How to fix a leaking skylight after rain
Water leaks around a skylight during a windy rainstorm are typically caused by a compromised seal or flashing at the top of the frame. Inspecting the roof helps identify whether the seal has failed or if additional flashing like a cricket is needed to divert water away from the opening.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- Most of it landed at once — the busiest month was September 2026, with 6 people.
- This comes up 40.8× more often in r/Roofing than across the site as a whole.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1tarping the skylight up to the ridge with sandbags as a temporary fixDid this help you?
- 2replacing the skylight and flashing it correctlyDid this help you?
- 3Replacing the head wall flashing with a much larger pieceDid this help you?
- 4Building a cricketDid this help you?
- 5Building up the curb and using a custom metal cap or EPDM rubber membrane to cover the seamDid this help you?
- 6Reusing the existing flashing if it is still in good condition.Did this help you?
- 7Applying new sealant or caulk over the cracks and holesDid this help you?
- 8Installing universal storm collars over the boots and caulking themDid this help you?
- 9Applying flashing tape around the skylightDid this help you?
- 10Opening up the wall and removing wet insulationDid this help you?
- 11Planning to hire a roofer to inspect and trace the leak pathDid this help you?
- 12Sistering the rafter using construction adhesive, structural screws, and clamps.Did this help you?
- 13Reshingling the affected area and properly installing the vent with roof tar and correct shingle positioning, or replacing damaged wood underneath.Did this help you?
- 14Consulting a roofer who suggests replacing the rubber material with lead roof jacksDid this help you?
- 15Hiring a professional roofer to inspect and properly seal the ridge vent.Did this help you?
- 16Applying roofing sealant or securing loose fasteners on the ridge cap yourself.Did this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I noticed a small drip coming down my air intakes in the utility room of my house during our last rainstorm.”source ↗
“Anyway, I am not handy at all so wanted to see if this is the right stuff and if it looks like it will hold up?”source ↗
“Having some vent cap issues after receiving a significant amount of rain the the last 30 days creating water damage on a bathroom ceiling that has also created mold.”source ↗
“It appears that the two nails holding this cap down are loose as I can raise the bottom of the cap easily.”source ↗
“My question is that it looks like the nails are all but rusted away, plus the OSB underneath is not great.”source ↗
“This is 3 year old home but facing rain water leak where vent pipe is there.”source ↗
“last year also had this issue from one vent pipe. now i see this issue in other pipes also with this rubber thing.”source ↗
“Roofer suggesting Lead roof jacks to avoid this rubber material issue. I am new to roof issues. Could you suggest me what to do.”source ↗
“I have Total 7 pipes like this on roof. How much should i pay to roofer if Lead roof jack is best option compare to current one.”source ↗
“We had a bad windy rainstorm a few days ago and discovered a leak inside our house below the skylight.”source ↗
“I climbed up on the roof the next day to check how the skylight is sealed and it appears that the seal has been compromised.”source ↗
“Ok, so the roof is certainly leaking at the top of this skylight.”source ↗
“I’m looking at the spot right now. I’m trying to imagine if a cricket would work.”source ↗
“I discovered a spot in my wall that looked a bit water damaged so I opened it up and, next storm, found water dripping out of the hole I made.”source ↗
“I thought that was the problem so I took flashing tape and did the bottom, sides, and top of the skylight, overlapping the corners”source ↗
“But the leak here still going full force.”source ↗
“Theres clearly a small leak thats hitting both panels directly under the roof, and there is a slow drip”source ↗
“Ive never messed with roofs is there tar or a patch kit I can do myself? Or is this a call a pro?”source ↗
“Can I just dry out the wood when the rain stops, sand, hit with killz?”source ↗
“I found this cracked rafter in my garage. How do I repair it?”source ↗
“By inside do you mean the other side of this rafter, not the side showing the crack? Do I need to close the crack with glue? Do I use wood screws or bolts?”source ↗
“If I get this old skylight replaced with the same size window will I need extra roofing metal? It's old roofing and I don't have extra.”source ↗
“I want to get this skylight replaced. Super old and air leaks like crazy, condensation in between the panes, bugs get in lots. Do I need extra metal roofing? I don't have any and I don't know if I can get the same color again.”source ↗