dual benefit makes skylights a smart investment.

Aesthetic Appeal

Skylights instantly transform the feel of a room by making it brighter, more open, and visually appealing. Natural light enhances interior colors, highlights design features, and creates an inviting atmosphere that artificial lighting cannot fully replicate. In addition, strategically placed skylights can give smaller rooms a larger, airier feel, making them particularly effective in bathrooms, hallways, or converted attic spaces. From an exterior standpoint, skylights also add architectural interest to your roofline, increasing curb appeal. Buyers often view skylights as a premium feature, so installing them can boost your home’s resale value. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home long-term or considering selling in the future, skylights deliver both personal enjoyment and financial return.

Improved Ventilation

Vented skylights provide fresh air circulation, helping to balance indoor air quality and reduce stuffiness. When opened, they create a natural air exchange, drawing in cooler air while letting warm, humid air escape. This feature is especially beneficial in kitchens, bathrooms, and attic spaces where moisture often builds up. By reducing excess humidity, vented skylights lower the risk of mold growth and mildew, which can damage your home and negatively impact indoor health. In storm-prone areas like North Carolina, modern vented skylights are designed with secure seals and durable weatherstripping, so homeowners can enjoy the ventilation benefits when needed while still maintaining reliable leak protection when closed. With both manual and motorized options available, it’s easier than ever to add fresh airflow to your home while keeping storm-readiness in mind.

Protect Your Home With the Right Skylight Choice

The right types of skylights not only brighten your home but also keep it protected during storms. By choosing storm-resistant designs, ensuring professional installation, and keeping up with regular maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light without worrying about leaks. Roof Medic is here to help homeowners in Matthews and surrounding areas with expert skylight installation, inspection, and maintenance services.

If your skylight is outdated, leaking, or you’re considering adding one to your home, contact Roof Medic today for a professional consultation and installation designed to withstand storms.