Lightwell Repair and Waterproofing
San Francisco's attached homes and flats rely on lightwells, the narrow open shafts that bring light and air to interior rooms. Water collects in them, and when drains clog or walls and corners fail, it ends up inside.
Ascender Roofing Solutions finds where lightwell water gets in and fixes the source: drains, the base, wall seams and the flashing where the roof meets the lightwell.
What we do
Lightwell leak repair
We find where water gets in before we fix anything. The usual sources are the drain, the base, seams in the walls, and the flashing where the roof meets the lightwell walls.
Lightwell waterproofing
We waterproof the base and lower walls with a membrane or coating suited to standing water, and rebuild the connections around the drain.
Lightwell drains
Clogged and undersized drains are the most common cause of lightwell leaks. Clearing and repairing the drain is often part of the fix, and we handle that work ourselves.
Lightwell cover replacement
Old fiberglass or failing covers can be replaced with a properly flashed skylight cover where the city allows it. Some cities restrict what can cover a lightwell, so we check the rules before quoting. Skylights →
Common questions
Why does my lightwell leak?+
How do you waterproof a lightwell?+
Can a lightwell be covered?+
Do you work with property managers on lightwells?+
Is the lightwell inspection free?+
Lightwell repair across the Bay Area
Talk to a licensed roofer
Call us or book a free inspection. We respond within one business day.