Do Tubular Skylights Leak?

Leaks are one of the most common concerns people raise about skylights. It is a fair question. After all, you are cutting an opening into your roof, which is the very thing that protects your home from the weather. It makes sense to wonder whether water could find its way in.

The reality is this. Water problems usually come down to poor workmanship, not the skylight itself. In fact, tubular skylights are generally less likely to leak than larger, traditional skylights. They require a much smaller roof opening, they do not open or ventilate, and they have fewer seals and moving parts that can wear out over time.

When flashing is fitted correctly and the unit is sealed to suit the roof profile, there should be no issue. A properly installed tubular skylight should not leak. Here is why.

Why Skylights Leak in the First Place

Most skylight leaks come down to one thing: poor installation. If the flashing, sealing, or waterproofing around the roof penetration is not done properly, water will eventually find its way in. This can happen during heavy rain, or gradually over time as roofing materials expand, contract, or shift and small gaps appear. Older skylights can also develop leaks as sealants age and lose their effectiveness.

With tubular skylights, the smaller penetration and integrated flashing systems supplied by reputable manufacturers reduce the number of potential failure points. However, even the best product can leak if it is not installed correctly. The quality of the installation always matters more than the type of skylight alone.

How Tubular Skylights Are Sealed

Tubular skylights use a flashing kit to seal the point where the tube passes through the roof. This flashing is designed to fit the profile of common roofing materials, including tiles and metal roofing. When fitted correctly, it creates a watertight seal around the dome base. Solatube products are designed with this in mind, and their components are made to work together to minimise the risk of water getting in.

The Importance of Certified Installation

The quality of the installation makes all the difference. A certified installer knows how to seat the flashing correctly for your specific roof type. They understand the importance of proper sealing and how to account movement that naturally occurs in roofing materials over time. Cutting corners on this step is where problems begin.

What About Heavy Rain?

A correctly installed Solatube skylight handles heavy rain without issue. The dome sits above the roofline and is sealed at its base. Rainwater runs off the dome and away from the roof penetration, just as it does around other roof fixtures. The compact profile of a tubular skylight also means there's less surface area exposed compared to a traditional flat skylight.

Can an Existing Skylight Develop a Leak Later?

It's possible, though not common with well-installed products. If a seal degrades over time, or if roof materials shift significantly, a small gap could develop. Regular roof inspections, which is something any homeowner should do periodically, can catch these issues early before they cause real damage inside.

Our Commitment to Leak-Free Installations

As a certified Wollongong installer of tubular skylights, BM Skylights takes waterproofing seriously. Every installation we complete is sealed with care, and we use Solatube's purpose-built flashing components to protect your roof properly.

We're certified Solatube installers, which means we follow the correct process every time. We serve homeowners and businesses across Wollongong, Nowra, Helensburgh, Shoalhaven, and the Southern Highlands, and our reputation is built on installations that hold up over time. If you have questions about the process or want to know more, we're easy to reach and always happy to help.