Cleaning skylights and roof windows

Why are roof windows awkward?

They sit in a sloping roof, often high up, and sometimes above a stairwell or in a loft room. Dirt, leaves and moss can collect on the outside, and inside they can be hard to reach without steps. Because they face the sky, rain and debris land on them more directly than on wall windows.

What does VELUX say about cleaning?

VELUX’s care and maintenance page gives a few clear rules for the pane:

• Apply water first. It says never to try to clean dirt off the pane without first applying water.
• No abrasive products. It says not to use cleaning products containing abrasive particles.
• No chemical products on the pane.
• Avoid silicone contact with the pane.
• Avoid sharp or abrasive objects, including jewellery, touching the pane.
• During nearby building work, protect the pane with a clean plastic sheet.

Pure water with a soft brush fits those rules for the outside, where it can be reached safely. Check the guide for your own model, because designs differ.

Can the outer pane be cleaned from inside?

On many centre-pivot roof windows, the sash can be turned so the outside of the glass faces into the room for cleaning. How that works depends on the model, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for yours. If you’re not comfortable doing it, or the window is too high to reach safely, leave it.

Can a water-fed pole reach a skylight from the ground?

Sometimes. It depends on the roof’s height and pitch, where the window sits, and whether there’s a safe place to stand. Low single-storey roofs, like extensions, are more likely to be reachable. Main roofs on two-storey houses often aren’t. The HSE’s window cleaning guidance says to avoid work at height where reasonably practicable, so I’ll look first and tell you honestly. Cleaning high windows safely explains more.

What about flat roof lanterns?

Roof lanterns on flat-roof extensions are often reachable with a pole from the ground or a safe position. Their frames collect dirt in the corners, which needs scrubbing. Tell me about any lantern on the quote form.

What about the inside of a skylight?

Inside glass is cleaned by hand. If it’s above a stairwell, it may be out of safe reach. I’ll tell you before I start.

How often do roof windows need cleaning?

There’s no fixed answer, and VELUX’s page doesn’t give one. Roof windows under trees catch more leaves, pollen and sap. Those on open, sunny roofs may stay clearer between rains. If you notice the light in the room dropping, or a film you can see from below, it’s time.

What should I do before you clean them?

• Close the window fully, so water doesn’t get inside.
• Move anything directly underneath, in case of drips.
• Tell me the model if you know it, and whether it has an awning or blind outside.
• Tell me if the room below has a sloping ceiling that makes the inside hard to reach.

Are there windows I won’t clean?

Yes. If roof glass can only be reached by standing on a roof, leaning out of a dormer, or balancing on furniture inside, I’ll leave it and tell you why. A skylight can wait; a fall can’t be undone. That’s the HSE’s approach, and it’s mine.

Common questions

Will cleaning remove moss on the frame?

Light growth on frames usually comes off with a brush. Heavy moss on the roof itself is a roof job, not a window job.

Do skylights need cleaning more often?

They face the sky, so leaves and debris land on them. How often depends on trees and weather near you.

Can I clean the outside of a skylight myself from a ladder?

I’d be cautious about that. The HSE’s guidance on work at height applies to homes too, and roofs are risky. If in doubt, don’t.

Do you clean conservatory roofs?

Sometimes, after a look at access and safety. Conservatory and bay window cleaning explains why.

For homes in Wickford or Rayleigh, get a quote.

Sources