How To Clean & Take Care Of Your VELUX Skylight Windows

How To Clean & Take Care Of Your VELUX Windows

In this blog, we will give few helpful tips and hints that will help you look after your roof window, whatever the finish, and maximise its potential before you consider having to replace it.

Published on 26 February 2014

Can you imagine what life was like before you had your VELUX roof window? Dark, dreary, no natural light - we're sure you now can't imagine life without it! This means you'll want to make sure that your roof window lasts as long as possible, and with a little bit of care and attention here and there, you will reap the rewards for longer. Remember, by maintaining your roof window now you'll be saving money in the long-run on energy bills and future maintenance costs.

A 'Pane' In The Neck? Not At All!

If you don't have the luxury of self-cleaning glazing, you can still clean your glazing pane manually. All VELUX roof windows can be rotated 180° to allow for easy maintenance and safe cleaning of the glazing pane. Whether you have a centre-pivot, top hung or electric and solar opening mechanism, the same rules apply.

To put your window into the 'cleaning position', rotate the sash (moving part of the window) 180° by pulling down on the vent bar until the sash is fully rotated. The sash must then be secured in position by sliding the barrel bolt into the housing at the bottom of the side frame (there's one on each side). This puts the window into a safe position and leaves both hands free for cleaning.

The VELUX Group recommend the use of a soft, clean, lint-free cloth or non-abrasive sponge, or a clean, non-metal window squeegee to clean the pane. Soft clean water will be sufficient for cleaning the pane, however, in hard-water areas (water with high mineral content) they recommend adding a small amount of detergent to soften the water and allow for excess water to be easily wiped off after cleaning.

Keep The Accessories Clean

Maintenance of your VELUX roof window is key to achieving longevity and reaping the benefits of having a roof window installed. There are many parts of the roof window you must maintain and keep clean to achieve a fully-working roof window.

Condensation And Cleaning Your Air Filter

Condensation is the build up of droplets of water on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it. Condensation can most predominantly appear in rooms with high levels of humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, but if a roof window is not properly maintained, condensation can be found in any room.

Regular ventilation is the most efficient way to prevent condensation. Here are a few tips to reduce the amount of humidity:

• Close the doors of kitchens and bathrooms

• Ventilate rooms regularly for five minutes at a time at least three or four times a day

• If possible, maintain a constant room temperature of at least 68°F

Another way to help reduce condensation is by making sure your air filter is regularly cleaned and free of any dust and dirt. Removing the air filter can be done when the window is safely locked in the cleaning position. It can be washed with ordinary household cleaners and put back as easily as it was removed.

Keeping The Flashing Clean

The VELUX Group recommend you clean the window’s flashing once a year to remove any leaves or debris and allow rainwater to flow freely. You should also try to remove any build-up of snow and ice for the same reason.

Don’t Forget The Pine Windows

Most VELUX roof windows are now pre-painted with the VELUX Group offering the white-painted version (as well as white polyurethane roof windows). However, pine finish windows are still available, and even though they aren't as popular today, many homeowners do have a pine finish window installed as it was the most popular window at the time. Priming and lacquering them is a great way to ensure they stay strong and don’t succumb to the weather over the years. The VELUX Group official guidance states this should be done regularly - at least once every four years.

If you have polyurethane roof windows, regular household cleaning products are usually all it takes to care for your windows. If you do notice any more in-depth damage, such as scratching, then simply use a VELUX repair kit to fill and repaint the frame, and restore it to its former glory for many more years to come.

Annual Tasks

Another job that can prolong the life of your windows is ensuring any hinges, closing mechanisms and fittings are lubricated yearly to keep everything working as it should. Sterlingbuild sells official VELUX maintenance kits that come equipped with everything you need to keep your windows at their best.

VELUX Maintenance Kits

If you want to prolong the life of your VELUX roof window or simply give it a touch-up, all you need is a VELUX maintenance kit. The VELUX Group offers a range of products that will come in handy if you want to replace an air filter, repair a scratch, oil hinges, paint the frame or give it a new, shiny lacquer.

Maintenance kit for VELUX roof windows (ZZZ 220)

•Lubricant for hinges & locks

•Air filter, 3m

•Foam for ventilation flap (will fit 2-3 windows), 3m

The VELUX service kit for pine and polyurethane (PU) frames is a great product for DIY roof window servicing. We recommend you grease fittings and hinges at least once a year for best performance. BUY NOW

 Surface repair kit for VELUX pine windows (ZZZ 176)

•300ml TOPfinish varnish

•1 paint brush

•3 types of sandpaper (grain sizes 80, 120 & 240)

The VELUX surface repair kit is the perfect solution for repairing scratches on pine VELUX frames (not the glass pain). If your roof window needs a simple touch-up, this is the kit for you. BUY NOW