It's important to have a good seal on a skylight.
Skylight assemblies are unique windows installed on rooftops to allow natural light to pass through a room. Because the unit is mounted outdoors, the glass needs the proper insulation to prevent the structure's interior from drafts, leaks and other outside contaminants. The seal around a skylight often becomes damaged or worn over time and eventually requires replacement. Silicone caulk can effectively provide an airtight, water-resistant seal when the existing sealant needs to be repaired. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Cut the existing seal around the glass frame using a utility knife, then allow it to fall free. It is better to reapply a new sealant entirely rather than attempt to mend only the damaged sections of the current seal.
2. Pry the remainder of the seal from the seams with a putty knife for leverage. For an especially difficult or aged seal, apply a commercial caulk remover to soften it for removal. Apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions and wait until it has dissolved the seal.
3. Wipe the seams between the glass and the frame with a damp rag to clean them of any loose dirt or debris. There cannot be any contaminants present that could trap air when the new sealant is applied.
4. Cut the tip on a tube of silicone caulk to create an opening no more than 1/4 inch wide. Insert a thin, stiff object into the nozzle to puncture the seal if necessary.
5. Load the tube into a caulking gun and steadily insert a bead of the silicone into a corner of the glass frame. Draw the tip along the length of the seam where the glass meets the wall of the frame. Repeat this procedure for each side of the skylight.
6. Quickly glide a wooden craft stick over the freshly applied silicone for a neater seal. The caulk will dry within 24 hours.
Tags: glass frame, seal around
