Plenty of people dream about having a skylight. They dream of beautiful views of the sky, of the summer sun brightening up their home, of relying on natural lighting instead of hiking up their electricity bills.
What they don’t dream of is years of maintenance and the challenges of cleaning a window up on their roof all the time. Well, we’re here to tell you that you might have been led to believe that skylights are a lot more high-maintenance than they actually are! Continue reading to learn more about what maintaining a skylight entails.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Skylights WA today.
The Importance of Those First Steps
First things first, it’s important to establish that skylight maintenance requirements can vary significantly. If you have a poor-quality skylight, an aged skylight, or a skylight that hasn’t been installed correctly, then it’s going to take a lot more effort to keep it safe and up-to-code. Everything starts with installation, and the success of that process is going to influence everything.
Skylights that aren’t installed properly are going to cause a range of problems over the years. The use of poor waterproofing and sealant materials or improper installation techniques can compromise your skylight. This can lead to condensation, cracks, leaks, moisture build-up, discolouration, and many other issues. This damage is expensive and will demand endless maintenance and repairs. Prevention is key! If you want a low-maintenance skylight, be sure to take your installation needs to a contractor you can trust.
Research the right type of skylight for your home and preferences, and invest in a top-quality product. Be sure to look into your roof contractor or installer, ensuring that they have a good track record and great reviews for their work. You don’t want to regret your choice further down the track!
Regular Maintenance Needs
Even with perfect installation, a skylight is going to need slightly more maintenance than a standard roof or window. Failing to do so can lead to issues such as hairline cracks, deterioration of your roof structure, and problems with the skylight’s glazing seals. Luckily, all of these can be avoided with some pretty simple maintenance techniques!
You should aim to inspect your skylight at least once a year, making sure that there aren’t any cracks, leaks, or any other problems you can see. Anything you do notice should be handled straight away before it turns into a bigger issue. Simply give your skylight a regular clean and check it for damage routinely, and you should be able to enjoy the sunshine for your skylight’s expected lifetime.
Know the Signs
Maintaining your skylight is all about noticing little problems before they can grow into something much more dangerous and costly.
Naturally, skylights are exposed to the elements, and this exposure is bound to lead to damage over the years. Water damage, broken seals, cracks — plenty of issues can pop up over time. However, when you can identify these issues early, you can intervene and prevent them from getting any worse. The best maintenance technique you have is being able to identify the indications of damage and address them properly. Nip it in the bud!
Here are some quick signs that you should get a maintenance repair expert to come and check out your skylight:
- Yellow moisture stains surrounding your skylight
- Mould on the ceiling or walls
- Any visible damage, including broken seals and hairline cracks
- Dirt or debris building up around the skylight
- Stubborn condensation between the panes
- Higher energy bills than normal, indicating insulation problems
Contact Skylights WA for a Free Consultation
Skylights require a lot less maintenance than people assume, and very simple steps can ensure you get years of enjoyment from your installation. If you’re ready to take the leap, Skylights WA is ready to help you find the skylight of your dreams. Contact our friendly team today for a free consultation, and we can help answer any questions you have about skylight installation, maintenance, or replacement.
