How to Clean and Care for Roof Windows?

Regular cleaning and conservation of roof windows is a must. They are, more than any other windows, exposed to adverse weather conditions and other factors that affect them much more than regular windows. That is why you should take proper care of them. So how do you do it so that the roof windows will last you for long time?

Window conservation is usually limited to cleaning the glass and window frames. This is of course an important and necessary element of maintenance, but not the only one. It is important to remember to carry out other window treatment activities correctly. What are they? Let’s find out...

Roof Window Types and Their Cleaning

Currently, roof windows are the most common choice for users on the market. They are characterised by a rotation axis usually located in the middle of the sash height. The fact that the window can be rotated by up to 180 degrees provides easy access to the outside. In addition, the pivot window design also allows the sash to be tilted to the inside of the room, allowing the window to be cleaned without having to climb the roof. Centre pivot roof windows are an excellent example of such a solution. They are equipped with an automatic V40P air inlet and a wide range of accessories, which include internal and external roller blinds.

Another popular choice are tilt and turn windows which, although not the cheapest option, are extremely practical. Thanks to the ability to tilt the window using the handle located on the lower part of the sash and the release of the upper hinges when the lock is unlocked, the user can freely rotate the window sash, making the process much easier.

Tilt-up roof windows are slightly more demanding in terms of cleaning. This is because the pivot axis of these windows is located at the top of the frame, which means that it has to be placed at the right height for the user to comfortably reach through the window.

We should also mention triple-glazed tilt-up roof windows, which are fitted with springs or actuators so that you don't have to worry about them closing by themselves after opening. To make cleaning and maintenance of this type of window easier, it is recommended to install them in pairs. This makes the process less difficult and safer.

 

Essential Cleaning Tools and Products

To successfully clean the roof windows, you only need water with dishwashing liquid or your favourite glass cleaner. You can also create a glass cleaning solution with water and a few drops of vinegar to give the windows a shine. For wiping, it is best to use paper towels or a microfibre cloth, which will also work well for dry wiping of windows and window frames. After all, non-abrasive glass cleaners and non-abrasive household cleaners are very good solutions that are safe for you and the glass.

You can also use a window cleaner if you have one. Of course, due to the specific placement of roof windows, a ladder or even the use of a professional company will prove invaluable in many cases where the cleaning position of the window is very high.

And what is not worth using for window care? All types of scraping tools that have sharp edges. You should also avoid strong chemicals with abrasive and corrosive properties. It's worth knowing that some windows have a special outer coating that makes them self-cleaning when it rains, and using a strong cleaning agent can damage it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning the Interior of Roof Windows

The entire procedure for cleaning roof windows is not complicated and does not take a lot of time. However, regularity is important. Start by opening the sash and placing it in a position that makes it easy to clean from the outside. To do this, you will usually use a special slider, located in the frame. What is next?

• Remove the air filter, which is usually located in the rail, and clean it using a generally available product,

• if you see that the filter is already worn out, replace it with a new one.

• start cleaning the windows. Remember not to use any accessories with sharp or metal ends. The whole procedure is best carried out with a professional window cleaner or water and washing up liquid,

• to wipe the glass dry, a plastic water squeegee that ends with a silicone seal can also be helpful.

• finally, use a damp towel to wash the window frames and close the window using the same slide as we mentioned a little above.

Cleaning the Inside and Outside Glass 

Cleaning window panes can be a task that seems pointless, but is crucial to keeping the loft space clean and clear. Both the inside and outside of the glass require regular attention to ensure not only an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also good visibility and optimal window performance. While cleaning, the inner side is practically no different from cleaning traditional windows, you may have a little more trouble with the outside glass. Therefore, here are some tips to help you effectively clean the outside of your roof window.

• To open the window properly and be able to wash the outside, use the special slider located in the frame,

• choose a sunny and dry day for window cleaning, so that you get a satisfactory result faster and avoid streaks and stains caused by humidity,

• make sure the window and the seals are in good condition to avoid flooding the inside of the room,

• use the tools that can help you get into hard-to-reach places. These include a ladder and a telescopic pole, which will allow you to get where your hand cannot reach.

Cleaning the Window Frame 

When cleaning your roof window, you should of course not forget to care for the window frame. If you notice any chips or discolourations in the paint on your window frame, you should remove them as soon as possible. To do this, it is a good idea to use a repair varnish, which you can buy at any window shop or directly from the manufacturer. If the frame is only dirty, it is sufficient to wipe it thoroughly with a damp paper towel.

For wooden windows, you should refresh the old coating that has been applied to the wood at least once every five years. To do this, first clean it with sandpaper and then apply a primer to the dry and clean surface. Once it has dried, you can seal the frame with a waterproof varnish or paint.

 

Cleaning the Air Filter 

Most roof windows are fitted with air filters and ventilators. Unfortunately, dust and insects regularly get into them. However, you can easily get rid of this dirt with a hoover, water and detergent.

To remove the filter, simply open and lock the sash in the inverted position - such as for washing. If the filter is already really worn, you should replace it with a new one. Equally important is the maintenance of window ventilators, which should be cleaned when the windows are cleaned.

Removing Moss and Stubborn Stains 

Removing mould and tough stains from roof window frames can not only be a nuisance but also a health risk. That's why it's worth learning about tried-and-tested methods to effectively get rid of this problem.

One of the most effective options is to use a mixture of water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, which is excellent at eliminating mould and stubborn stains. It is also worth investing (especially when natural methods don't work) in special preparations for removing mould. These are easy to use and effective even with heavily embedded mould. Remember that regular cleaning and maintenance of your roof window frames will help you avoid mould problems in the future.

Maintaining Self-Cleaning and Non-Self-Cleaning Glass

Many new roof windows have the modern solution of self-cleaning glass. How is this possible? Well, the advanced technology in such panes makes use of sunlight and rainfall. Organic dirt is then removed through the UV rays. Then, thanks to the hydrophilic properties of the coating covering the glass and the use of water, dirt flows down the pane without leaving any drips.

Does it mean you can stop worrying about cleaning your windows? Unfortunately, no. It's a fact that buying windows with self-cleaning glass reduces the need to clean the glass, but every now and then it's worth washing them yourself to get rid of the more difficult dirt to remove. Remember not to use invasive agents with a lot of chemicals, containing abrasives and solvents. They can cause irreparable damage!

Regular Maintenance for Longevity and Performance

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your roof windows will ensure not only their great looks but also their comfort and quality of use. Moreover, by taking care of them regularly, you will not have to put a great deal of effort into their subsequent restoration.

It is also worth mentioning that, in addition to cleaning, ventilating the rooms is very important. This is the best method to prevent condensation of water vapour on the windows. If you don't do this, there can be water droplets on the inner glass, which can then cause a build-up of damp and therefore mould. It is best to ventilate rooms three times a day, for a minimum of 5 minutes each. This is even more important for new buildings or those under construction. Excessive moisture can then even lead to warping of the wooden window frames.

Professional Cleaning vs. DIY: Making the Right Choice

As we have already discussed, the care and maintenance of roof windows is not a difficult task and almost everyone can manage it. However, if you don't feel up to it or simply can’t take proper care of your window frames, it's worth entrusting this task at least once a year to a specialised service that has cleaning equipment and will not only clean your windows but also preserve or replace the seals, air filter or ventilators.

You may need such professional help especially when the window is located very high or at an angle that often makes it impossible to clean it from the outside by yourself.