I have a skylight that is essentially a flashed plywood curb with a late 50's era glass paver that "cups" over top. No tar or caulk, just gravity holding it there. Now, because I'm an idiot, I decided to touch it during a kitchen remodel to clean up/paint the curb box which is visible from inside. I ended up breaking the glass paver.
So, what can I improvise to get me through the rest of the winter rain?
Bear in mind these factors:
- I intend to replace these not-even-close skylights this summer when I have the roof redone.
- It only needs to be temporary, but as with everything, temporary things have a funny way of needing to last much longer than intended. I'd rather not continue to use the upside-down plastic storage bin method I have in place.
- It's an unusual size (10.5" x 10.5"), so off-the-shelf skylights aren't an option, and I'd rather not go custom for something I intend to rip out eventually.
- I'm in the SF Bay Area in CA, so not a lot of extreme weather or snow. I am seeing a good amount of rain though (all things considered).
My initial thoughts:
- Add a drip edge around the top of the curb box to protect the wood.
- Then firmly screw down a 12×12 sheet of 1/2" plexiglass that I already have over the top edge with a nice bead of caulk in between, and liberal amounts of caulk and/or tar along the seams.
- Wait for the next rain (or a hose) and monitor for leaks.
To be clear, I don't have a lot of experience with roofing and roofing products. I've installed vents and understand the basic principles behind flashing and water flow, but that's about it.
Best Answer
I think your Plexiglas would work but I would use Lexan polycarbonate sheet. Lexan is a few more bucks but will not crack when you drill it or something hits it, tree limb baseball ect. You can heat polycarbonate with a heat gun and bend it. I would do this on the top edge at a minimum. Other than the material I believe your plan will work both short and long term.