Like every other part of the home, skylights need to be maintained to ensure that they do not cause problems and the entry of light is not restricted. The key areas of attention are:
Leaks
The biggest problem with skylights is that of leakage. Over time, the sealing deteriorates, and water begins to enter. In the early stages, it may not be noticeable, but the entry of water can cause serious damage to the surrounding shingles, roof decking, joists, and insulation. If the water entry is excessive or undetected for a long time, the house’s structural damage could be serious. Another problem with water entry is the development of mold, which is a serious health hazard and a massive hassle to remove. Water dripping onto furniture and furnishings is another huge potential problem.
Mechanical Problems
If skylights have a mechanism that allows them to be opened when required to provide additional ventilation, this is another possible problem area. Over time, the mechanism may become defective, and they may not open fully or even not open at all. Often even worse, they may not close properly, allowing water to enter the home. Regular checks of the mechanism will reduce the chances of this happening.
Also Read: How to Replace a Skylight
Dirty Glass
Over time, layers of dirt will collect on skylights, which will impair and reduce the entry of light. Skylights should be cleaned once, or perhaps twice a year, depending on climatic and weather conditions. This is a job that should be done by a window cleaning professional because clambering on the roof is not safe for someone who is not used to it. If the glass is of poor quality or plastic has been used instead of glass, the surface will become scratched and hazy due to exposure to the elements. This will need to be replaced.
Maintenance Is Important, But….
Older skylights or those that have not been made to the highest of quality standards have a limited life, after which even the best of maintenance will not prevent problems from developing. In such cases, the only solution is to replace them. It is important that the skylight replacement is done by professionals and that the new skylights are of the highest quality to ensure that the problems caused by the old skylights do not repeat themselves in the future. With the right skylight replacement, the problems of the past can be forgotten, and the family can once again enjoy the benefits of the extra lighting and ventilation without worrying about hassles in the future.
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