If you want to introduce some drama and natural lighting to a living room, bedroom, or kitchen space, then an indoor skylight is perfect.
For centuries, skylights have been used to bring natural light into homes and other buildings. The ancient Romans were some of the first to use skylights, becoming increasingly popular in Europe during the Renaissance. By the late 1800s, skylights were being used in factories and warehouses to improve working conditions.
Today, skylights achieve usage in a variety of settings, both commercial and residential. As a result, they are an increasingly popular choice for eco-friendly builders and homeowners who want to reduce their energy consumption.
In addition, skylights can help to brighten up a room and add a bit of extra warmth in the winter. However, maintaining a skylight can be a bit of a process if you have never had one in your home or if you do not see a roofing contractor that can help you.
Luckily for you, that is why we’re here. You can adequately maintain your skylights just by reading this. Who knew? Let’s get to work.
What Is an Indoor Skylight?
If you want to add some natural light to your home, indoor skylights are a great option! Not only do they let in plenty of sunshine, but they can also help to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
But there are several things to consider if you wish to add a skylight to your home.
Make sure you have enough headroom. Before installing a skylight, you’ll need to ensure there’s enough space in your ceiling. Most skylights are about 2 feet square, so you’ll need at least that much space in your roof.
Location is also crucial in installing a skylight. Professionals can install skylights in just about any room in your home, but some sites are better than others. For example, if you want to use your skylight for reading or other tasks requiring a lot of light, then you’ll want to install it in a room with plenty of sunlight during the day.
You cannot dismiss your climate, either. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, you’ll need to ensure your skylight is appropriately insulated to prevent heat loss. You’ll also want to ensure the skylight is installed to avoid moisture from coming in.
You will likely need to call a roofing contractor or professional to install your skylight. Installing a skylight is not a DIY project. It’s best to leave it to the professionals to ensure it’s done right.
Once the installation is complete, you can begin enjoying the benefits of owning a skylight. Skylights are a great addition to any home, from saving on your energy bill to improving your mood.
Maintaining Indoor Skylights
The catch with any indoor skylight is that maintenance is required and crucial for them to last for years to come. It is only possible to spend money on installation and materials if you make an effort to ensure your skylight stays in pristine condition.
A pristine skylight will add additional heating and warmth to your home as well as natural lighting. These types of features can also add more value to your home if you wish to sell it in the near future.
With that said, what does one need to do to maintain an indoor skylight properly? Let’s go over a few options.
Keep Them Clean
Dust and dirt can build up on skylights, so keeping them clean is essential. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the glass regularly. If your skylight is above average, you may need to grab a tall ladder to access it.
Dirt, grime, and buildup from the elements can cause issues, too, so you may need to use a mild soap and water solution to clean off the skylight.
Our old friend’s glass cleaner can also aid in the maintenance process. Generally, we suggest using glass cleaner to help keep your skylight sparkling.
Some of you may have also installed a retractable skylight. This should be common sense, but ensure it remains closed when not used. A closed skylight will help keep dust and dirt from getting inside.
You can also have your skylight professionally cleaned at least once a year. This will help ensure it’s in good working condition and looking its best.
Check for Leaks
Leaks can happen around the edges of skylights.
If you think there may be a leak in your skylight, there are a few things you can do to check and see. First, inspect the area around the skylight for any signs of water damage or staining. This could be a sign that water is getting in through the skylight.
Another way to check for leaks is to wait for a rainy day and see if any water is coming in through the skylight. You can also try spraying the skylight with a hose to see if any water is coming in.
If you find a leak, it’s essential to have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Water damage is nothing to put off and forget about when it comes to your home. Take it seriously.
Keep the Moving Parts Lubricated
The moving parts on skylights, such as the opening mechanism, must be lubricated regularly. Lubrication will help reduce friction and wear and keep the skylight operating smoothly.
Cleaning the moving parts with a soft cloth. Keeping these parts clean will remove any dirt or debris clogging up the moving parts.
Once the moving parts are clean, apply a thin layer of lubricant. You can use a variety of lubricants, but we recommend using a silicon-based lubricant as it won’t attract dirt and debris.
Work the lubricant into the moving parts by moving them back and forth. This work will help to ensure that the lubricant is evenly distributed.
Once the moving parts are lubricated, wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean cloth. We do not have
Following these simple steps, you can keep your indoor skylight operating smoothly for years.
Protect Them From the Elements
Indoor skylights can be damaged by the sun and rain. Install them in an area that is protected from the elements.
You should also ensure the skylight is sealed correctly. This will help keep out water, dirt, and other debris. These are the kinds of things you do not want to damage your skylight.
Installing a screen over the skylight can also provide a layer of protection. A screen will also help keep out insects and other pests.
We must also reiterate the importance of keeping your skylight clean of dust, dirt, and debris. Monthly cleaning should be part of your overall plan. Plus, who does not enjoy a clean skylight?
While cleaning your skylight, performing a routine inspection is a good rule. This will help you catch any problems early and prevent them from worsening.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your indoor skylights looking and functioning at their best.
Who Do I Call to Install/Repair a Skylight?
We have already mentioned the importance of hiring a professional when wanting a skylight installed in your home. So, like Ghostbusters, who are you going to call?
A professional roofing contractor company is your best bet to achieve the look you wish to have when installing an indoor skylight. A contractor has the tools and talent to adequately assess what needs to be done for a successful installation.
To find the best contractor, seek referrals. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they’ve had a good experience with a roofing contractor. For example, if you know someone who’s had a skylight installed, ask them for recommendations.
Once you have a few names, research to ensure the roofing contractors are licensed and insured. You can also check online reviews to see what others have said about their experience with the contractor.
With a few companies in your back pocket, get estimates from each. Be sure to ask about the cost of materials and labor, as well as the estimated time frame for the project. This information should be readily available for any contractor to provide. Again, an estimate will aid your search for the best price and highest quality contractor.
Feel free to ask the roofing contractor questions about the installation process. This will help you feel more comfortable with your decision and understand what to expect.
At the end of your search, you will have selected a contractor you can trust and who can likely set you up with a maintenance plan.
Conclusion
An indoor skylight is a fantastic way to bring a showpiece to any room in your home. With its additional warm and natural lighting, a well-placed skylight can create an inviting environment in any room of your home.
However, maintaining these conversation starters is a vital way to protect your investment in future years! After all, who doesn’t enjoy being asked about a cool feature inside your home?
Author Bio for Louis Hanley
Louis Hanley
Community Manager
Louis is a community manager for Baltic Roofing where they help the greater Chicago community with everything from high-quality roof replacements to skylight repairs. He is an expert on all things roofing and home improvement. Outside of work, he’s a huge Cubs fan and enjoys spending time with his dog, Roscoe.
