Caring for Your Skylights

Skylights are a handsome and energy-efficient addition to any home. Keeping your skylights in great shape will protect them from wear and ensure they always look great, providing the light and ventilation you expect. Caring for your skylights isn’t a difficult job; contact your Bethesda roofing contractor if you’d like more information about skylight care or need to schedule a roof and skylight inspection.

Cleaning Your Skylights

The key to maintaining your skylights is keeping them clean. Although you can clean your skylight just like a regular window, its unique location in your roof can make this task slightly more challenging. Start by cleaning the interior portion of your skylight; if you need a ladder to reach your skylight for cleaning, always use caution and make sure your ladder is in good condition before mounting it. Place a plastic tarp or drop cloth underneath the ladder to catch any stray cleaning solution and prevent slipping. To clean the glass, use a natural window cleaner such as a mixture of water and vinegar or water and mild dish soap; you can spray cleaner onto the glass with a spray bottle or spread it over the glass using a soft sponge. Use a squeegee to remove excess liquid and finish by drying any remaining moisture with a soft microfiber cloth. If you have plastic skylights, you can protect the surface using a thin coat of automobile polish or wax. To clean the exterior of your skylight, you’ll need to access your roof—only perform this task if you can safely do so. If you can’t reach your roof easily, your roofing contractor will be happy to help you clean your skylights safely. Once on your roof, never step or lean on your skylight or its frame. You can use a soft mop or spray bottle to apply the same cleaner that you used indoors, starting at the highest point if your skylights are angled. Use a long-handled squeegee to remove excess cleaner and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth attachment.

Checking Your Skylights

In addition to cleaning your skylights, you should check the glass or plastic regularly for scratches, pits, or cracks. If you notice damage to your skylight, contact your roofer for repairs or replacement. Check over the frame of your skylight as well to make sure it is tightly sealed in your roof to prevent leaks and air exchange, which will affect the energy efficiency of your home. If your skylight frames are painted, check with your roofer about the best type of paint to touch them up when they show wear and tear. Hinged skylights that open for ventilation should be opened and closed periodically to make sure the hinges work properly. Remove any dirt or debris from the hinges with a soft cloth and lubricate them with a dry silicone spray or other product as recommended by your roofer.

Well-maintained skylights will offer bright natural light to enhance the comfort and appeal of your home for many years to come. Please click through our website to find out more about our comprehensive roofing services in the Alexandria, Bethesda, Fairfax, and Arlington areas, including skylight installation and green roofing options.