Installing skylights on your roof is a great way to introduce natural light into your rooms and boost your home’s curb appeal. However, their high position on the roof can be a disadvantage when it’s time for cleaning and maintenance. You need to constantly access them for seamless, regular cleaning and occasional maintenance to ensure effective performance.
If not well-maintained and cleaned, skylights can start exhibiting problems like drafts, leaks, and reduced energy efficiency, which could attract higher repair costs and affect your comfort. Below, we’ll explore five practical tips for maintaining your skylights that you can implement to ensure high performance throughout the year.
Clean Skylights Regularly
As part of your roof’s structure, skylights can easily accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, which can limit the intensity and effectiveness of the natural light passing through them. If you live in dry, dusty regions, you may have to maintain a more frequent cleaning schedule to improve your skylight’s performance throughout the year. To clean your skylights more effectively, you should:
- Use a mild soapy solution to clean the glass, as harsh chemicals can cause expensive damage.
- Use a sponge or soft cloth to wash or wipe the surface to ensure zero scratches on the glass.
- Rinse the glass with clean water to ensure no soap or dirty water residue is left behind to prevent streaks.
- Test for leaks, as this is the only time you’re accessing the skylight up close with water. Pour water through the frames when the skylight is shut to see if there are any leaks in their early developmental stages.
If you’re unsure of how to access high-positioned glass roof windows, try using a long-handheld squeegee or hire professional cleaning services for a safe cleaning process.
Fix Skylight Condensation
Skylight condensation can be a sign of improper installation, a lower-quality skylight, or interior humidity challenges that may need your immediate attention. Regardless of the cause of condensation, this problem can inhibit your skylight’s performance and should be fixed as soon as you spot it.
Ensure you turn on your exhaust fan in the bathroom or kitchen during a shower or when cooking, to fix the condensation caused by excessive interior humidity. You can leave the exhaust fan running for about 20 minutes after showering or cooking to ensure all moist air is expelled from the room before switching it off.
If the condensation problem is due to low skylight quality, where the pane gets too cold, you may need to invest in a high-performance skylight to solve the condensation problem. The right skylight should have a low U-factor to perform well against condensation. Your skylight supplier or technician should help you choose the right skylight for your home for an immediate solution. In the meantime, you can invest some time in learning how to fix skylight condensation problems for your future benefit.
Examine the Roof and Flashing Near the Skylights
Your skylight is only going to perform its best if the shingles and flashing nearby are maintained in perfect condition. However, this is not always the case, as flashing and sealant around your skylights can sometimes deteriorate or crack, creating loopholes for water leakage into your home.
Ensure you inspect these areas regularly for signs of lifting or cracks and promptly replace deteriorated seals to reinstate a watertight seal. If possible, don’t wait until it’s time for the scheduled roof inspection to inspect your skylights. You can carry out a skylight inspection anytime you suspect a sealing or leaking issue that needs urgent attention.
Trim Nearby Trees
While trees play a crucial role in protecting your home and roof against strong winds and other harsh weather elements, they can inhibit sunlight penetration when left untrimmed. Besides blocking sunlight from reaching your roof, overhanging tree branches can also drop debris, leaves, and branches on your skylight, further blocking the skylight or scratching its glass. Keep the trees around your home trimmed throughout the year to ensure maximum sunlight reaches your skylight and eventually gets into your room as needed.
Ensure Maximum Ventilation for Operable Skylights
If you have operable skylights that you occasionally open and close for extra ventilation in your room, you may want to maintain optimal airflow at all times. Achieving optimal airflow is crucial for maintaining the right internal air quality and minimizing condensation. When moisture accumulates around your skylights, mould may start to grow, causing health issues. To achieve optimum ventilation with your skylights, you can:
- Use a dehumidifier to control internal humidity levels if condensation becomes a persistent issue.
- Open your skylight regularly to encourage airflow and prevent trapped moisture.
- Apply lubricant to the skylight’s moving parts anytime the opening mechanism is stiff to ensure a smooth operation.
Since skylights play a crucial role in ensuring your home is well-lit, warm, and comfortable, it’s important to maintain them in perfect working conditions for optimal performance. By implementing the above tips, you can trust that your skylights will efficiently serve their purpose with minimal strain.
Tommy Hardy, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been a go-to figure in residential upkeep and innovation for over 18 years. His career commenced in a leading home appliance manufacturing company, where he mastered the intricacies of household systems. Joining our platform in 2020, Tommy quickly became a reader favorite for his practical and easy-to-follow guides. He took the helm of our DIY section in 2019, consistently delivering content that empowers homeowners. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tommy is a passionate gardener and enjoys woodworking, skills enhancing his hands-on approach to home care.
