Madison Roof & Leak
Portage, Wisconsin

Skylight replacement in Portage

Skylights reach a point where reflashing is not enough — a rotted frame, a failed sealed unit with moisture between the panes, or a unit old enough that compatible flashing is no longer made. Replacement is roof work as much as window work, because the flashing kit and its relationship to the surrounding courses is what keeps water out. A new unit fitted with old or improvised flashing leaks exactly like the one it replaced.

Call (706) 696-1888 Columbia County

What the job involves

  • Removal of the existing unit and flashing
  • Assessment of the opening, curb and surrounding decking
  • New unit fitted with the manufacturer's matched flashing kit
  • Correct stepping of flashing into the surrounding courses

Signs you need it

  • Moisture trapped between the panes of the glazing
  • Rot in the frame or the surrounding curb
  • Repeated leaks despite the flashing having been addressed

Why roofs fail in Portage and Columbia County

Portage has a winter long enough and cold enough that ice damming, not storm damage, is the dominant cause of roof leaks. The mechanism is heat loss rather than weather: warm air escaping into the attic melts snow on the upper roof, the meltwater runs down and refreezes over the cold overhang, and the resulting ridge of ice backs water up beneath the shingle courses until it finds a way in. The roof itself is usually in perfect condition. Repeated through a Columbia County winter, freeze-thaw also works every flashing joint progressively looser, and spring brings hail and straight-line wind on top. The reason this matters is that fixing an ice dam leak by working on the shingles does not work — the problem is insulation and ventilation, and that is a different job.

Portage has a population of about 10,324, and the housing stock here sets the pattern for what fails first on a roof.

Questions about skylight replacement in Portage

Can I replace just the glass?

On some units yes, where the sealed unit is a serviceable part and the frame is sound. On older or sealed-frame models the whole unit is the replacement item.

Does the roof need work at the same time?

The courses around the opening have to be lifted and reinstated regardless, so it is worth checking the surrounding area while access is there. On an older roof it is often sensible to do both together.

Other roofing work in Portage

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You will get a straight answer on whether Portage needs someone out today or whether it can wait — before anyone quotes you for anything.

Call (706) 696-1888
Call (706) 696-1888