Rooflights are a great way of bringing light into dim or dark spaces and can incorporate plastic or glass. These versatile, transparent and thermally efficient coverings, are often used in commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in residential applications. However, while roof glazing can offer many benefits, it is important to remember that it also requires proper maintenance in order to keep it functioning correctly. Without regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs, your roof glazing can quickly become damaged and ineffective. In this article, we will discuss the importance of proper maintenance for your roof glazing. We will also provide some tips on how to keep your glazing in good condition and prevent leaks.

How to maintain your roof

Your roof glazing is constantly exposed to the elements and as such, it is important to ensure that it is regularly maintained to prevent premature deterioration of your roof light. Whilst we all know that regular maintenance of your roof glazing will ensure that it remains in good condition and did you know it will also prolong its life?

All you need to do to clean your roof glazing, is simply mix some warm soapy water with a non abrasive cleaner and gently scrub the glass and the surround area. You can then use a soft brush to gently scrap off any fowling to the glass and the surround area. Before accessing your roof, you should take a look at the maintenance guidelines provided with the structure, especially taking into account the fragility of the glass. This is particularly important when dealing with Class 3 Rooflights. This is because they have not been assessed as complying with Class 0, 1 or 2 and are therefore considered as fragile.

Fragile glass access

Routine maintenance such as cleaning may be carried out from behind the barrier with long handled equipment or from a gantry or access platform. During such operations maintenance workers should not be able to fall onto the glass surface. Some activities such as detailed inspection and sealant repairs may not be possible when working from behind a barrier or from a gantry or mobile elevating work platform. In such circumstances crawler boards may be used but these must either have adequate guard rails or alternative protection such as harnesses must be in use.
It is important to remember that all roof glazing is fragile and as such, should be treated with care to ensure that it lasts for many years to come.

The benefits of maintaining your roof include:

• Prolonging the life of your roof
• Preventing small problems from becoming big and expensive problems
•  Ensuring that your roof continues to protect your home or business from the elements
• To properly maintain your roof, you should:
• Remove any debris such as leaves and branches on a regular basis
• Clear any build up of leave or bird excrement from around the rooflight upstand
• Inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage
• Have your roof professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year
• Repair any damage to your roof as soon as possible

The importance of regular roof inspections

Regular roof inspections are important because they allow you to identify any problems with your roof before they become big and expensive to fix. A professional roofing contractor will be able to identify any potential problems and advise you on the best course of action.
As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure” and this is especially true when it comes to your roof. A small amount of regular maintenance will go a long way to ensuring that your roof lasts for many years to come. Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements and as such, it is important to ensure that it is regularly maintained to prevent premature deterioration.

Tips for hiring a roofing contractor

When hiring a roofing contractor, it is important to:

• Do your research – make sure you hire a reputable and experienced contractor
• Get multiple quotes – get at least 3 different quotes before making a decision
• Go back to your installer and ask for a site inspection

Make sure you are aware of the scope of work – know exactly what work will be carried out and what the cost will be maintaining your roof is important to prolonging its life and ensuring that it continues to protect your home or business. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your roof is well-maintained and lasts for many years to come.

In conclusion

So, if you are getting a new rooflight as for their maintenance instructions, or already have one, plan your maintenance schedule now.  Think about access to the roof, how will you get close enough to inspect and what steps you will need to undertake a clean on and around it.  Once it is clean, a visual inspection of the glass units, frames and seals will need to be undertaken to look for wear and tear or damage.  This can be addressed by contacting the installer for a quote for repairs.   Maintenance is a great way to prolong the life of your rooflight and it is definitely the most cost effective.