HOW TO CLEAN YOUR SKYLIGHTS

By their very nature, skylights are always on prominent display in your home, often right above your breakfast table or even your bed itself. As such, it is vital that you keep up their appearance throughout the year. Some of the common culprits are mildew, grime, acid rain, and even pigeon droppings. If the appearance of your skylights isn’t up to par, it essentially defeats the whole purpose of having them installed in the first place. Thankfully, anyone can clean their own skylights, and it’s quite easy to do so.

Prep Work

Cleaning your skylights is easy, so there isn’t much prep work involved. As skylights are often out of reach, you will need to use a ladder and take the proper safety precautions with that. Furthermore, you should move any furniture in the room so that it does not get in the way. If you are cleaning during the summer, try not to start cleaning until the evening or night time, when it’s much cooler. Remember to always use caution if you are using a ladder or are working on the roof, and ideally you should have someone with you at all times.

Caring for the Frame

The frame, being made from aluminum, is often low maintenance. When you clean the skylight glazing, of course, you will have to wash it, and if there is a painted finish, you should check up on it every now and then to cover up bare spots as needed.

Dealing with the Plastic

Plastic is susceptible to scratching, so you must be careful. Do not use abrasive cleaners or abrasive pads. Use something gentle clean. A weak solution of soap and water should do the trick. Using a soft cloth, gently clean the plastic, and then rinse well with water. Blot it dry, gently again, to prevent water spots. You can protect the plastic with a thin coat of either floor wax or automobile polish. This will help maintain the luster of the plastic.

Cleaning the Glass

For the glass, the same solution of soap or ammonia and water should be enough. However, you can also use commercial glass-cleaning solutions for this. It important to protect the glass from scratches and deterioration, so you should never use any abrasive materials or cleaners at any point when you clean your skylight.

Preventative Maintenance

As with anything, prevention is better than cure. By keeping an eye on your skylight windows throughout the year, you won’t have to make any heavy repairs or have them replaced altogether. By maintaining and cleaning your skylights just once or twice a year, you will be able to enjoy them to the fullest for years to come.

For more information about skylight maintenance, contact us today.