Keep Your Skylights Clean to Get the Most From Them

There isn’t much to maintain skylights, for the most part. The exterior frame is usually aluminum and will last for years without ever needing any maintenance or upkeep. But the area where the light comes in is usually acrylic, glass, or polycarbonate. These are durable surfaces that last for years and years, but they do need cleaning occasionally.

Do Skylights Need Cleaning?

Skylights on residential structures are either laminated or tempered glass panels which can be cleaned using a mild soap and water. You should never clean them with anything that is abrasive or use a razor blade, which could scratch the glass and/or coating.

Acrylic Skylight

Acrylic or plastic skylights need more specific care when cleaning them. Use only mild detergent and water. Never use any window cleaner or anything that has an alcohol or petroleum base in the product.

Maintaining Your Skylight

Residential skylights are almost maintenance-free.  If you have an older skylight, it may have a clear paraffin-based sealer that wasn’t painted. You may choose to have yours painted, and it is recommended that you have a professional do this for you.  A professional will know what to look for in the way of damage or rot.

If you have vented skylights with hinges and a support mechanism, never let anything obstruct them from opening and closing.

A Worn Looking Roof Doesn’t Mean Time For Replacing It

You were out mowing or raking leaves, looked up at your roof and noticed it was looking tired and worn out.  Then the dread of getting a new roof washed over you.  Well, good news! Simply because it is looking somewhat unsightly, doesn’t mean you need to replace it - maybe.

It may need only a thorough cleaning! From time to time, you power wash your home and the surrounding deck and walkways to get a fresh look. Well, the same could be possible for your roof, too. Too often, homeowners replace the roof on their home without even thinking about just cleaning it.

A good cleaning doesn’t just give your home a good look, but it will save you thousands while adding years to your roof. It is an option to consider before you get that new roof. A new roof may be necessary if you have missing shingles or your roof is 25 years old or older. Or, if you see flipped up tabs or brittle shingles, a roof replacement may be necessary.

By having your roof washed, you can achieve the following:

1. A polished look

Having your roof thoroughly cleaned will remove those black stains that are also known as magma. It also removes that algae and moss that builds up over time. A professional roof cleaner will use a biodegradable chemical that will clean your roof and have a minimal residual effect.

2. Protection for Your Roof

Your roof protects you and your family, but what protects it? Having a professional out to reapply the biodegradable chemical cleaner once a year is a great protector for your roof. It will prevent small problems from becoming large problems which will extend the life of your roof.

3. Cheaper to Keep Her

As they say in divorce court – it’s cheaper to keep her. Same can be said about cleaning your roof. It is cheaper to clean it than to replace it.

4. Warranty Effectiveness

A regular cleaning is usually recommended by roofing material manufacturers. Think of it in the same manner how you get a tune-up on your car every 100,000 miles.