Do you want to clean the skylights in your home but aren’t sure how to do it? Cleaning the skylights is not as difficult and daunting as it seems. With the proper knowledge and the right skills applied, you can make it happen.
Follow our simplified guide to remove any debris that hampers the sunlight from entering and keep your home well-lighted and welcoming. By the end of the blog, you will be equipped with the right knowledge providing you with cleaning and maintenance tips. Keep reading to make an informed decision.
Tools and Materials Needed
When cleaning skylights, it’s important to have the right tools and materials on hand.
In the list below, we have mentioned the necessary tools and materials for cleaning skylights:
#1 A Soft-bristled Brush
A soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment works best for cleaning skylights.
#2 Mild Detergent
You must use a mild detergent that will not cause damage to the glass on your skylights.
#3 Warm Water
You will need warm water to use with mild detergent to clean the surface of the skylight.
#4 Soft Cloth Or Sponge
Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the cleaning solution to the surface of the skylight.
#5 Non-abrasive Cleaner
A non-abrasive cleaner ensures the frames and seals of the skylight don’t experience scratches.
#6 Soft Cloth
A soft cloth is used to dry the surface of the skylight.
#7 Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth is used to keep the surface of the skylight clean and dust free, it also prevents any scratches on the surface.
#8 Ladder
Skylights are generally in high areas, so you will need to use a ladder to clean them. Make sure it is secure and locked in place.
These tools and materials can be found at most home improvement stores or online retailers. It’s important to purchase high-quality tools and materials to ensure that your skylights are cleaned properly and to prolong their usable life.
Steps for Cleaning Skylights
By following this step-by-step guide to cleaning skylights, you can clean them with complete safety.
#1 Removing Debris And Cobwebs
Removing debris and cobwebs is an important first step when cleaning skylights. To initiate the cleaning process, you can begin by using a soft-bristled brush to sweep away cobwebs and debris from the surface of the skylight. Additionally, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to suction up the larger debris, like leaves or branches.
If the skylight is hard to reach from the floor, you can use a long-handled brush to reach its surface. It’s important to exercise caution when working on a ladder and to ensure that it is stable and placed on a flat surface. After removing debris and cobwebs, you can clean the glass or plastic surface of the skylight.
#2 Cleaning A Glass Or Plastic Surface
When cleaning skylights, cleaning the glass or plastic surface is essential. To begin, you can mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bucket. Using a soft cloth or sponge, apply the solution to the surface of the skylight, making sure to clean the surface thoroughly.
Pay special attention to any spots or stains. Finally, dry the surface with a soft cloth or squeegee to ensure no water spots or streaks are left on the surface. By using a microfiber cloth, you can prevent any scratches from occurring.
Once you have cleaned the surface, it is important to rinse it with clean water to remove any remaining detergent.
#3 Cleaning The Frames And Seals
Cleaning the frames and seals of skylights is essential to maintain their integrity and function. To begin, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth. This will prevent any damage to the frames and seals.
Apply the cleaner to the frames and seals and wipe them down thoroughly with a soft cloth to remove dirt, grime, and other buildups. In addition to cleaning and wiping the frames and seals, you must inspect them for any cracks or damage. If you find any cracks or damage, addressing them as soon as possible is essential to avoiding drafts and leaks.
Tips For Different Types Of Skylights
Different types of skylights may require different cleaning methods. Therefore, you must consult the skylight manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations for cleaning.
For instance, some skylights may be made of a material that is sensitive to certain chemicals, so it’s important to make sure you’re using a cleaner that is safe for the material. Additionally, some skylights may require special cleaning methods, such as a special solution to remove stains or specialized tools to reach hard-to-reach areas.
Safety Precautions
You can reduce the risks of hurting yourself by having proper knowledge about safety precautions. The following guide explains all the safety measures you should take to clean your skylights.
#1 Safety Measures When Cleaning Skylights
Safety is of the utmost importance when cleaning skylights. You should start by using a stable ladder that is placed on a flat surface. Before climbing the ladder, ensure that all locks are securely in place and that the ladder is in good condition. It’s also a good idea to have someone help you by holding the ladder while climbing up and down.
#2 Tips For Preventing Injuries
If you are cleaning the skylights at a high height, you must have a safety rope with you to avoid injuries.
Always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance, as some skylights may require special cleaning methods or tools. When cleaning skylights, it’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the skylight or cause injury.
Maintaining Skylights
Regular maintenance is important for various reasons. Some of these include the following:
#1 Regular Inspection
In a residential or commercial building, by regularly inspecting your roof, you can prevent many mishaps, like glass cracking, dust accumulation, and sunlight blockage. If you find any cracks and spots while inspecting skylights, addressing them immediately can increase their lifespan.
Additionally, make sure that skylights are properly sealed, as leaving them unintentionally open can imbalance the interior temperature and allow the external elements to enter.
#2 Operate Them Properly
If the skylight is meant to open, make sure the mechanism is working properly and that it is properly sealed when closed.
#3 Professional Maintenance
Hire a professional skylight company for annual maintenance to ensure that the skylight is in good condition and catch any issues early on.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean skylights with the information gathered in this blog, you set time aside to clean them. Or, you could call professionals to help assist you with their experience if you notice any glass that is broken or cracked.
Keep in mind that keeping broken skylights as they only make them worse over time. If your skylight requires replacement, take a look at our blog, “How much does a skylight cost?” where we have covered everything you need to know.
If you want to install new skylights or replace your existing ones with an upgraded version, you can contact Northkit Roofing today at (973)-396-7416 for a free quote. We are a team of professional roofers who serve the New Jersey area with decades of industry experience.
