Given their size, cluster skylights are most often used for commercial applications, allowing large amounts of natural light to enter the building, in addition to providing a architectural focal. A quick image search on any of the major search engines and you will probably come across countless examples of cluster skylights acting as a rather dramatic accent to a flight of stairs or perhaps even a central point in the building. They are as much about visual impact as they are about the performance related benefits that they offer. However, they don’t look quite so good if there are serious problems with condensation in the property.
Why Do Cluster Skylights Sometimes Suffer Issues With Condensation?
We’ve worked with a number of commercial property owners in Toronto over the years, many of whom became increasingly frustrated when trying to deal with condensation related issues. They just couldn’t understand why this problem was occurring or how to fix it. The reason why you will often notice condensation on cluster skylights is actually very simply; warm air that is loaded with moisture rises and will eventually hit the skylights. This doesn’t mean that there’s an issue with your cluster skylights. It’s an indicator that there’s too much moisture in the air, which is a common problem in newer buildings.
Steps that Can be Taken to Limit the Presence of Condensation
If you notice condensation on your cluster skylights, which will undoubt edly detract from their impressive appearance, you should act fast since it can lead to a range of other problems, including:
- The growth of mold and mildew on walls and ceilings.
- Deterioration in the condition of furniture.
- Bubbling and peeling of paint.
- Severe damage to wooden structural supports.
To prevent these issues and the presence of condensation on your cluster skylights, it’s imperative that you limit the amount of water vapour (which the air carries) in the building. This can be achieved by doing the following:
- Utilize dehumidifier units to remove moisture from the air.
- Periodically open your cluster skylights, allowing the warmer air that’s loaded with water vapour to escape, while cooler, dryer air is able to enter.
- Have additional vents installed close to your cluster skylights and windows in the property.
- Install ceiling fans, which will prevent warm air from rising to the point that it condenses on the skylights.
Tips to Help Maintain Cluster Skylights
Even if you take all possible action to reduce the amount of condensation in the building, it’s still important that cluster skylights are regularly maintained (will likely require professional assistance). Mold and mildew can start to grow on skylights that are exposed to condensation problems and it’s important that this is killed with a sterilized agent and then removed. The surface of the skylights should then be thoroughly cleaned down.
Aluplex Skylights has been servicing the community of Toronto for over 25 years and we consider ourselves to be an authority on anything relating to skylights. If you require any help or advice, or wish to arrange a free consultation, get in touch with us today.
