If you have skylights, you know that they’re a distinctive way to bring a touch of sunlight to your home. But did you know you should be cleaning them at least twice a year? Learning how to clean skylights will extend the life of your skylights and keep your indoor spaces sunny and bright. Read on for some do-it-yourself skylight cleaning tips and also learn how to know when it might be time to call in the professionals.
How to Clean Skylights
Skylights need to be durable enough to withstand the regular wear-and-tear your roof experiences. Skylights are typically made of laminated glass, which makes them both attractive and sturdy enough to last on your roof for years. This is why we use VELUX skylights, because we know they will go the distance for you and your home.
While installing the right skylight makes maintenance easier, it doesn’t get you off the hook completely. The inside of a skylight still gets dirty and requires dusting, and the outside of the skylight can be vulnerable to a build-up of dirt, mold, and other outdoor hazards. If this debris builds up, it can actually harm your skylight, blurring the light it allows into your home and even shortening its overall lifespan. Having a plan for how to clean your skylights will keep them attractive and functional for years to come.
What Materials Do You Need?
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to see if the manufacturer of your skylights has provided any guidance on how to clean skylights that you can follow. If they haven’t, you can make a gentle cleanser out of vinegar and hot, soapy water, or use a mild chemical cleanser. Don’t use harsh chemicals! They can corrode the skylight. It’s also a good idea to use distilled water, to prevent mineral deposits from building up on the glass.
You’ll also need tools to help you reach your skylight. You can use a long-handled mop or another lengthy tool to get the cleaning solution to the window. You’ll also want a ladder to help you reach the window safely. Don’t plan on standing on your furniture – that’s a risky strategy, and can lead to falls and other injuries. If you cannot reach your skylights safely with the equipment you have, you need to call in the professionals.
Cleaning Your Skylights
Start by cleaning the inside of your skylight. Use a ladder if needed to position yourself safely, and then use your long cleaning tool to soak the glass with your cleaning solution. Next, use rags or a squeegee to quickly remove the cleanser. Be careful not to use metal tools like scrapers, as those can damage the glass. You should also clean the inside of the frame using warm, soapy water.
Once the inside of your skylight is clean, you can move to cleaning the outside. You need to be able to reach your roof by using a ladder. Once you’re up there, the process of cleaning the outside skylight is similar to the indoor one. Clear away any dust and other debris, and then use your gentle cleansers on the glass and frame. Be sure to remove the cleanser quickly so it dries with a streak-free shine.
You may find that it’s more difficult to clean the outside surface, as it’s more likely to have a buildup of outside dirt and debris. In that case, you might want to use a power-washer for a hands-free deep clean. But be careful! If the setting is too high, you can accidentally break the glass or the frame. Power-washers can also cause serious injuries if they are used incorrectly. If you don’t know how to use one, it’s time to call in a professional.
Should I Pay Someone to Clean My Skylights?
When cleaning skylights, safety should be priority one. Professional cleaners have training and experience that helps them avoid falls and dangerous conditions. If your skylights are especially high up, or positioned so they’re difficult to reach from the inside or the outside, don’t risk your neck! Call a professional cleaner who knows how to clean skylights. A little money upfront can save you a headache down the line.
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Now that you know how to clean skylights, be sure to make it a regular part of your home maintenance. Cleaning skylights can be difficult, but it will allow you to enjoy them for years to come!
If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for help with your roofing needs. Our experts can help you explore new roofing options, maintain an older roof, perform emergency repairs, complete tear-offs and recovers, and perform remodeling services. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding roofing options, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!