Is Snow Going to Harm My Skylight?

It's been snowing all day, and you're cozied up by the fireplace with a good book. It's a peaceful scene until you look up and notice the skylight above you is completely covered with snow. If you're concerned about skylight snow damage or aren't sure if you need to do something to prevent an issue, this guide can help you understand the potential risks.

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Can Skylights Break Due to Excessive Snow Buildup?

When heavy snowfall is forecast for your locale, you might look up at your skylight and start to worry. The good news is, while it's technically possible for a skylight to break due to snow buildup, it's not a common occurrence.

Skylights are designed and installed with these scenarios in mind, so most modern units are fine. Older skylights or those already showing signs of damage, such as issues with the seal or frame, can be more vulnerable. Damage is also more likely to happen when snow accumulates unevenly or several freeze-thaw cycles occur.

Critical Load: How Much Is Too Much Snow for a Skylight?

If you have it, check the paperwork you received when your skylight was installed. It may list specific maintenance tips for winter, such as when cleaning snow off the skylight is necessary.

There's no set depth of snow that's too much for skylights. To determine if there's too much on yours, you need to consider several factors, such as the material the skylight is made from, the size of the unit and the pitch of your roof. The type of snow can also be a big factor. Wet snow weighs more than a dry powder, so it takes less of an accumulation to put strain on a skylight.

Can Skylights Leak Due to Snow?

Snow is just frozen water, so leaks are an understandable concern when snow builds up around your skylight. However, in most cases, it's not snow buildup that puts the skylight at risk of leaks; it's trapped ice and snow melt.

Ice dams, which commonly form at the roof edge, can also develop above the skylight on the roof slope. This can trap melting snow around the skylight and pose a greater risk of water intrusion. Repeated thaw and freeze cycles can also cause issues with ice buildup around the skylight flashing and seal, potentially creating a path where water can leak into your home.

It's more common for a skylight to leak than to break entirely, so it's important to keep an eye out for signs of water infiltration and related damage. You might notice staining on the ceiling below the skylight or bubbles in the paint on the surrounding ceiling or adjacent wall. Water travels quickly, and a stain forming several feet away from the skylight could still be caused by a failed seal.

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Keep Your Skylights Safe This Winter: How toPrevent Snow Damage and Leaks

Preventive maintenance is one of the most important measures you can take to avoid skylight snow damage and leaks, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall or fluctuating winter temperatures.

It's wise to have a qualified roofer conduct a thorough inspection of your entire roof and skylight. They can make sure the glass is intact and the flashing and seals are in good repair. They could also advise you about other steps you might take, such as:

• Installing ice and water barrier around the skylight for leak prevention from melting snow

• Installing self-regulating deicing cables or snow guards on the roof above or around the skylight to limit snow and ice buildup

• Using a roof rake to carefully remove accumulated snow from the area around the skylight, if the pitch and height of your roof allows for it