Roof window cleaning is vital if you want to keep your skylights at their best and maximise the amount of light that comes through. But due to the position of roof windows, you may have concerns about safety, best practices and how often your windows need cleaning.
In this post, we’ll outline everything you need to know and whether you need to hire a roof window cleaner.
How often do roof windows need cleaning?
First things first, let’s look at how often roof windows should be cleaned on the inside and out.
Internally
Roof windows benefit from an elevated position, meaning they’re not subject to marks from children and pets like other windows in the home. However, they can still become dirty over time due to dust and tiny dirt particles in the air.
With that in mind, you’ll want to clean them every 2-3 months or monthly if you’re particularly clean-conscious. Make sure you have a sturdy platform to reach windows, such as a suitably sized step ladder.
Externally
On the outside, roof windows are similar to other windows on the home. They’re subject to the same dirt and dust that can be carried by the wind, along with things like leaves, birds and insects.
Because of this, you should aim to clean your roof windows once a month on the outside. That said, you may want to have them cleaned more frequently, such as weekly, depending on where you live. If you live near a main road, for example, more dirt can be carried through the air.
As well as regular cleaning, windows will benefit from clearance on the outside to remove leaves, twigs and other natural matter from around the frame – especially in autumn and afterwards.
Self-cleaning vs hiring a roof window cleaner
DIY roof window cleaning
When it comes to roof window cleaning yourself, the main concerns are time and safety. If you already clean your windows yourself, it shouldn’t take too long to add a roof window into your schedule.
However, it’s important that you have safe access with a suitable ladder on sturdy ground. Make sure you have someone there to hold the ladder still too. Ideally, you should use a long (telescopic) window cleaner, allowing you to reach roof windows without the need to actually get on your roof.
In terms of what to use, you can clean with a diluted window cleaning solution to remove dirt, then rinse with clean water to avoid streak marks. Use a soft brush or scrubber, before finishing with a squeegee to remove liquid.
Hiring a roof window cleaner
While roof windows on conservatories or single-storey extensions may be a DIY job, cleaning roof windows at height isn’t recommended. If you have roof windows on a loft extension, for instance, it’s much safer to get a professional to clean them.
Aside from safety, the benefits of hiring a roof window cleaner are:
- Saving you time and a lot of effort.
- Improving the quality of the job, giving you cleaner roof windows.
- No need to constantly remember to clean windows every month or so.
How to minimise roof window cleaning
If you want to minimise the amount of DIY roof cleaning needed or cut the costs for a roof window cleaner, there are some features to look out for:
Self-cleaning glass
Self-cleaning glazing has a special coating which uses sunlight to break dirt down, allowing it to be washed away by rainwater. The coating is also water-repellent to stop rainwater causing streaking as it washes dirt away. This will minimise the number of cleans your roof windows need each year.
Domed windows
If you’re concerned about roof window cleaning, you can also opt for domed windows. With a curved outer surface, dirt is much less likely to sit on the window compared to a completely flat skylight. They are a great option for flat roof windows, which can otherwise be susceptible to dirt, twigs and leaves being carried by the wind.
Choosing the best roof windows
Putting in the effort or paying the price for roof window cleaning can feel pointless if you don’t love your windows in the first place! Roof Window Outlet makes it easy to find the perfect roof windows for your property. Browse a range of flat roof windows and pitched roof windows from leading brands today. Need any more guidance? Don’t hesitate to call us on on 0207 5506595 or email us at sales@roofwindowoutlet.co.uk.
