So far, 15 years, no leaks, knock wood. The need for maintenance of all kinds is required no matter the construction. Owning a home does NOT make you immune to maintenance requirements.
Merkin makes a valid point. Not properly maintained, just about any roof will eventually leak (skylight or not), given the right circumstances and the passage of time...remediating the weakness immediately is the key to minimising any damage...so yes, the home owner needs to be vigilant, and not leave for some other time, what needs to be attended to more immediately.
I've installed countless numbers of Velux skylights ,,, they do have a pretty good flashing kit with them,, and if done properly,, will last as long as the roof they are installed on. I put a 54x54 on a house about 20 years ago ,, and not 1 problem yet. If your just needing some light in some darker areas of your home ,, those light tubes will throw in some unbelievable amounts of light. I was surprised by the light they added the 1st time I installed one. @Ganado ,,, I wish your Dad all the best ,, I know how that disease works ,, it is very sad and depressing having to watch your loved ones go through that. I buried my Mom a year ago from Alzheimers,, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I wish you and your Dad all the best.
We all are going to face TEOTWAWKI, sometimes it sneaks up on us, sometimes it takes years, but in my life, I have found the most useful preps are the ones I use to make this day and tomorrow better. The Greeks said 2300 years ago that life was a process and that it is how you travel the journey and not the final destination that counts. Have to agree, I find this one of the best posts I have seen in a while. While it may have nothing to do with all the "big" collapse concepts, I find that I enjoy most reading about people rebuilding their houses, or new power generation in Alaska, or changes in the farming practices or gardens. Won't take time to list who and what as there are many posts. Bishop and the progress with a dog come to mind as well as all his primitive toys, for one. I like to be reminded in this crazy time and all of the idiots, left and right, that there are sane people out there just doing their best and putting their efforts into making the best life they can, for today and tomorrow.
And I thought that you Americans all lived in teepees, wickiups or Navajo hogans....Must have been a Victor Mature or J Carol Nash movie I saw once Here's a Navajo Hogan with a skylight...
Your place looks nice. My folks worked weekends on their retirement home for 16 years and finally lived in it for 16 years until health problems took them both down. They wanted it all fixed up before they retired. Not long after they sold it, I saw the plumbers tearing the yard up and I hear the new owners had to spend a fortune to fix the plumbing. I wish you many healthy years to enjoy your home.
Might be surprised at how many still live in those hogans. Adopted bro's family is mostly on the rez and a lot of them are in traditional housing. No running water, no indoor plumbing.