• By Liam Ridings
• In Blog
• Tags roof repairs

Skylight Maintenance: When Do You Need Cleaning and Repairs?

A skylight is a beautiful enhancement and functional feature in any home or office, providing a sleek modern aesthetic and tremendous natural light. A well-placed skylight increases ventilation, daylight, and air circulation, while also helping to make the room feel more spacious and comfortable. However, if you don’t look after your skylight, you’ll lose those lovely benefits.

Like any other element of your home, skylights require regular maintenance and care to remain in optimal functioning condition. This article will explain the importance of properly maintaining your skylights, how often you need to clean them, when to repair them, and signs of damage or decay to look out for.

Understanding the Importance of Skylight Maintenance

Regular skylight maintenance is vital to keep your skylights looking and functioning at their best. Frequently cleaning and repairing your skylight will prevent damage or leaks and prolong the life of your skylights.

In Australia, we’re exposed to almost every type of weather, from one extreme to the other. Whether it’s the intense sun in Northern Queensland or wind and rain in Southern Victoria, the weather conditions and corresponding environmental factors will affect the functionality and appearance of your skylights.

To avoid any major issues and maximise the benefits of your skylight, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance and follow these guidelines:

Roof Maintenance

First, you need to keep a close eye on the roof surrounding the skylight and ensure it is in peak condition. Make sure to check for any wear and tear or damaged tiles, address any issues, and complete the necessary roof repairs as soon as possible to avoid damage to your skylights or leaks into your building.

Skylight Cleaning 

Proper cleaning of your skylight will enhance the overall aesthetic on your roof, increase the transmission of light into your home, and ensure the safety and security of the windows. Cleaning your skylights regularly will prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, and grime.

If you do not regularly clean your skylights, you risk the possibility of much more severe issues down the line. So, it is crucial to clean your windows adequately. Here’s how you do it:

1. Carefully scrub the glass or acrylic surface with soap to remove any dirt or debris

2. Rinse your skylight thoroughly with water, removing the soap

3. Dry your skylight with a soft cloth to prevent water spots or streaks on the glass

If your skylight is challenging to reach and safely access, consider using a telescoping window cleaning tool or hiring a professional to do it for you.

How Often Do I Need to Clean My Skylights? 

Usually, you can tell if you need to clean your skylights. You will notice a reduction in the light coming through, and you might be able to see stains, discolouration, and a build-up of dirt and debris. While it depends on several environmental factors, such as the weather and your location, we recommend properly cleaning your skylights at least once or twice a year.

This isn’t a hard and fast rule for all skylights; consider your personal circumstances and what might be causing your skylights to require cleaning. If you live in the bush or your home is in the middle of a wooded area, your skylights will need more frequent checks, cleaning, and maintenance. Conversely, once or twice a year is perfect for you if you’re in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and your home is unobstructed and out in the open.

How to Know When You Need Skylight Repairs

Skylights are exposed to the elements, which can lead to problems over time, such as leaks, cracks, water damage, and broken seals. The most important lesson regarding skylight maintenance, and the biggest takeaway from this article, is the necessity to identify issues early, address them promptly, and prevent them from worsening.

Regular Skylight Checks

Sometimes, it won’t be immediately apparent that your skylight or roof requires maintenance, but it’s a no-brainer to check the condition of your skylight regularly. If there aren’t any issues, great! But if you notice any problems and deal with them immediately, you avoid the probability of extensive damage and costly repairs.

Signs of Skylight Damage:

Sometimes, there is no denying that your skylights require cleaning or repairs. If you are in any of the below situations, we recommend arranging a skylight maintenance check and repair:

• Visible damage to the skylight, such as cracks or broken seals

• Presence of water stains

• Mould on your ceilings or walls

• A build-up of dirt and debris

An increase in your energy bills might also be due to poor insulation from the skylight, so keep this in mind if you notice your bills go up or find yourself having to use your electric lights more often.

Final Advice for Maintaining Your Skylight

Our biggest piece of advice regarding skylight maintenance is to conduct regular cleaning, checks, and repairs. Performing skylight cleaning and maintenance at least once or twice a year will ensure your skylight’s longevity, appearance, and functionality.

While you might be able to clean and handle minor repairs, we often recommend utilising a professional’s expertise and experience. Hiring a professional to check, clean, and repair your skylights will ensure your safety and the skylight’s longevity.

If you’re considering installing skylights into your residential, commercial, or industrial property, look no further than Vertec Roofing. With over 15 years of industry experience, our expert roofing teams in Sydney and Canberra have the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to provide exceptional skylight supply and installation at your property.