In addition to providing natural light, skylights help heat and cool your home efficiently. They are especially useful in hot climates where excess heat can pose a problem. A well-maintained skylight will also last longer, keeping you comfortable and increasing the value of your home. If you have a skylight in your home, it’s important to know how to keep it clean. A dirty skylight will not only look unsightly but can also reduce its efficiency and shorten its lifespan. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about cleaning a skylight. Keep reading for our top 7 tips and tricks on keeping your skylight clean!
1. Know The Different Types of Skylights Before Cleaning
There are several different types of skylights. Some are built into the roof of your home, while others are installed in an existing roof or wall. Some skylights are built into the roof of your home and are called roof windows. This is the most common type of skylight and is often used in homes with low ceilings. Wall skylights are less common, but they can be used to bring light into dark areas of your home, such as stairwells. Wall skylights are often used in combination with a purpose-built roof, like a solar thermal roof. Solar thermal roofs are special skylights that use a heat-absorbing material to help heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer.
2. Use the Right Tools
We recommend using a soft cloth and warm water to clean your skylights. Be careful to avoid abrasive cleaners and sponges. If you have a particularly dirty skylight, you can also use a mild solution of water and vinegar. Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia or bleach, as they can damage the skylight. You should also avoid using a vacuum cleaner or a broom, as they can scratch the glass and leave debris behind. If you are cleaning a particularly dirty skylight, you may want to consider hiring a professional to get the job done.
3. Schedule a Regular Maintenance Checkup
Cleaning your skylight regularly will help keep it clean and avoid expensive repairs in the long run. We recommend doing a thorough cleaning of your skylight at least once a year. We recommend cleaning your skylight in the fall when the days are shorter and the nights are cooler. Cleaning your skylight on a cooler day will allow the skylight to dry quickly, preventing water damage. If you notice any issues with your skylight, like a crack, discoloration, or water damage, call a professional to have it repaired as soon as possible. Avoid waiting until you have a clogged skylight.
4. Be Aware of Where the Dirt Comes From
The dirt that accumulates on the outside of your skylight comes from the roof, gutters, and surrounding vegetation. To prevent this from happening, you can use a skylight screen. A skylight screen is a mesh screen placed over your skylight to keep out leaves and other debris. Your skylight may also collect dirt from the inside, especially if you have a smaller skylight or a skylight in your kitchen. You can minimize this by cleaning your skylight regularly. You can also install a skylight deflector flap or a skylight blind to block the light from inside your home.
5. How to Clean Tinted Glass Windows?
The tint on the glass will protect it from fading over time. Although cleaning it will be a bit more difficult, it will not need to be replaced as often. The best way to clean tinted glass skylights is to use a soft cloth and warm water. Be careful to avoid abrasive cleaners and sponges. If you have a particularly dirty skylight, you can also use a mild solution of water and vinegar. Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia or bleach, as they can damage the skylight. You should also avoid using a vacuum cleaner or a broom, as they can scratch the glass and leave debris behind.
6. How to Clean Non-Tinted Glass?
Non-tinted glass skylights are made of clear glass and can be cleaned using the same method as tinted glass skylights. The best way to clean the outside of the skylight is to use a soft cloth and warm water. Be careful to avoid abrasive cleaners and sponges. If you have a particularly dirty skylight, you can also use a mild solution of water and vinegar. Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia or bleach, as they can damage the skylight. You should also avoid using a vacuum cleaner or a broom, as they can scratch the glass and leave debris behind.
7. How to Keep your skylight from turning dark?
Skylights are made of glass that will naturally turn dark over time. This happens because UV rays from the sun pass through the glass and are absorbed by the roof, causing it to turn black. You can keep your skylight from turning dark by covering your skylight with a light-reflecting material. Some homeowners choose to use a light-colored covering for the roof, like shingles. Other homeowners choose to use a reflective tarp that can be easily removed and cleaned.
Skylights don’t require much maintenance, but they can become dirty and grimy over time. If you notice your window has a hazy look, you can first try cleaning it with simple household items. We recommend moving any items from the room away from the area you’ll be dusting before you gather your cleaning materials.
To clean your skylight, you will need:
✅ White vinegar
✅ Window cleaning solution
✅ A dry rag
✅ A bucket
✅ A long pole or expandable duster
✅ A few drops of dish soap
1. First, clear the area around your skylight of dust and debris.
2. Next, mix together a solution of white vinegar, water, and a few drops of dish soap in a bucket.
3. Sud and sweep the skylight in small sections, using the long pole or duster to reach the top.
4. Wipe the skylight with a dry rag to remove any remaining solution.
Grab a long pole, an old rag, or an expandable duster to clear the Skylight of dirt, spider webs, and debris from the ceiling around your window. Mix warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap into a bucket. Sud and sweep in small sections to gently wash any dirt or grime your Skylight has accumulated. Add warm, clean water to your bucket and rinse the soap away.
BE EXTREMELY gentle when cleaning your Skylight at home. Using a new dry towel attached, softy dry your Skylight. If climbing on a ladder or extended reaching and gentle cleaning is a concern, reach out to McCanns Roofing & Construction to service your Skylight!
2. How do you stop a skylight from leaking?
When it comes to any leak inside your home:
Remain calm;
Locate the leak; and
Dry the area as much as possible; then
Fix your problem by calling McCanns Roofing & Construction (RLDF).
Identifying the source of a skylight leak can require additional safety equipment and inspection from outside the home. One call does it all when working with McCanns, (405) 259-9998.
3. How long do skylights last?
Since many houses have high ceilings, cleaning or repairing minor issues can be difficult. That being said, Architecture Lab states a skylight lasts anywhere between 8 and 15 years, based on quality and how well it has been installed.
McCann’s offers the best of the best products, including the complete line of VELUX skylight products and complementary accessories from installation to the finishing touches. A 10-year no-hail breakage warranty endorses VELUX Skylights. We believe in our quality of work, installations, and products, so we proudly offer a 10-year no-leak warranty when the Skylight is installed by McCanns Roofing & Construction.
Choose from various VELUX Skylight models to find the best OKC skylight for your home! Are you interested in upgrading with fresh air and fixed skylights? Or does tubular and tunnel skylights that pass all obstacles and use a flexible reflecting tube to direct daylight into every area of your home peak your interest? If you require something different, such as a roof window for your home where the ceiling is within reach or spaces that require emergency escape capabilities, we’re one call away!
Conclusion
Cleaning your skylight is an important step in keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. A clean skylight will allow more light into your home, making it feel more spacious. A clean skylight will also look more aesthetically pleasing. A dirty skylight can also trap heat and make your home uncomfortable in the summer and cold in the winter.
Visit roofingbymccanns.com for additional information or call us at (405) 259-9998.