Davis homes built from the 1960s through the 1990s in neighborhoods such as University Village and Covell Village often have original acrylic or glass skylights set into low-slope sections. Cool wet winters expand and contract the metal flashing, while hot dry summers bake the sealant until it cracks. Water then tracks along the rafters and shows up as stains near the Davis Art Center area or in West Davis ceilings. We use compatible butyl tape and counter-flashing that matches the existing roof membrane rather than generic caulk that fails again within two seasons.
Access on single-story ranch homes in Wildhorse or North Davis is usually straightforward, but two-story homes near Toomey Field require roof jacks and harnesses because the wet clay soil makes ladders slip. We always pull back shingles or membrane at least 18 inches around the skylight curb to inspect for rot, since Yolo County moisture can wick into plywood sheathing even when the visible leak is small. Edge cases include skylights installed too close to valley lines where runoff from Central Park direction concentrates during heavy winter rains.
Before any repair we check attic ventilation because Davis summers push heat through skylights and can mask ongoing condensation issues mistaken for leaks. When the original curb lacks proper cricket flashing, we add one using 26-gauge galvanized steel folded to shed water toward the nearest downspout. This prevents repeat calls from South Davis homeowners who have already tried interior caulking that only hides the problem until the next storm.
We never recommend full skylight replacement unless the frame is cracked or the glazing has delaminated, because most leaks trace to the perimeter rather than the unit itself. Repairs are completed the same day when access is clear and weather permits, keeping disruption low for families living near the UC Davis Arboretum.
Technician insight
In Davis the thing that catches most people out with Skylight Leak Repair is how our cool wet winters drive water under the original aluminum flashing on 1970s and 80s homes in East Davis and University Village; the summer heat then bakes the sealant so hard that standard caulk never holds more than one season.
Persistent Ceiling Stain in Mace Ranch
Homeowner noticed brown water marks after several winter storms. We found the skylight curb flashing had pulled away where it met the low-slope membrane. Removed the old flashing, added a new cricket, and sealed with butyl tape matched to the existing roof. No further intrusion after the next rain.
Skylight Leak Repair Services We Offer
✓Flashing Replacement
Remove old step flashing and install new counter-flashing sealed with compatible tape to stop water entry around skylight curbs in wet winters.
✓Sealant Renewal
Clean and replace degraded perimeter sealant on acrylic or glass skylights before summer heat causes further cracking and leaks.
✓Leak Tracing and Dye Testing
Use controlled water testing and attic inspection to pinpoint entry points on complex roof planes common in East Davis and Mace Ranch homes.
✓Curb and Cricket Addition
Build or modify curbs and add cricket flashing on low-slope sections to redirect winter runoff away from skylights.
✓Dome or Lens Restoration
Polish and reseal acrylic domes or replace cracked polycarbonate lenses while preserving the existing frame on older Davis homes.
Skylight Leak Repair Cost in Davis, CA
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Sealant Renewal Only | $250–$450 | Single skylight on accessible roof in flat neighborhoods like North Davis |
| Flashing Replacement | $450–$850 | Includes new step and counter-flashing; higher on two-story homes near Toomey Field |
| Leak Tracing with Dye Test | $150–$300 | Required when multiple entry points suspected after heavy winter rains |
| Curb and Cricket Addition | $650–$1,100 | Needed on low-slope sections common in 1970s Mace Ranch homes |
Ranges are typical for Davis, CA and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Site Inspection
Examine the skylight from roof and attic, note roof age, slope, and proximity to valleys or gutters in the specific neighborhood.
- 2
Water Testing
Apply controlled water to isolate the exact leak path without guessing.
- 3
Material Removal
Lift surrounding roofing and remove failed flashing or sealant down to sound substrate.
- 4
Repair and Seal
Install new flashing, tape, and sealant matched to existing roof type, then restore weather barrier.
- 5
Final Check
Re-test with water and inspect attic for any remaining moisture before leaving the site.
Pricing
Most skylight leak repairs in Davis fall between a few hundred dollars for sealant work and higher when flashing or curb modifications are required.