Leaking Skylight Repair Metal Roof DFW: How to Fix It Without Replacing Your Roof
If you’ve spotted water stains, drips, or rust streaks around your skylight, don’t panic — you may not need a new roof.
As the owner of Shepherd Metal Roofing, I’ve repaired hundreds of skylight leaks across Dallas–Fort Worth. Most of the time, these leaks aren’t caused by the skylight itself but by improper flashing, fastener failure, or sealant breakdown.
In this post, I’ll break down what causes skylight leaks on metal roofs, how to diagnose the problem, and what repairs can save you from a full replacement.
Common Causes of Skylight Leaks on Metal Roofs
A skylight leak doesn’t always mean your skylight has failed — it’s often an issue with installation or flashing.
The most common causes we see in DFW leaking skylight repair jobs include:
- Deteriorated or missing sealant around the skylight frame
- Cracked or improperly lapped flashing
- Loose or rusted fasteners around the skylight curb
- Poor transitions between roof panels and skylight framing
- Condensation buildup could be mistaken for a leak
🧠 Pro Tip:
Many roofers seal skylights with caulking alone — that’s a temporary fix. The key to a watertight skylight on a metal roof is mechanical waterproofing: proper overlapping of metal panels, curbs, and flashing components.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association’s skylight flashing guidelines, every skylight curb should have properly lapped base and counter-flashing that sheds water in stages, not sealed only with caulking. That’s why, when we perform leaking skylight repair on metal roofs in DFW, we follow these national standards to make sure repairs last through every storm season.
How to Diagnose a Leaking Skylight on a Metal Roof
When a homeowner calls about a leak near a skylight, the first thing we do is a controlled water test. This helps determine whether water is entering through:
- The skylight lens or dome
- The flashing system
- The panel seams above the skylight
We also inspect for rusted fasteners, loose screws, and warped panels — common culprits after hail or heavy winds.
🧱 Pro Tip:
Look for water stains running downhill from your skylight. If it’s leaking from above, that often means water is being driven under the panel seam or upper flashing, not through the skylight itself.
Best Repair Methods for Skylight Leaks in DFW
If your skylight is leaking, the good news is that most issues can be fixed without tearing off your roof. Here are some proven DFW leaking skylight repair techniques we use at Shepherd Metal Roofing:
1. Remove Old Sealant and Rust
Old silicone or polyurethane sealants crack over time. We clean down to bare metal and remove any corrosion.
2. Reseal with High-Performance Butyl or Polyether Sealant
These products stay flexible and bond well to coated metal panels. Unlike silicone, they don’t peel away from factory paint systems.
We always use sealants approved for coated metal systems — not generic silicone that peels off within a year. The Metal Construction Association emphasizes using high-performance polyether or butyl sealants that maintain adhesion and flexibility on painted metal surfaces. Following those best practices keeps your skylight watertight without voiding roof warranties.
3. Replace or Rework Flashing
If the flashing was installed wrong — which is common — we custom-fabricate new metal flashing pieces that properly overlap the roof ribs.
4. Inspect Skylight Curb
Sometimes water sneaks through gaps in the wood or metal curb. We reseal or rebuild the curb as needed for a tight fit.
🧠 Pro Tip:
If your skylight curb is less than 4 inches tall, consider raising it — DFW’s heavy rains often back up against low curbs and can cause leaks.
When to Reseal vs. Replace Skylight Flashing
Not every skylight leak requires new flashing, but here’s a simple rule of thumb:
- Reseal if: leaks are minimal, flashing is intact, and the skylight is under 10 years old.
- Replace if: flashing is rusted, loose, or visibly misaligned — especially on older roofs.
At Shepherd Metal Roofing, we often replace just the flashing and fasteners around the skylight rather than the entire unit, saving clients thousands compared to full replacement.
Why Call a DFW Skylight Repair Specialist
Not all roofers understand how metal and skylights interact. The overlaps, panel ribs, and fastener systems on metal roofs make skylight repairs a specialized skill.
Our DFW repair crews use non-destructive repair methods that keep your warranty intact and your roof watertight. We inspect, diagnose, and repair without unnecessary tear-offs or replacements.
📞 Pro Tip:
If a contractor tells you your entire roof needs replacing just because of a skylight leak — get a second opinion. In most cases, a targeted repair will do the trick.
Fixing Your Leaking Skylight Right the First Time
A leaking skylight can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to turn into a full-blown roofing project.
With the right materials, proper flashing, and expert sealing, your metal roof skylight repair in DFW can last for years to come.
At Shepherd Metal Roofing, we specialize in restoring and maintaining metal roofs across Dallas–Fort Worth, whether it’s skylight leaks, panel replacements, or full coatings.