Skylights are a beautiful and functional part of many homes. They bring in natural light, create a feeling of openness, and can even improve your energy efficiency when installed and maintained correctly. But like any part of your home, skylights need regular attention to keep working—and looking—their best.
At North Star Skylights, we help homeowners across the Twin Cities maintain their skylights through expert service, cleaning, and inspection. Whether your skylight is brand new or has been part of your home for years, understanding when and how to maintain it can help extend its lifespan and prevent costly issues down the road.
Why Skylight Maintenance Matters
A skylight is more than just a window in your roof. It’s a system that includes flashing, insulation, seals, and often mechanical or solar-powered components. Without proper care, even high-quality skylights can become cloudy, drafty, or damaged—reducing the amount of daylight they provide and potentially allowing leaks to develop. Routine skylight maintenance protects your home by:
- Preventing water intrusion and condensation buildup
- Preserving the clarity of your skylight glass
- Ensuring moving parts and accessories work correctly
- Extending the overall lifespan of the product
- Even if your skylight appears to be in good shape, hidden wear and tear can go unnoticed without a professional inspection.
How Often Should Skylights Be Inspected?
We recommend a skylight inspection at least once a year, ideally in the spring or fall. These seasonal checkups help identify damage from winter storms, debris buildup, or summer sun exposure. An annual inspection covers key areas like:
- Flashing and seal integrity
- Frame condition
- Glass clarity and seal performance
- Interior trim and surrounding drywall
- Operation of any venting or shading features
At North Star Skylights, our skylight inspection service is designed to catch issues early, before they turn into costly repairs or replacements. We inspect all makes and models, whether we installed them or not.
How Often Should You Clean Your Skylights?
Just like your windows, skylights benefit from regular cleaning. How often you need skylight cleaning depends on your environment. Homes surrounded by trees, exposed to heavy pollen, or located in urban areas with more dust may need cleaning two to three times a year. For most Twin Cities homeowners, once or twice a year is usually sufficient.
Our professional skylight cleaning services include:
- Exterior glass cleaning to remove grime, sap, and pollutants
- Interior glass cleaning to eliminate dust and streaks
- Frame and trim wipe-downs
- Sun Tunnel interior wipe down
Professional skylight cleaning not only improves the appearance of your skylight—it helps ensure you’re getting the full benefit of the daylight it provides.
Can You Clean Skylights Yourself?
Yes, you can clean your skylights on your own—but we don’t recommend it.
While light interior cleaning may be safe if your skylight is easily reachable, any exterior cleaning or rooftop access comes with serious risks. Improper cleaning techniques or materials can damage the skylight’s seals or flashing—and may even void your manufacturer warranty.
Climbing on your roof to clean skylights is also one of the most common causes of household injury. Even with the right tools, it’s easy to miss signs of wear or create issues that aren’t visible from inside the home.
If you still choose to clean your skylight yourself:
- Use only a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and avoid anything ammonia-based.
- Stick to soft cloths or sponges—never abrasive pads or sharp tools.
- Don’t use pressure washers or high-powered spray nozzles.
- Avoid climbing on the roof—use a long-handled squeegee from a safe location when possible.
If you want peace of mind and long-term performance, let North Star Skylights handle it for you. Our professional cleaning includes a full inspection, uses VELUX-approved products, and protects your investment.
What Does Professional Skylight Cleaning Include?
Hiring a professional ensures your skylight is cleaned properly and safely—and comes with the added benefit of a visual inspection at the same time. At North Star Skylights, our professional skylight cleaning service includes:
- Safe access to rooftop units
- Use of VELUX-approved materials and tools
- Removal of buildup that affects clarity and efficiency
- Inspection of surrounding flashing, sealant, and trim
- Cleaning of shades, blinds, and venting mechanisms
This comprehensive approach not only restores the beauty of your skylight—it helps you avoid surprises when the next storm hits.
When to Call for Skylight Maintenance
Not sure when it’s time for maintenance? Here are some signs your skylight needs attention:
- The glass looks cloudy or discolored
- You see water spots or peeling paint around the frame
- Drafts or temperature shifts near the skylight
- Difficulty opening or closing venting skylights
- Condensation between glass panes
If you notice any of these issues, contact us for a skylight inspection. These symptoms often point to seal failure, flashing damage, or other issues that can worsen if left unchecked.
Why Trust North Star Skylights?
We’re not a general contractor. At North Star Skylights, skylights are all we do. Our team is certified by VELUX, trained in official installation and service methods, and backed by over 30 years of residential skylight experience.
As part of our ongoing support, we offer expert skylight maintenance services to protect your investment and keep your skylight performing the way it should. From cleaning and inspection to full replacement and upgrades, we’re here to help. Whether you need a one-time cleaning or want to schedule annual maintenance, our services are fast, affordable, and handled with care.
Schedule Your Skylight Inspection or Cleaning Today
Regular skylight care doesn’t have to be complicated. With professional support from North Star Skylights, you can keep your home brighter, healthier, and worry-free year-round.
If it’s been a year or more since your last skylight cleaning or inspection, now is the perfect time to schedule service. Let’s make sure your skylight is ready to perform through every season.
Contact us today to schedule your skylight inspection or cleaning—and enjoy the view the way it was meant to be.
