If your home features beautiful skylights, maintaining them properly ensures they allow plenty of natural light into the space. Beyond enhancing aesthetics, proper care can even help reduce your energy costs and improve indoor air quality, as the windows provide an excellent source of ventilation. Below are several strategies to help you maintain them.

How Can You Care for Skylights Properly?

1. Clean Them Regularly

Because they are exposed to the elements, skylights can collect dust, pollen, and debris. Water stains can also develop, as rain tends to sit on the surface of the glass. In addition to the excess weight that leaves and branches put on the surface, the debris can block sunlight, so clean the windows at least twice a year.

Start by using a stool or stepladder to clean the inside. Lay a tarp beneath the window to prevent water from getting on the floor, and use a microfiber cloth to scrub the glass with cold water and a mild detergent. Cleaning the outside is more difficult, although you can often remove most large debris by spraying the skylights with a hose.

2. Look for Damage

Due to their position on the roof and exposure to the elements and fallen tree branches, skylights are vulnerable to breakage. Cracks are more than cosmetic issues. They can compromise the structural integrity of the glass and allow water inside the home, potentially damaging any belongings beneath the light. While small fissures are usually repairable, you may need to replace the skylight if the frame is compromised.

3. Check for Leaks

Skylights, like windows, are prone to leaks and condensation. While leaks often occur when the flashing around the glass corrodes, loose roofing elements and cracked sealant can cause them too. To spot leaks early, pay attention to yellow stains, peeling paint, and bulging drywall near the feature. These issues indicate water intrusion, and without prompt attention, the moisture can damage the drywall and lead to mold growth. If the room doesn't have sufficient ventilation, excess humidity can cause problems too. Leaving the skylight or window open for about 10 minutes several times a day can provide adequate airflow.

4. Assess Functionality

If you don't open the skylights often, inactivity can cause the seals to wear down prematurely. The best way to prevent this is to open and close them at least once per month. While this can make the area colder, especially during winter, try to only do it when you aren't using the room. This keeps the components in the best shape, helping prevent damage and leaks. 

If you need to invest in new skylights for your home, contact Greenview Metal in Blair, WI. For over 20 years, this metal manufacturer has been providing high-quality roofing, siding, and pole barns. Call (715) 538-1325 to speak with a team member about your needs, and visit the website to learn more about their products.