Solar tubes, also known as light tubes, sun tunnels, and tubular skylights, consist of a polycarbonate or acrylic dome which are also placed in the roof of your home. The similarity ends there, as the dome works to capture sunlight, reflect it down a sheet metal tube into the attic, shining it through a diffusing lens in the room’s ceiling. We carry 10- & 14-inch sun tunnels.
Solar tube installation is simpler than that of a skylight. Generally, a solar tube can be installed in approximately two hours. Due to the ease of installation, solar tubes cost nearly half of that of a skylight.
Skylights are more complex to install, often requiring professional carpentry skills to get the job done correctly. Because rafters must be cut for installation, surrounding rafters must be reinforced. Given the added labor to install a skylight, it is more costly than a solar tube.
A skylight is a great choice for getting natural sunlight and adding ambiance to an interior room in your home. A solar tube is an excellent approach for getting natural sunlight into your home in an energy-efficient way.