Keeping the Light and Warmth All Winter Long
In Saratoga Springs, where winter paints the town in white and the days grow shorter, a skylight becomes more than a design feature—it’s a source of natural light, warmth, and comfort. But as beautiful as skylights are, they also require attention before winter sets in. Preparing your skylight properly can prevent leaks, heat loss, and costly repairs once the snow begins to fall.
This guide walks you through everything Saratoga homeowners—especially those with older or historic properties—need to know about maintaining skylights before winter hits.
1. Why Skylight Maintenance Matters Before Winter
Skylights endure more stress than any other part of your roof. They face direct sunlight in the summer and heavy snow loads in the winter. In Saratoga County’s climate, where temperatures fluctuate and ice dams are common, regular skylight maintenance can mean the difference between a cozy living space and a frustrating mid-winter leak.
Key issues that often arise during winter include:
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Condensation buildup: A sign of poor insulation or improper sealing.
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Ice damming: When snow melts and refreezes, causing water to back up around the skylight.
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Sealant deterioration: Old caulking can crack in cold weather, allowing moisture inside.
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Glass fogging or cracking: Temperature extremes can weaken older skylight glazing.
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A simple inspection in the fall can prevent all of this—and extend your skylight’s lifespan by years.
2. Inspecting Your Skylight: What to Look For
Before the first frost, take a careful look at your skylight—both from the inside and outside.
Inside your home:
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Check for any water stains or discoloration on the ceiling around the skylight.
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Look for fogging or condensation between panes, which indicates a seal failure.
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Feel for drafts or temperature differences, suggesting a gap in insulation.
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Outside the home:
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Inspect the flashing (the metal seal around the skylight) for cracks or rust.
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Examine nearby shingles—loose or curling ones may allow water to seep in.
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Make sure debris, leaves, and pine needles are cleared away to keep drainage clear.
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If you’re not comfortable climbing on the roof, Home Evolution Roofing’s team in Saratoga Springs can handle the full inspection safely and professionally.
3. Cleaning Skylights Before Winter
A clean skylight not only looks better—it performs better. Dirt, algae, and pollen can degrade seals and block sunlight.
For homeowners:
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Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive brushes.
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Rinse with a low-pressure hose—high pressure can loosen seals.
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Gently wipe the interior pane with a microfiber cloth to remove film or condensation marks.
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If your skylight is hard to reach or located on a steep roof, it’s best to schedule a professional cleaning before temperatures drop.
4. Checking Flashing and Seals
Flashing is the thin metal strip that seals the skylight to your roof. It’s often the first place leaks start, especially after years of expansion and contraction caused by New York’s seasonal changes.
Professional roofers will:
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Check for gaps, corrosion, or misalignment in the flashing.
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Reapply or replace sealant where necessary.
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Confirm the underlayment beneath the shingles is still watertight.
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Even a small gap can lead to significant interior damage when snow begins to melt, so this step is essential.
5. Insulation and Condensation Control
Many Saratoga homes—particularly older ones—lack proper insulation around skylight wells (the drywall or framing that connects the skylight to the ceiling). Poor insulation allows warm, moist indoor air to rise and condense on the cold skylight glass, creating drips and potential mold.
Solutions include:
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Adding insulated drywall or foam board around the skylight shaft.
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Installing a vapor barrier to prevent indoor moisture from reaching the glass.
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Ensuring proper attic ventilation to keep temperature and humidity balanced.
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Home Evolution Roofing often pairs skylight maintenance with attic insulation improvements, providing full protection from both heat loss and condensation.
6. Preventing Ice Dams Around Skylights
Saratoga Springs’ lake-effect snow and temperature swings make ice dams a frequent winter concern. Ice dams form when warm air from inside melts rooftop snow, which refreezes at the edges—trapping water that seeps under shingles and around skylights.
To prevent this:
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Keep your roof well insulated to reduce heat escaping.
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Install ice and water shield membranes under roofing around skylights.
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Clear heavy snow with a roof rake after storms—but never chip ice with sharp tools.
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Consider heat cables for persistent problem areas.
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Professional roofing teams can install protective membranes and evaluate airflow patterns to minimize risk.
7. When to Repair or Replace Your Skylight
Even with excellent maintenance, skylights don’t last forever. The typical lifespan ranges from 15 to 25 years, depending on brand and installation quality.
Consider replacement if you notice:
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Cracks, fogging, or cloudiness between panes
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Repeated leaks despite re-sealing
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Outdated single-pane glass (poor energy efficiency)
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Difficulty opening or closing vented models
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Home Evolution Roofing installs Velux skylights, known for their energy efficiency and long warranties—ideal for cold New York winters. Replacing an aging skylight before winter prevents last-minute emergencies and reduces heating costs.
8. How Professional Skylight Maintenance Works
When you schedule a skylight maintenance appointment with Home Evolution Roofing, the process typically includes:
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Visual inspection: Inside and out, checking glass, flashing, and seals.
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Leak test: Light water spraying to confirm waterproofing.
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Cleaning: Removal of debris, moss, and buildup.
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Seal and flashing service: Repair or replacement as needed.
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Ventilation check: Ensuring attic air flow supports skylight longevity.
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The visit usually takes just a few hours—and saves homeowners thousands in potential repair costs down the line.
9. Winter Skylight Safety Tips
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Never walk on a skylight or roof during icy conditions.
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Avoid using salt or harsh chemicals for snow removal—they can corrode flashing.
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Keep blinds or shades slightly open to reduce moisture buildup on the glass.
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After major storms, visually check ceilings for any dampness or discoloration.
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10. Partnering with Home Evolution Roofing
As a family-owned, local company serving Saratoga County, Home Evolution Roofing understands the balance between comfort, cost, and care. Our roofing and skylight specialists have helped countless homeowners prepare for upstate winters by ensuring their skylights are secure, efficient, and leak-free.
Whether you need an inspection, resealing, or a complete skylight replacement, our team provides trusted service with transparent estimates and a commitment to long-term quality.
Let the Light In—Safely
Winter in Saratoga Springs doesn’t mean you have to give up natural light. With proper skylight maintenance, your home can remain bright, warm, and protected all season long.
Home Evolution Roofing stands ready to help you prepare for winter with professional inspections and expert care—so you can enjoy the glow of sunlight, even when the snow falls thick outside.