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How to Clean a Skylight Window on Your Roof?

Skylight Window Cleaning

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Skylights serve as a magnificent natural light conduit, brightening our homes and offering a serene view of the sky. Over time, they can accumulate grime, dust, and debris, diminishing their beauty and functionality. Cleaning these elevated windows is a task that demands careful attention, as it involves working at a height and in an upward direction, which can be challenging and potentially hazardous. 

This blog will give you tips on cleaning skylights, ensuring they are safe, effective, and less daunting. 

What is a Skylight Window?

A skylight window is a unique architectural element that brings natural light into your home, particularly beneficial in areas where traditional windows are not feasible. These windows are set into the roofline, and unlike standard windows, they are positioned to capture sunlight from above. This design is especially advantageous for rooms lacking direct exposure to external walls, such as attic spaces or internal bathrooms.

Skylights are typically factory-made and come in various shapes suitable for sloping or flat roofs. On the other hand, roof windows are often custom-built to align with the specific design and structure of a building. These windows can also be part of larger, on-site constructed glazed areas like atriums, conservatories, or sunrooms.

Below are some of the key importance of skylights.

  • Introduce natural light into areas of your home.
  • Provide ample light without excessive heat, allowing for energy-efficient sizing.
  • Skylights and roof windows can admit over three times the amount of light compared to vertical windows of the same size.
  • Their use significantly reduces the need for artificial lighting and ventilation, particularly in windowless areas.
  • They offer architectural flexibility, allowing for natural light and ventilation when vertical windows are impractical, address privacy concerns, or achieve a unique aesthetic.

Tools for Cleaning Your Skylight

Cleaning a skylight window can be challenging, given its location and accessibility. However, you can make this job much safer and more efficient with the right tools. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a first-time homeowner looking to maintain your skylight, having the appropriate equipment is crucial.

  • Extendable Ladder
  • Squeegee with a Long Handle
  • Soft Bristle Brush or Mop
  • Bucket and Warm, Soapy Water
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Microfiber Cloths
  • Glass Cleanert
  • Safety Harness (Optional)
  • Garden Hose with Spray Nozzle (Optional)
  • Non-abrasive scraper or Brush

Cleaning from the Inside

Cleaning a skylight from the inside requires careful preparation and the right approach, especially for high windows. Start by clearing the area and moving or covering furniture with a plastic sheet. Use a rag to gently remove dust or debris and inspect for damage or leaks. 

For the glass, apply soapy water with a sponge, using a long-handled mop or window cleaning pole for higher windows. Be methodical, cleaning from side to side and in circular motions. To manage drips, keep paper towels handy. Finally, dry the glass with a microfiber cloth and use a lint-free cloth with glass cleaner for a sparkling finish.

Cleaning from the Outside

Cleaning a skylight from the outside can be challenging, mainly if it’s on a pitched roof. For flat roofs, you can generally follow the standard cleaning steps. But a sturdy ladder and possibly a rope harness are essential for pitched roofs. It’s crucial to prioritise safety; consider reviewing safety guidelines for roof work. If you have mobility issues, a fear of heights, or any condition that might pose a risk, opting for a professional cleaning service is advisable. 

Professional window cleaners have the experience and tools to clean skylights safely and effectively, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

 

Dealing with Moss on Skylights

Dealing with moss on skylights is crucial, as large colonies can lead to dampness and leaks. To tackle this:

  1. Gently scrape off the moss using a non-abrasive tool, carefully not to scratch the glass.
  2. Apply a moss-killing solution — either commercial or a mixture of equal parts water and bleach.
  3. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

Regular maintenance, including trimming overhanging branches to reduce shade and moisture, can prevent moss growth. If moss persists or is hard to reach, consider consulting a professional to avoid damage to your skylight.

 

Singh Roofing Supplies Skylight Products

Electric Skylights

Electric Skylights revolutionise the modern home, seamlessly integrating into any roof type to brighten your interior spaces instantly. These skylights are not just about aesthetics; they’re built for performance and durability, maintaining an ideal temperature in all Australian seasons. A standout feature is their ability to prevent excessive heat gain. 

The Low-E glazing blocks 80% of heat, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort while protecting your home furnishings from UV damage. These skylights have convenient features like a handheld remote control, automatic rain-sensing closure, a bright white interior finish, weatherproof grey exterior aluminium capping, and energy-efficient double glazing. The unique thermal collar and flick-fit brackets ensure an easy installation, while the streamlined design maintains a low profile on your roof.

Fixed Skylight

The Fixed Skylight is a gateway to the sky, allowing natural daylight to flood your home. This skylight features Low-E glazing that blocks 80% of heat, providing comfort and protection against UV fading of interior furnishings. It’s designed with a bright white interior finish and a painted timber frame, complemented by weatherproof grey exterior aluminium capping. 

The Low-E, laminated double glazing is standard, ensuring energy efficiency. Alongside this, the unique thermal collar and flick-fit brackets simplify installation. The skylight’s unobtrusive design offers a streamlined, low-profile appearance on your roof. It includes flashing for tile, making it a complete solution for enhancing your home’s natural light.

Hob Dome Light Skylight

Singh Roofing Supplies presents the Hob Dome Light Skylight, an exquisite blend of functionality and style. Available in clear or opal types, these skylights come in a wide range of sizes, including 1000 x 1000, 1200 x 1200, 1500 x 1500, and many more, ensuring a perfect fit for various roof dimensions. 

Each skylight is crafted to offer an unobstructed sky view, bringing in ample natural light to brighten up any space. The variety of sizes caters to different architectural requirements, making these skylights a versatile choice for homeowners looking to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their roofing.

Manual Skylight

The Manual Skylight offers a traditional approach to bringing the sky into your home. It features natural daylight and ventilation control at your fingertips, with a manual winding handle to open the window. The Low-E glazing efficiently blocks 80% of heat, ensuring comfort and protection against furnishings fading from UV. This skylight boasts a bright white interior finish, a painted timber frame and sash, and weatherproof grey exterior aluminium capping. 

The heat-blocking Low-E, laminated double glazing comes standard, complemented by energy-efficient glazing and a unique thermal collar. Installation is easy with flick-fit brackets, and its low-profile design adds a sleek look to any roof. The skylight also includes flashing for tile and a removable flyscreen.

Skylight Flashings & Accessories

Keylite Flashing Kits are the ideal solution for a watertight skylight installation. These kits are designed to integrate seamlessly with specific roofing materials, ensuring maximum efficiency. They feature installer-friendly instructions and a one-piece bottom apron for easy and accurate first-time fitting. 

The unique design simplifies the installation and enhances the skylight’s aesthetic finish. The kits include options for different roof types: The Deep Tile (ATRF) is suitable for flat or profiled interlocking tiles, interlocking slate, and profiled sheeting, while the Corrugated Roof (KBC) flashing is perfect for profiled metal sheeting installations.

Tubelite Skylight

The Tubelite Skylight is an all-in-one solution for illuminating your space with natural light. This skylight package includes a dome, base, and roof flashing suitable for metal deck roof profiles, architrave, diffuser, and shaft. 

Available with either flexible or solid posts, in lengths of 1.5m or 3m, it offers versatile options for different roofing and interior requirements. The comprehensive kit ensures a seamless installation and integration with your roof, while the choice of shaft types provides flexibility in directing natural light into your home. This skylight is ideal for those seeking a complete, hassle-free solution to brighten their spaces.

 

Available at Singh Roofing Supplies

Discover the transformative power of natural light with Sky Roofing Products’ range of skylights. Elevate the ambience of your spaces with our innovative, energy-efficient designs that blend seamlessly with any roof style. Contact us today to explore our products and bring the beauty of the sky into your home.

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