Keeping the glass on rooflights clean

Installing a rooflight within your home is all about optimising natural daylight and maximising space within your property, whether this is part of a simple kitchen refurbishment or a more complex home renovation. Glass rooflights installed in flat roof applications can be more susceptible to staining and discoloration through rain water and other contaminants such as bird droppings, tree sap and pollutants from vehicle exhausts. Therefore, just like any other window in your home, regular cleaning and periodic inspection of the units is recommended to maintain their performance over time. Installing your rooflight at the correct pitch will go a long way to keeping the glass clean as this helps rainwater run off the surface naturally, but there are other things you can do that will improve the lifespan and look of your rooflight. Let’s discuss good old fashioned cleaning first. What cleaning products should I use? Any standard glass-cleaning product can be used to clean your rooflight; the best method of cleaning is by regularly washing the glass using a solution of warm water and mild detergent. All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge, using nothing harsher than natural bristle brushes. If atmospheric pollution has resulted in heavy soiling of the glass, then nothing harsher than white spirit should be used. It is important to note that under no circumstances should chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, ketones or abrasive cleaners be used. If any of these are used, it may affect the powder coated frame and glass finish of your rooflight. How often should the rooflight be cleaned? This will typically depend upon its shape, pitch and location; however it is recommended that a general inspection is carried out at least once every 6 months. What is self-cleaning glass? Some rooflights feature specialist coated glass referred to as ‘self-cleaning glass’. This is a great product that uses an organic process to break down dirt using natural daylight, which is then washed away by rain. Any water that hits the glass tends to sheet off rather than form droplets on the surface, which then evaporates and leaves dirt behind. Self-cleaning glass for flat roof rooflights The problem with self-cleaning glass is that a minimum pitch of 30 degrees is recommended by the manufacturers in order for it to be effective, so this type of technology is not ideally suited to flat roof applications where a pitch of 3-5 degrees is far more common. There are alternative treatments which are available however that are much more suited to use with flat roof applications. Ritec Clearshield is a polymeric resin that is completely transparent, chemically inert, non-hazardous and UV stable. Ritec Clearshield for rooflights on flat roofs Glass finished with Ritec Clearshield should be considered ‘non-stick’ rather than ‘self-cleaning’ and has several benefits, namely that it is always easier to clean and keep clean, it stays cleaner for longer and it resists staining and discolouration. Clearshield works by forming a chemical bond on the glass, which prevents contaminants from bonding to the surface and limits further damage caused by corrosion and chemical attack. This results in a finish that is much easier to clean than non-treated glass; think of it like a good quality wax on your car paintwork: once correctly applied the car becomes far easier to clean. Cleaning rooflights that have been treated with Ritec Clearshield You will still need to periodically clean your rooflights, even with the Clearshield system applied, but cleaning is less frequent and much easier when carried out. The glass can be cleaned using normal products and methods; no special cleaning products are required and the finish can last for years depending on atmospheric conditions and exposure to pollutants. How do I get my rooflight treated with Ritec Clearshield? All products sold through rooflights.com can be supplied with the Clearshield system applied; this is completed during the assembly process and can be selected by adding Ritec Clearshield to your basket. Browse the Rooflights.com product range at the online rooflight shop.

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