Skylight Leaks After Snow? Fixes, Flashing, and When to Replace

Woke up after a snowy night in Toledo to a drip under your skylight? You are not alone. Our Lake Erie winters bring quick thaws, refreezes, and wind-driven snow that test every seam on the roof. If water shows up after snow, it often points to flashing details, underlayment, or an aging unit. The fastest path to answers is a professional inspection and, when needed, skylight repair and replacement by a roofing specialist.

In neighborhoods from Ottawa Hills and the Old West End to Sylvania, Maumee, and Perrysburg, roofs see heavy snow loads and ice. Below, you will learn what really causes winter skylight leaks, why flashing and ice & water shield at curbs matter, and how to tell if a modern VELUX replacement is the smarter long-term fix.

Why Skylights Leak After Snow In Toledo Weather

Snow problems are different from summer storms. When indoor heat melts the bottom layer of roof snow, water can refreeze at colder eaves and around a skylight curb. That ridge of ice blocks runoff and forces water sideways into tiny gaps. Wind can also drive powdery snow under shingles, where it melts later and finds an opening.

• Ice dams at the skylight curb push meltwater into seams that are otherwise watertight in rain.
• Improper or aged flashing lets standing meltwater sneak past step pieces and head flashing.
• Missing or poorly lapped underlayment around the curb allows water to reach the sheathing.
• Clogged weep channels or cracked acrylic domes let water in where it should drain or shed.

Leaks after snow are often flashing and ice-dam related, not just “bad skylights.” A skilled roofing crew looks at the whole system around the opening, not only the glass.

Spotting the Difference Between Condensation and a Real Leak 

Water on drywall does not always mean a roof hole. In cold snaps, warm indoor air can condense on cooler skylight surfaces and drip from the frame. That moisture tends to be clear and shows up mostly on the glass or trim. True leaks often leave yellow or brown staining, soften drywall, or appear after a thaw when the snow starts to melt.

If you use a whole-house humidifier in winter, high indoor humidity can make condensation more likely. A roofing pro will check air sealing in the light shaft, attic humidity, and the skylight’s interior gaskets to separate a moisture issue from an exterior leak.

What a Proper Skylight Flashing System Should Include

Flashing is the metal armor that keeps water moving around the skylight curb. On shingle roofs common across West Toledo, a proper system stacks layers so water always laps over the next piece, never under it. The setup usually includes apron flashing at the bottom, step flashing woven up both sides with each shingle course, and a head flashing at the top that tucks under the upper shingles.

Ice & Water Shield at Curbs: Why It Matters

The hidden hero is the peel-and-stick underlayment that seals to the wood deck and up the skylight curb. In our climate, pros detail it so the membrane turns up the sides of the curb and ties into the roof underlayment with correct overlaps. This creates a watertight bathtub around the opening. When snow melts and refreezes, that ice & water shield at curbs helps stop wicking and backs up the metal flashing if water tries to sit or flow sideways.

Tying Flashing Into the Roof System

Flashing is only as good as the roof it connects to. If shingles are brittle or past their life, you can fix a small defect, but still have a risk around the skylight. When a roof is aging out, combining skylight work with broader roofing services creates a cleaner, longer-lasting result because all the layers and overlaps are refreshed together.

Repair vs. Replace: How Pros Decide

Not every leak means you need a new skylight. A thorough inspection checks the dome or glass unit, the curb, the flashing metals, and the surrounding shingles. Age matters. Acrylic domes from decades ago can craze, crack, or lose their seals, while older glass units may have failed insulated seals or worn gaskets.

When Repairs Make Sense

• Flashing pieces are out of sequence, dented, or short, but the skylight itself is sound.
• Underlayment at the curb is missing and can be upgraded without disturbing a good unit.
• A recent reroof skipped manufacturer-specific flashing kits for the skylight brand.

In these cases, a pro can reset the shingles, install new step and head flashing, add membrane up the curb, and seal everything in the right order. That re-establishes the water path and prevents seepage during freeze-thaw cycles.

When Replacement Is the Smarter Move

If the skylight is older, the dome is cracked, or the insulated glass is fogged, replacement pays off in reliability and comfort. Modern units like VELUX have factory-integrated flashing kits and curb systems that pair with specific roof materials, which reduces installation variables. They also use advanced glass and seals that resist condensation and help with temperature swings common around Toledo. When we replace, we also correct the shaft air sealing, which supports better moisture control in winter.

When you are ready to discuss options and timing, a quick visit from Absolute Quality Roofing can help you compare repair and replacement skylight solutions for your situation.

Timing Your Project Around Toledo Winters

Snow events sometimes pile on fast along the Maumee River and near the lake. Emergency dry-in and stop-gap sealing can happen in winter, but complete flashing resets or replacements are often scheduled when temperatures and shingles cooperate. Your roofing team will protect interiors first, then plan the permanent fix as weather allows. This avoids rushing work that needs clean, dry surfaces to bond correctly.

Preventing the Next Leak Without DIY 

It is tempting to treat a skylight like a window and start tinkering. Please do not. Never chip ice off your roof or skylight, and do not apply home-store sealants on cold, wet shingles. Those patches trap moisture and may void warranties. Instead, focus on the building system. Good attic ventilation and air sealing help limit ice dams. Proper insulation reduces uneven melting. A professional assessment checks these items together so your roof, skylight, and attic work as one.

In areas like Point Place and Rossford, where wind can push snow sideways, pros also check shingle exposure and nail lines around skylights to ensure the water plane is intact. Small alignment fixes can make a big difference when snow stacks up.

What To Expect From Absolute Quality Roofing During a Skylight Visit 

First, we listen. You tell us when the leak shows up, how much snow was on the roof, and whether it returns only after thaws. Then we inspect the ceiling, the shaft, and the unit for signs of condensation versus intrusion. Outside, we evaluate shingles, flashing, and the underlayment where we can access it. If storm damage is part of the story, we can explain the insurance claim process so you know what to document and how scheduling usually works.

If the skylight is serviceable, we outline a repair scope and materials. If it is time to upgrade, we size a modern unit and discuss VELUX replacements with matching flashing kits for your roof type. Either way, use a licensed roofing pro for any work around a skylight so the roof system stays watertight and manufacturer instructions are followed step by step.

Homeowners searching for roofing experts in Toledo, OH deserve more than a quick patch. We back recommendations with photos and clear explanations so you can choose a durable solution, not a temporary fix. 

How Flashing Details Stop Snowmelt From Sneaking In

Think of meltwater like a curious traveler. If it finds a shortcut, it will take it. Flashing details removes shortcuts. Apron flashing sends water onto the shingles below. Step flashing makes water step down the roof one course at a time. The head flashing blocks water from sliding behind the skylight at the top. When these metals are layered over ice & water shield that turns up the curb, even standing water has a hard time finding a way inside.

On some older skylights, installers used site-bent metal and generic underlayment. Today, most brands specify model-specific kits and minimum membrane dimensions at the curb. Following those specs is vital in climates like ours, where snow can sit for days. A foggy or cracked acrylic dome is a sign that it is time to replace rather than rework outdated parts around it.

Local Signs It Is Time to Act

Here are Toledo-area clues that point to calling a pro soon instead of waiting for spring:

• Stains grow after each thaw, especially on the upper side of the skylight shaft.
• Drips appear after wind-driven snow, not just rainstorms.
• Paint peels on the trim despite normal indoor humidity.
• You see ice ridges at the curb or hear water trickling when temperatures rise.

Any of these deserves prompt attention so framing, insulation, and drywall do not suffer repeated wetting. A clean, code-compliant flashing and underlayment detail will stop the cycle and protect the roof deck.

Materials and Methods We Trust in Northwest Ohio

For shingle roofs throughout Toledo and nearby suburbs, we pair brand-specific flashing kits with a self-sealing membrane at the curb. We replace brittle shingles around the opening as needed to maintain correct exposure and nail placement. We also evaluate the light shaft for air leaks that can dump warm, moist air against cold glass. When a replacement makes sense, we size the well for better daylight and confirm proper curb height for local snow loads.

If your roof is nearing its next life stage, combining skylight work with a broader roof update often saves time and future disruption. Ask us how we coordinate skylight detailing with full-roof improvements so every layer, from deck protection to ridge ventilation, works together.

Ready to Stop the Drips? We Can Help Today

Whether you are in West Toledo, the Old South End, or near the river in Perrysburg, our team is ready to help you end winter leaks the right way. Call 419-206-0045 to schedule a visit with Absolute Quality Roofing. We will inspect, document, and recommend the best fix, from flashing corrections to a modern VELUX replacement that fits your roof and climate. When you want clear answers and lasting results, our specialists are here to help.

If you are comparing options now, you can explore our approach to skylights in Toledo, OH, or learn how we coordinate with broader roofing services when a roof is due. If a storm is involved, we will walk you through our insurance claim process so your timeline and documentation stay on track. 

Never walk on icy shingles or attempt quick fixes from a ladder. One safe call to {{ phone-number which='1' }} gets you a pro assessment from Absolute Quality Roofing and a plan that stands up to the next Toledo snow.