How to Clean Skylights
- Published: Aug 01/2019
- Last update: Mar 05/2024
- 7min read
- Views: 894
There’s nothing better than having your home shower in sunlight. Many households opt to use skylights in order to conserve energy and enjoy a well-lit home. Skylights and roof lanterns do not require too much maintenance, however, knowing how to properly care for them can make all the difference and prolong their life.
So if you:
Then, this article is for you!
There are two major reasons why you should maintain the cleanliness of your skylight:
It’s no secret that the human body needs access to natural light. This has to do with the body’s Circadian rhythm, which dictates the main bodily functions, including when to eat and sleep. Therefore, exposure to sunlight not only helps reduce anxiety and stress, but it also improves your sleep pattern.
Studies have also found a direct connection between the diminished cognitive function in depressed individuals and access to natural light. That’s why light therapy has been prescribed for a variety of medical conditions.
Another important reason to clean your skylight is general window maintenance. Regular cleaning inevitably turns into routine window inspection. Thus, extending the life of your skylight and all the benefits that come with having one.
It’s important to check the state of the flashing around the skylight for breaks and tears, as well as the condition of the window panes. This will ensure you avoid draftiness, potential water leaks and structural damage.
Washing your roof lantern is not rocket science, but there are certain things you need to keep in mind in order to avoid damage. Most skylights in the UK are polycarbonate or acrylic, which means that you cannot use any harsh or abrasive cleaning tools, such as ammonia, Windex, or petroleum-based products. In addition, if your skylight is newly-installed, you may need to repeat the washing process several times due to the manufacturing coating on it.
The final thing you need to check before you proceed is whether your skylight is fitted with self-cleaning glass. The organic compound in the self-cleaning glass is made to react with sunlight, thus preventing dust build-up and organic materials from sticking to the window panes. The dirt particles are usually washed away by rain. Abrasive materials and solutions can easily remove this coating. If that is the case, then you need to follow a few rules.
Depending on the placement of your skylight, you may need to take precautions against accidents. Using a ladder is optional, but if there is no other way to reach your skylight windows from the inside, follow the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guide on safe use of ladders and stepladders.
If you identify any hard stains or etched particles, climb on the ladder and use a 1” razor blade to remove them. Do not use the blade on large areas and always scrape in one direction. Afterwards, clean the debris by applying vinegar on the skylight and wiping the particles with a microfibre cloth.
Learn what window cleaning solutions we offer by visiting our main website.
In terms of washing the exterior of your roof lantern, the process is even easier than the steps above. However, be extra careful when working at heights. If you have a balcony or patio with easy access to the skylight, use an extendable pole.
For hard-to-remove stains, you can use vinegar. If you have self-cleaning glass, make sure that this cleaning solution is safe to use as per the manufacturer’s guide.
Washing your roof lantern is not difficult, but it takes a lot of time to do properly. This can cost you time and money, especially if you injure yourself while doing it. If you don’t want to spend your weekend cleaning your skylight or simply want to avoid accidents, you can book Fantastic Services’ professional window cleaning service.
The fully-trained technicians follow all health and safety guidelines and use chemical-free cleaning methods to restore the shiny finish of your skylights.
Let a professional take care of your skylights.
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We hope you found this guide on how to clean your skylight helpful. Share your experience in cleaning hard-to-reach windows or ask your questions in the comment section below!
Image source: Deposit Photos / Observer
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