Proper care of your roof window is essential to ensure the best day-lighting experience
Rooftop windows are amazing for bringing the freshness of the outdoors into your home. They can create a newfound sense of openness and space in any room, but they can also collect some unsightly dust and residue. Proper care of your rooftop window is essential to ensure the best day-lighting experience and maintaining pristine views. Cleaning your roof windows regularly is important for keeping a clear, unobstructed view, but it’s also key to preserving your windows and encouraging their longevity.
For the best results, follow this guide for cleaning your rooftop windows.
Cleaning the air filter
Air filter is the thin foam-like strip that lines the internal railing of the window. This filter catches small dust particles that travel through the open window, so it’s important to clean it regularly.
To remove the filter, rotate and secure the window in cleaning position, then remove the filter from the filter rail.
Simply wash the filter gently with some soap and water and leave it to dry. Conversely, you can replace your air filter with a new one from a VELUX maintenance kit. Inside the maintenance kit, you have 3m of filter material which you can simply cut with a pair of scissors to fit your window and save the rest for the next time.
Cleaning the frame of your roof windows
Depending on the model of your rooftop window, your window frame might have a white painted finish, pine finish or white PVC finish.
Each of these different finishes can be cleaned similarly. Simply take a dry cloth and wipe down the edges of the window frame to remove any collected dust. Towels made from a microfibre fabric typically work best because the dust particles cling to the fibers of the cloth.
If you have any smudges on the window frame that can’t be removed with a dry cloth, start by working the spot with a slightly damp towel. If this still doesn’t work, use a small amount of multipurpose surface cleaner to treat the smudge.
If you have centre-pivot roof windows, simply rotate the window and repeat this process on the other side.
Cleaning the inner pane on your roof windows
Start by cleaning the interior side of the glass. Use a soft, clean, lint-free cloth/chamois leather/nonabrasive sponge or a clean, non-metal window squeegee. Water alone should be enough to effectively clean the glass, but for a brilliant shine, spray a little bit of non-abrasive glass cleaning solution on the pane and remove immediately with your cloth or squeegee.
Soft water is best for cleaning window panes because it will leave the glass streak-free, but if you live in a hard-water area, adding a small amount of detergent is enough to soften the water. Make sure to wipe off all excess water after cleaning to avoid spotting.
If you’re using a squeegee, use care not to touch any metal parts of the cleaning equipment to the glass or let any abrasive materials be dragged across the glass surface. Avoid any contact with metal scrapers, blades or knives as this can easily scratch and cause permanent damage to the skylight glass.
Here are some extra tips for best results:
- Avoid cleaning roof windows during the hottest times of day.
- If you have multiple skylights, start with the highest ones and work your way down.
- Avoid contact from silicone with the pane.
- Do not use any cleaning products containing abrasive particles.
- Do not use harsh chemical products for cleaning the pane.
- Avoid contact with the pane from all sharp or abrasive objects including jewellery.
- Never attempt to clean off dirt on the pane without first applying water as this can scratch the surface.
- If any works are taking place in the vicinity of the pane, protect the pane with a clean plastic sheet to prevent any splashes or staining from aggressive and abrasive compounds.
Cleaning the outer pane of your roof window
One of the best parts about VELUX roof windows is how easy the window pane is to clean on both sides. Unlike traditional roof windows which require hiring professional cleaners or using a ladder to dangerously scale the outside of your home, you can easily access both sides of your VELUX windows from inside of your home.
To clean the outer pane, rotate the sash 180 degrees. The sash must be secured in position by sliding the barrel bolt into the bushing at the bottom of the side frame. This safety feature leaves both hands free for cleaning. Then, follow a similar process as above.
The outer pane of your rooftop window will often have more dirt than the inside. Use a wet cloth first to wipe of the layer of filth, then use a second, clean cloth to wipe off your glass cleaning solution.
Cleaning the flashing
The flashing is the layer that integrates your roof window with your roof material.
Rain will keep most dirt and grime off of the exterior surfaces. However, depending on where you live, leaves and other debris will sometimes collect around your windows. These should be removed from the edges around your windows and skylights once per year to allow rain water to flow freely. Simply take a hand broom and dust away any excess leaves or dirt.
Removing snow and ice
If you live in a cold area and have snow that collects your windows, remove this using a similar snow brush that you would for your car windshield. For tough pieces of ice, use the ice scraper side to break up the ice and allow melt water to drain off from and around the window.
Eliminating condensation
Condensation is usually more noticeable on roof windows and flat roof windows because warm, moist air rises to the ceiling. Particularly in rooms with high levels of humidity, condensation can form on the inner pane of the window. The problem, however, usually isn't the roof window. It’s the excess moisture in the room. Nevertheless, condensation can be minimised by fitting a radiator directly below the window and by airing the room frequently.
Cleaning the hinges
Be careful cleaning the hinges of your rooftop window. Hinges may rust or collect grime over time, especially if you live near the seaside. However, VELUX windows are built to last, so if you notice that the hinges are not moving as smoothly as they used to, it might be a sign that it’s time to replace you rooftop window.
Want to learn how to clean your roof window blinds? Find our best tips here.
