Maintenance Guide for VELUX Skylights, Roof Windows and Sun Tunnels (2015.

02)
VELUX Skylights, Roof Windows and Sun Tunnels will be referred to as Skylights below unless maintenance
guide refers to a specific product type or code. Proper care of your VELUX Skylights is essential to ensure the
best day-lighting experience.

Safety

Skylights are typically installed out of reach, therefore it is assumed that ladders scaffolding or other equipment is
being used to reach elevated places during maintenance and inspection. Follow all equipment manufacturer’s
instructions for safe operation. Use fall protection when applicable. Know your safe working limits. Falls from
heights can result in serious injury or death.

Glass cleaning
All Skylights. For best results avoid cleaning skylight during the hottest part of the day. If there are multiple rows
of skylights, start at the highest row and work down. Begin by soaking the skylight glass with a clean water and
soap solution loosening dirt and debris. Next use a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner along with a soft brush or
other non-abrasive applicator to clean the glass. The cleaning solution should immediately be removed with a
squeegee or lint free cloth. Use care not to touch any metal parts of the cleaning equipment to the glass or let
any abrasive materials be dragged across the glass surface. Do not use metal scrapers, blades or knives for
cleaning large areas of glass as this practice can easily scratch and cause permanent damage to the skylight
glass. Scratches or damages to the glass as a result of scraping are not covered under any VELUX guarantee.
For hard to remove spots like tree sap, label adhesive, paint or other construction material, a new razor blade
may need to be used on small spots only. If a razor blade needs to be used, scrape only in one direction. Back
and forth scraping can trap abrasive materials under the blade causing scratches and possible permanent
damage to the glass. Cleaning your skylight as dirt appears will help prevent the use of scrapers.

Roof Windows GGU & GGL. The sash can be rotated fully and must be secured in this position by sliding the
barrel bolt in the right side of the top sash into the bushing at the bottom of the side frame. This makes it easy to
clean the outer glass pane.

Sun Tunnels TWR, TLR, TCR & TWF. The glass pane can only be cleaned from the outside.

Interior cleaning

Skylights VSE, VS & FS have a white pre-painted, wood frame. Skylights VCE & VCM have a maintenance
free, PVC frame and sash. These surfaces can be cleaned with a damp cloth. A mild, soapy water solution can
be used for tougher dirt. VSE, VS, VCE & VCM insect screens can be cleaned by removing the screen and
spraying the screen with a garden hose. Let the insect screens thoroughly dry before replacing them into the
skylights

Roof Windows GGL have a basic treatment and a top finish coating. Roof Windows GGU have a virtually
maintenance free polyurethane encapsulated coating. These surfaces can be cleaned with ordinary household
cleaners. The air filter can be removed and either washed or replaced. Drain holes in the corners of the bottom
sash glazing gasket should be cleaned as and when required.

Sun Tunnels TWR, TLR, TCR & TWF diffuser pane can be cleaned from the inside. Before cleaning, the diffuser
can be removed according to the installation instructions. Other visible surfaces can be cleaned with ordinary
household cleaners. Do not use solvents as they may damage the product.

Interior maintenance

Skylights VSE, VS & FS and Roof Windows GGL with pre-finished wood frames need to be inspected
annually. The finish that is applied to the wood surface is not considered a permanent coating. As with any
finished surface it is subject to peeling, cracking or fading and will need to be re-finished/re-painted periodically.
To re-finish/re-paint the skylight interior wood surfaces, prepare the skylight by removing the factory finish. After
ensuring that the surface is clean, apply primer to the wood. When primer is dry, apply a coat of water based
acrylic varnish/paint (always follow finish manufacturer’s application instructions).For paint or finish damages to
larger surfaces of the wood, apply the technique described above. Touch up paint for covering scratches to the
wood surface is available from VELUX. Keep all varnish/paint off of skylight gaskets and glass.

Skylights VCE & VCM. It is not recommend to paint over abs (plastic) frames and sashes.

Roof Windows GGU & GGL. Hinges and striking plate need no lubrication. Surface treatment of the window
components is not necessary.
 Sun Tunnels TWR, TLR, TCR & TWF. No components need lubrication. No surface treatment of the sun tunnel
components is necessary.

Exterior Cleaning – all Skylights

Rain will keep most dirt and grime off of the exterior surfaces. The exterior cladding surfaces can be cleaned with
a mild soapy water solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or cleaning equipment as this can scratch the finish
on the cladding. Rinse well with clean water.

Exterior Inspection – all Skylights

 Keep all debris removed from around skylights. Skylight applications with multiple skylights grouped together
using combi-flashing must have all vertical and horizontal gutters, between skylights, clear of dirt and debris.
Make sure all exposed fasteners are secure. Inspect cladding and flashing for excessive wear or scratches on
the cladding finish. Scratches in the cladding finish may be fixed with touch up paint available through VELUX.
Damaged claddings or flashings should be replaced as soon as they are detected.

Controls

VSE & VCE INTEGRA Opening Skylights. Before performing maintenance turn the power off to avoid
accidental injuries. Open skylights, then turn off power and wipe chain off using a clean, dry towel. Do not use
any type of cleaner or solvent. Keep debris clear of chain.

VS & VCM Opening skylights. Inspect the loop or crank handle to make sure the set-screw is secure. Open
skylights and wipe chain off using a clean, dry towel. Do not use any type of cleaner or solvent.

The internal workings of the manual and the INTEGRA electric operators are considered maintenance free over
the lifetime of the skylight. Operators are pre-lubricated and need no additional lubrication.

Condensation

Condensation is not a skylight defect; it’s a result of atmospheric conditions inside and outside the home.
Condensation is the result of warm moist air coming in contact with a cooler surface, in this case, the skylight
glass. Think of the glass of ice-water on a summer day and the “sweat” on the outside of the glass. Since outside
conditions can’t be controlled, condensation must be dealt with from inside the home.

General Information

For replacement parts or glass, get the skylight serial number and contact a VELUX customer service
representative for ordering information.
Locating the serial number will expedite the ordering process and ensure the correct parts are sent. Refer to
our Product ID page to locate the skylight serial number.