FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Leaking Skylights!

Jgriff | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 6, 2002 11:56am

Hi guys. I’m Griff & I’m new to the boards.

I have a client who added an addition to his house about 15 years ago (I didn’t do this).  Top quality materials throughout cathedral ceiling room. Has quite a number of very high priced casement windows, exterior screened french doors and 2 operating skylights installed. They were manufactured by that well known, expensive window company out in mid-west known as Polo or Pellet or Pelladin…you get the idea?

Now, both skylights are leaking because flashing from the top of the unit about the area where the hinge is, above the top edge of the glass, that had been installed either wore out or popped out of where it had been installed. This high priced well known screen rolling company claims it no longer manufactures this model or design of skylight and can’t offer any help, or advice, or parts, in repairing it.

Owner hates to pull them out due to amount of both investment cost and replacement/repair cost. Can’t say I blame him.  They’re going to have to be pulled anyway to check for rot. But what goes back in: these lights, others, none? Roof is in good condition and step flashing along top and sides appears OK. By looking you can see light through flashing on top of unit.

Anyone ever hear of skylights wearing out and needing replacement?  What should be the expected lifespan of a properly installed, supposedly quality operating skylight? Any ideas on repairs short of full replacement. On inspection, I don’t see where I could attach any new flashing to cover area of leak without risking damage to glass or interfering with opening of skylight. Owner’s frantic attempts at caulking served no purpose.

Any ideas gratefully appreciated. Thanks.

Griff

 

 

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Piffin | Jul 07, 2002 12:55am | #1

    I don't know how much you charge but at about $400 per skylight, a customer can easily eat up the same cost in my labor just TALKING about what to do, what to do, all the pros and cons. You can replace these fopr less labor cost than repairing those.

    Give him two estimates; one for total replcement with gaurantee, another for repair with no gaurantee. Probably won't be ten dollars difference. Don't waste his time or yours talking. let him see the numbers and decide for himself. Makes life easier.

    If truth hurts, so be it. It's OK to say Pella here. I've had my bad experiences with them too.

    Excellence is its own reward!
  2. jimblodgett | Jul 07, 2002 03:01am | #2

    I'm a little confused about what is leaking, Griff.  All the curb mounted skylights I've seen have extruded alluminum frames around the glass.  One leg of the alluminum lays flat against the glass, the other extends perpendicular to the glass, down over the step flashing on the sides of the curb, and the top and bottom flashings of the curb as well.

    That being said, I agree with piffin (like usual).  Skylights are very reasonably priced these days.  15 years is nothing to write home about, but maybe that particular model had a poor design.  Maybe that's why they discontinued it.  I hear a lot of people crow about Pella.  I don't think they're anything special.

    1. Jgriff | Jul 07, 2002 09:36pm | #9

      Jim

      This particular model required the contractor to install a piece of flashing to seal it.

      Running across the top of the skylight (above the glass but before the unit ended) was a channel formed by 2 pieces of the aluminum coating that made up the frame of the skylight. Pella required the contractor to insert a piece of flashing into this channel (all across the top, from one side to the other, and down 2" on each top surface along the long side of the window) ---> [ <---  That little character to the left turned horizontal would be the shape of the channel as one would look down on the top of the unit. Goes across the top and down the top surface of each side for 2".

      A one half inch piece of the flashing had to be inserted into that channel. The flashing ran horizontal to the edge of the window and then turned to run vertically down the side  of the unit to the plywood forming the roof surface. The unit was fabricated sp the top 2" of the sides were also covered by this flashing.  Step flashing would then be inserted as the roof was being shingled.

      In other words, the window unit was separate from its flashing and the flashing had to be mechanically installed to make it weathertight.

      Well, the prior contractor must not have had the piece of flashing installed in the channel all the way or otherwise installed improperly, because it's now loose on one side and when moved, I can look down into the cavity between the wooden frame of the skylight and the wooden framing of the house! The channel is too now mangled, not to mention the flashing, to permit a repair and, besides, Pella doesn't fabricate this part anymore.

      Hope that's not too confusing to understand.

      Griff

      1. jimblodgett | Jul 07, 2002 10:59pm | #11

        That doesn't sound like a very good design. All the more convincing a reason to ditch those things and get some modern ones.

        1. Jgriff | Jul 08, 2002 12:04am | #12

          You're absolutely right, Jim. That's what I told the homeowner.

          However, his question to me that I could not answer with any finality, and the one I posed on this thread, is in the normal course of events will his next skylight wear out and start to leak?

          His thinking is that he bought, or thought he bought quality products. I mean, Pella, right?

          So, has anyone ever heard of a tendency among skylights when properly installed to leak over time?

          Same question but with Velux skylights?

          Homeowner's dilemma: remove and replace or remove and cover-up.

          Thanks.

          Griff

          1. Schelling | Jul 08, 2002 12:26am | #13

            I have a velux in my home that is 17 years old and in its second building. No leaks. We put velux in over 25 years ago and have heard no complaints but the owners probably wouldn't know who to contact with a complaint after all these years.  The flashing should outlast the glass.

          2. WebTrooper | Jul 08, 2002 06:34am | #14

            Schellingm - how's about contacting the 25 year ago and asking them. We'd all like to know. And so would Pella and Velux.

            - WebTrooper -

            "If it ain't broke, break it"

          3. Schelling | Jul 08, 2002 01:26pm | #15

            My partner has a velux over his bed that he put in in 1979. Of course most skylights of any brand are probably fine; we only hear about the problems.

  3. WebTrooper | Jul 07, 2002 03:05am | #3

    Replace the skylights

    Oh, and I think the brand you're refering to is Pella.

    - WebTrooper -

    "Do it once by doing it right."

  4. andybuildz | Jul 07, 2002 03:05am | #4

    Sounds like we're talking Pella.......so why not just say it.....do you work for them? Velux are the Rolls Royces of skylights IMHO but I've built my own with no leaks ever. Its all in the flashing.....Its really a very simple concept for tried and true reno guys like us. If its Pella then say so and we'll work em over real good here if you installed it properly

    Be well

              Namaste

                            Andy

    It's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

    1. Jgriff | Jul 07, 2002 03:31am | #5

      Thanks for the responses everyone. I appreciate your thoughts.

      Yes, Pella is the culprit. But, being new here I didn't know what the custom was about identifying particular companies by name.  So I gave everyone a hint that I thought would be clear enough to figure out. 

      Prior to the homeowner ever contacting me (he couldn't find the original contractor who installed them), he told me, a rep from Pella came, saw and left saying they appeared to have been installed correctly and beyond that he had no explanation for why what happened did happen. Except to say that all skylights wear out and leak over time.

      Frankly, I've never seen a properly installed skylight leak and certainly not from "wearing out" and not after only 15 years, but I wanted to see if anyone else had any other experiences. Especially since I've only been doing this for about 16-17 years.

      What has him upset is the risk of investing more $ on new skylights that will leak 15 years or so down the road.  He can certainly afford the $ to install new ones but does not want to do that if they're just going to "wear out" and leak. That's the nub of it.

      I was thinking of $400-500 per on labor to replace them depending on how bad the rot may be, with interior work extra, although I may drop it a bit if it becomes part of a larger project that he's considering.  And, yes, Velux would be my only choice for a skylight too.

      Didn't mention it before, but the finish on the hinges and locks of the Pella french doors is %#@*.  All pitted and rusted.  And they were on the sheltered north side of the house.  What garbage!

      Griff

      1. Piffin | Jul 07, 2002 05:19am | #6

        Griff,

        Welcome in BTW.

        Just to tickle their tits a little, you might try something, if you'ver got the time.

        Find a way to post some pictures of these things here to educate us all a little further about what can happen to brand P skylights. Send copies of the same photos to Pella. I'm betting they have a website with an e-mail adress and you could even link them to this thread. Point out that the Pella rep wasn't able to serve your customers well and that it was impinging on their reputation. Ask whether the rep was indeed correct or just under trained in technical help and customer satisfaction or whether his story is indeed the official Pella line on these. (personally, I don't buy it)

        You never can tell - The free positive advertising they could get out of all of us knowing that they had really helped you out with this would be worth their atention. The reply they make would definitly be educational for us. We would learn if they are a legitimate company, committed to their customers or full of BS.Excellence is its own reward!

        1. Jgriff | Jul 07, 2002 05:55am | #7

          Extraordinary idea piffin! I love it.

          Stay tuned to this channel.

          Griff

          1. MisterT | Jul 07, 2002 03:32pm | #8

            Construction Terms Defined in Laymans terms:

            Skylight:   A 1000$ Hole in an otherwise funtioning roof system.

            See also: Money pit, Cash Cow, Liability, Job Security

            Replace w/ Velux, Use Bitchathane, (not some cheap imitation) Follow directions.

            Nuff said

            TDo not try this at home!

            I am a trained professional!

          2. Piffin | Jul 07, 2002 10:39pm | #10

            Use Bitchathane

            >

            >>

            >>>

            >>

            >

            I hate to try to spell that word too!Excellence is its own reward!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower

Learn how to patch drywall above a fiberglass shower without totally redoing everything.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data