Written by Darren Lake 09/12/2024

Rooflight Maintenance: How to Keep Your Rooflights in Top Condition

Rooflights are a great way to bring natural light into your home and creating a more open feel. At Rooflight.com, we pride ourselves on stocking high quality rooflights that look great and last. If you want to keep them performing at their best then you need to regularly maintain them. Here are some simple tips to help you maintain your rooflight in excellent condition.

1) Clean your rooflight regularly

Dust, dirt, and debris can build up on rooflights, which can reduce the amount of light they let in. This build up can make your rooflight appear dull and block a large amount of natural daylight, which will effect both energy efficiency and brightness. Over time, accumulated dirt can cause small abrasions on the glass, such as small scratches form fine debris like sand or grit, which may lead to more frequent cleaning requirements. If you want to avoid these abrasions, you need to make sure to use soft cleaning tools and rinse off loose dirt with water before wiping the glass surface. If you want your rooflight to keep looking and functioning at their best the you should clean it every 3-6 months.

Safe cleaning methods: You should avoid harsh chemicals such as ammonia based cleaners or bleach, as they will damage the glass coating and seals. Instead, you should use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth to protect the glass and frame.

Safety first: If your rooflight is accessible from the inside, you should clean it safely form within. For external cleaning, you should use a sturdy ladder, wear non-slip shoes and always avoid learning too far. You should always make sure that someone is nearby for assistance if needed.

2) Inspect for damage

You should be regularly inspecting your rooflight for signs of damage, such as cracks, corrosions or sealant issues. By doing this it can prevent minor problems form becoming major repairs.

Glass check: You need to look for three common types of cracks:

1) Stress cracks: These are thin, hairline cracks that usually run across the glass in a straight line. They are often caused by rapid temperature changes, particularly when the weather quickly shifts from hot to cold, and they appear without any external impact.

2) Impact cracks: These typically look like a starburst like crack that radiate from a central point of impact. They result from a direct force such as something hitting the glass, and show multiple lines spreading outwards from where the impact occurred.

3) Edge cracks: These are cracks that appear along the edges of the glass, which is often the result of improper installation, frame pressure, or shifting of the rooflight. They usually start at the border and can extend inward, creating a jagged or uneven appearance.

You should inspect particularly near edges or corners, as these areas are most susceptible to damage. If you notice any issues, you need to address them as quick as possible to try and avoid leaks.

Frame and Sealant: You need to inspect the frame carefully for signs of corrosion, warping, or rust. Look closely at the joints and corners, as these areas are prone to moisture buildup. Check the sealant for any cracks, gas, or peeling, which could compromise the watertight seal. You should be looking for discoloration, bubbling or any parts where the sealant has pulled away from the frame. If you find any issues, you need to take action to either reseal or repair immediately to prevent leaks and additional damage.

3) Ensure proper drainage

Proper draining is the key to preventing water damage, especially for rooflights on flat roofs is by having effective drainage. To ensue efficient drainage, you should:

Clear gutters and drains: You should be keeping your gutters and drainage areas free from leaves and debris. To carry out the maintenance safely, ensure you are using a sturdy ladder and gloves for protection, you should also use tools like a gutter scoop that can help you to remove leaves and dirt. After the cleaning is done, you should use a garden hose to flush out any remaining buildup to ensure proper water flow.

Prevent water pooling: Water pooling refers to standing water that accumulates on the roof when it is unable to drain properly. This can lead to structural damage and leaks. Rooflights.com products integrate seamlessly with your roofs drainage system, but regular maintenance is important to ensure gutters and drainage paths stay clear. You need to check for blockages or improper slopes that might prevent water from draining efficiently, particularly after heavy rainfall.

4) Monitor Condensation

Excessive condensation can be a indicator of poor ventilation or a broken seal. To address this issue, consider the following steps:

Ventilation Solutions: Good ventilation can help reduce condensation. To be able to improve your ventilation you can use trickle vents, this is where a small amount of air circulates even when the rooflight is closed, or you can just consider rooflights with integrated ventilation systems. Rooflights.com offers options to improve airflow, such as models with built-in vents or electronic opening mechanisms, this can help maintain the moisture levels in your space.

Glazing Issues: If you notice condensation between the glass panes as a cloudy or foggy appearance that doesn't wipe away from either side of the glass then this indicates a broken seal and a loss of insulating gas. If you see this, it may indicate that it time to replace the glazing to maintain energy efficiency.

Why choose Rooflights.com?

At Rooflights.com, we offer Glazing Vision rooflights that are designed to be easily maintained and built to withstand the elements. By carrying out regular cleaning and inspections it will ensure your rooflight will continue to fill your space with natural light whilst staying energy efficient and leak free.

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