Failed Rooflight Laps
Ageing or damaged seals at overlapping rooflight panels can allow water to penetrate during rainfall.
Commercial & Industrial Rooflights
Commercial Skylight Repair & Refurbishment
Specialist refurbishment of existing commercial and industrial rooflights, including leaking junctions, failed seals and compatible clear protective waterproofing systems.
Repair Rather Than Replace
Refurbishing Your Existing Rooflights
Ageing commercial rooflights can develop leaks, deteriorated seals and weathered surfaces without necessarily requiring complete replacement.
Where the existing rooflights remain in suitable condition, specialist repairs and compatible protective coatings may provide an alternative to replacing the entire installation.
Elite Waterproofing's approach considers both the rooflight panels and their integration with the surrounding roofing system, including fixings, laps, flashings and joints.
Our refurbishment solutions focus on restoring suitable weatherproofing details and helping maintain the use of natural daylight within the building.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the rooflight material, its remaining condition and the compatibility of the proposed system.
Identifying the Problem
Common Causes of Rooflight Leaks
Water ingress around a rooflight does not always indicate failure of the rooflight panel itself. The cause may be a surrounding roofing detail.
Fixings & Washers
Worn washers, loose fixings and deteriorated seals can create small but persistent leakage points.
Perimeter Seals
Sealants around rooflight edges and surrounding roofing materials may deteriorate with age and movement.
Flashing Details
Failed flashings and weatherproofing around raised skylights, kerbs and adjoining roof coverings.
Surface Deterioration
Prolonged weather exposure can affect the surface of older rooflight materials and coatings.
Adjacent Roof Problems
Leaks may originate higher up the roof or from adjoining gutters and sheet joints.
Repair & Waterproofing
Our Skylight Refurbishment Solutions
Refurbishment methods are selected according to the specific defects, rooflight construction and manufacturer's compatibility requirements.
Rooflight Joint Sealing
Repair of suitable deteriorated rooflight joints and overlapping sections using compatible waterproofing and sealing materials.
Fixing & Fastener Repairs
Treatment of identified leakage points around fixings and fasteners, with replacement of unsuitable components where appropriate.
Perimeter Waterproofing
Remedial treatment of junctions between existing rooflights and surrounding roofing materials, including compatible flashings and seals.
Clear Protective Coatings
Application of compatible translucent or clear protective systems to suitable existing rooflights, where supported by the chosen product specification.
Clear Waterproofing Systems
Protecting Rooflights Without Blocking Daylight
Certain rooflight refurbishment systems are designed to provide a protective coating while allowing natural light to pass through.
This can be particularly useful on suitable industrial rooflights where the objective is to provide additional weatherproofing without applying an opaque coating that blocks daylight.
The proposed clear treatment must be compatible with the existing rooflight material and the required installation conditions.
It is important to establish whether the existing panel is sufficiently sound for refurbishment. Coatings do not restore damaged structural capacity or make a fragile rooflight safe to walk on.
Clear rooflight coatings are not
suitable for every substrate.
Product compatibility, preparation,
fire performance and any applicable
warranty limitations must be
confirmed before installation.
Our Approach
How We Approach Skylight Refurbishment
The process begins with identifying the cause of water ingress and assessing whether the existing rooflight can be refurbished.
Initial Assessment
Review the rooflight type, apparent condition, existing defects and reported leakage problems.
Preparation
Prepare suitable surfaces and arrange access using methods appropriate to the material and selected system.
Repair & Detailing
Address relevant joints, fixings, flashing details and other identified leakage points.
Protective Treatment
Apply any specified compatible waterproofing or clear protective coating system.
Why Refurbish?
Benefits of Rooflight Refurbishment
Potential Cost Savings
Refurbishment of suitable existing rooflights may cost less than full replacement, depending on condition and access.
Reduced Disruption
Targeted repairs may avoid removing entire rooflight sections, potentially reducing disruption to activities inside the building.
Preservation of Daylight
Compatible clear treatments may help protect suitable panels while retaining their ability to transmit light.
Leakage Treatment
Targeted waterproofing can address identified defects at rooflight joints, fixings and adjoining details.
Extended Serviceability
Appropriate refurbishment may extend the serviceable life of rooflights that remain suitable for repair.
Integrated Roof Repairs
Rooflight detailing can be coordinated with repairs to metal roofing, asbestos cement roofing and adjoining gutters.
Choosing the Correct Treatment
Refurbishment or Replacement?
A rooflight that leaks does not necessarily need replacement. However, some materials are too brittle, damaged or deteriorated for further refurbishment.
Skylight Repair & Refurbishment
May be suitable where the panel remains sound and leakage is associated with failed joints, seals or compatible surface deterioration.
The treatment must address the actual cause of the defect rather than simply covering the visible leakage point.
Discuss RefurbishmentSkylight Replacement
Replacement may be preferable where panels are cracked, brittle, structurally unsuitable or unable to deliver the required performance.
New rooflight systems can also be considered as part of broader roofing replacement or building upgrades.
Explore Replacement
Working at Height
Fragile Rooflights & Safe Access
Older industrial rooflights present significant hazards during roof inspection, maintenance and repair.
Many rooflight materials are fragile, and deterioration can increase the risk of failure if a person steps or falls onto them.
All rooflights and roof assemblies should be treated as fragile until a competent assessment establishes otherwise.
Appropriate working-at-height arrangements are therefore required before any rooflight refurbishment activities begin.
For official guidance, see
HSE — Fragile Surfaces
and
HSE — Roof Work
.
Commercial Roofing Projects
Rooflight Refurbishment Around Your Business
Rooflight refurbishment is frequently required on occupied warehouses, manufacturing premises and other operational commercial buildings.
Access & Work Areas
Safe access and work areas must be established according to the existing roofing system and the tasks involved.
Protection of Operations
Consideration is given to activities below, including personnel, machinery and other vulnerable areas.
Weather Considerations
Application conditions, substrate moisture, temperature and weather forecasts may affect the work programme.
Coordinated Repairs
Rooflight works can be considered alongside metal roof refurbishment, asbestos roof repairs and gutter waterproofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skylight Refurbishment FAQs
Can leaking industrial rooflights be repaired?
Yes, in some circumstances. Where the rooflight panel remains suitable, repairs to failed seals, fixings, joints and adjoining roofing details may address the leakage.
Can you waterproof a rooflight without blocking natural light?
Some compatible clear waterproofing systems are designed to remain translucent. The suitability and light transmission depend on the particular product and existing rooflight material.
Can cracked rooflights be coated instead of replaced?
Not necessarily. Cracked, brittle or structurally deteriorated rooflights may require replacement. A coating must never be assumed to restore structural integrity or non-fragility.
Can rooflights be refurbished on asbestos cement roofs?
It may be possible where the rooflight and surrounding roofing system are suitable. Any asbestos-containing materials must be properly identified and managed with appropriate work controls.
Is rooflight refurbishment cheaper than replacement?
It may be, depending on rooflight condition, the repair specification, access and the extent of treatment required. A project assessment is needed to compare options.
How long will rooflight refurbishment last?
Service life depends on the rooflight's condition, the selected materials, application quality and exposure. Any guarantee should be specified in the project documentation.
Explore Other Services
Related Roofing Solutions
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Are Your Commercial Skylights Leaking?
If your industrial rooflights are leaking at joints, showing signs of weathering or require specialist waterproofing attention, contact Elite Waterproofing to discuss possible refurbishment options.
Call 01509 414300