Skylight Maintenance & Cleaning Checklist

Skylights are a lovely feature in any home, delivering sunshine to otherwise gloomy spaces. As with other windows, your skylight requires regular attention to ensure there are no leaks, the window is free of debris and the glass is clean. Unlike other windows, skylights are challenging to access. You may decide to hire a professional skylight cleaning service, but if you choose to do it yourself, read on. This Skylight Maintenance & Cleaning Checklist will discuss how to spot problems, conduct proper skylight cleaning and make minor repairs. And if you decide to replace or add a skylight to your home, you’ll learn why Marco Skylights is your best option.

Skylight Safety First

Before you do anything with your skylight, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer – you should always follow their directions because they know best about skylight cleaning and maintenance for their product. Also, plan what safety equipment to have on hand before you begin. You’ll need a scaffold or ladder that’s tall enough to safely access your skylight – and be sure to include fall protection measures in your planning. (Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using all safety equipment.)

Conducting Regular Skylight Maintenance

It’s a good idea to regularly keep an eye on your skylight – especially after a rainstorm or snowstorm – to ensure there are no signs of leaking. You should always make it a point to inspect your skylight up close at least once a year.

Skylight Inspection: Indoors

There are a few visible indications that your skylight requires maintenance. If you see brown patches around the skylight, you have a leak. Some owners have reported bugs getting through their skylight, which means the seal was compromised. Also watch for cracks in the window. And if you have poor visibility, it’s time for skylight maintenance.

Skylight Inspection: Outdoors

Assuming you have no other issues with your skylight, it should still be inspected up close once a year. If you have your chimney checked annually, the skylight inspection can be done at the same time. Here are some things to look for when inspecting your skylight:

• Logjams: Dirt, leaves and other debris can gather around the skylight cladding and inhibit the flow of rainwater.
• Damage to Glass: Carefully inspect the surface of the skylight for holes, cracks or scratches/etching.
• Leaks: Inspect all contact points of the flashing to ensure all seals are secure.
• Mechanical issues: If applicable to your skylight, run a test on the motor to ensure everything is operating properly.
• Roof Maintenance: It’s not always about the skylight itself. An old roof can cause your skylight to fail. While you’re on your house inspecting your skylight, take a look at your roof to ensure there are no missing or damaged shingles.

Keeping Your Skylight Cleaner

There’s little point in having a skylight if the view is murky. Along with affecting the visibility, a grimy build-up can reduce the durability of your skylight. Cleaner skylights mean more sunshine can properly illuminate your space.

Interior Skylight Cleaning

You can clean the surface of your skylight regularly using an extension pole with a duster attachment. But to effectively clean the surface, you’ll need to get up close:

• Position the Ladder: Set up your ladder to comfortably reach the skylight without leaning too far over.
• Wash the Glass: Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to gently remove any debris or dirt. Rinse and dry.
• Make it Shine: Use a non-abrasive glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to remove any lingering dirt and eliminate streaks. Pro tip: to prevent water spots, refrain from cleaning skylight glass during the hottest part of the day.
• Clean the Frame: Use mild, soapy water and a soft cloth. For wood frames, you can apply a fresh coat of finish or paint, as necessary, just be sure to keep varnish and paint off the skylight gaskets and glass. (Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining the frame.)

Exterior Skylight Cleaning

The first thing you want to do is remove any debris from around the skylight cladding. (The cladding is usually made of aluminum and holds the glass to the frame to protect your skylight from the elements.) Then, you can clean your skylight using a mild soapy water solution and follow up with a non-abrasive glass cleaner. Again, be sure to use a soft, lint-free cloth during the cleaning process.

Repairing or Replacing Skylights

Minor skylight maintenance is doable, but if you have major problems or have tried doing the repairs and continue to have problems, it’s time to shop for a new skylight.

Your Skylight is Leaking

Caused by any number of problems, from excessive condensation to faulty flashing to deteriorating roof shingles, a leaking skylight can quickly lead to issues that affect more than just your fixture. To diagnose the problem, first make sure the unit is closed completely, then look to see if there are any breaks in the weather sealing. Along with fixing your skylight, roof repair may be called for.

There Are Cracks in the Glass

Some small cracks can be repaired, but a major fracture in the glass calls for window pane replacement or a new skylight installation.

The Flashing is Failing

When skylights are improperly installed or as the flashing deteriorates, you can experience leaks and condensation. When this occurs, replace the flashing as soon as you can to prevent further damage.