Maintaining a Skylight
Skylights need cleaning once or twice yearly to remove dirt, dust, and other unsightly debris.
Skylights allow a burst of natural light into any room. But just like other parts of a property, they need to be looked after correctly to shine all year round.
Here are some of the best ways to maintain a skylight:
Frequency of cleaning and inspection
Skylights need cleaning once or twice yearly to remove dirt, dust, and other unsightly debris. Likewise, they need yearly inspections for signs of any more serious problems. Those with some DIY knowledge could inspect the skylights themselves. However, a professional firm is much better placed to do a thorough job and find seemingly tiny problems that can escalate into serious trouble.
Do-it-yourself maintenance tips
Here are some tips for those who prefer to DIY their skylights:
Clean the interior glass and frames
Before starting, a sturdy ladder and a friend for safety will make cleaning the interior glass and frames easier. First, spray the window with water, wait a bit, and then wipe away the dirt with a cloth. The skylight manufacturer may recommend a particular cleaning solution for best results.
Spot leaks early
Leaks are the most common issue with skylights and may lead to significant damage if they go unnoticed and worsen. Therefore, regularly checking for cracks and leaks is a good idea.
Manage condensation
Condensation can cause damage akin to leaks. If the skylights accumulate significant condensation, it indicates that the windows need better ventilation. Keeping kitchen and bathroom doors closed or drying laundry outside are simple measures that could help.
When to call in the professionals
Some skylight maintenance tasks aren’t too difficult to DIY, but there are times when professional help is not just worthwhile but practically unavoidable.
Exterior cleaning
While cleaning the skylight from the inside might not seem too much trouble, it’s best to let professionals handle exterior cleaning. Experts have the knowledge and equipment to clean the skylights safely and without damaging anything.
Addressing water damage
When water and condensation damage occurs, it’s best to talk to a professional. Roofing experts will safely repair the damage to restore the skylights to their former glory.
Additional maintenance tips
Other ways to protect the skylights include trimming nearby trees so that branches can’t scrape the glass and checking for condensation that could indicate issues with the seal or ventilation.
The sky is the limit!
Skylights open the room to the outside world and must remain clean. While there are ways to keep your skylights in top shape as a DIY project, some maintenance issues are better left to professionals with the tools and knowledge to handle them correctly.
