Skylights and solar tubes… which is right for you?

It’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining and the birds are singing… but you have to switch on the lights because on the inside,  your home or business is still dark.

If that sounds at all familiar to you, chances are you’ve thought about installing a skylight or a solar tube so you could take advantage of the natural sunlight. But for some reason, you hesitated… either you’ve heard too many horror stories about leaks or you’re not entirely sure which one to choose.

Solar tubes and skylights are not just for residential use — many commercial businesses use them to supply natural light to dark and windowless areas in their buildings. Exposure to natural light has been shown to improve mood, leading to a more positive work environment and increased productivity.

In this blog post, we'll explore all the benefits of solar tubes and skylights along with some potential pitfalls to be aware of. Then you can decide which one is best. 

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Solar tubes — Redirect light where you need it most‍

Solar tubes are perfect for those spaces in your home that rarely see the benefit of natural light, such as an interior hallway, walk-in closet or a room with insufficient windows. 

Solar tubes consist of a dome-like structure that captures sunlight from the roof of your home. The sunlight is then redirected through a reflective tube that runs through your home's attic and ceiling, and the light enters your home through a diffuser installed in the ceiling. The diffuser's purpose is to spread the light evenly throughout the room.

Solar tubes can be installed by a professional in just a few hours, although you can buy a kit and install it yourself.  They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to fit your home's needs and aesthetic. 

Solar tubes are a cost-effective way to bring natural light into your home, reduce your energy bills, and improve your home's energy efficiency — but there are some caveats. 

• Solar tubes are designed to bring natural light into your home, but they don’t provide as much light as a traditional skylight or window. The amount of light that is transferred through the tube can also depend on the weather and time of day.
• When compared to skylights, solar tubes have limited design options and are not fully customizable. For most people, though, this isn’t a huge issue.
• If not installed properly, solar tubes can also lead to leaks and other issues.
• Some people find the glare from solar tubes can be a bit uncomfortable, making it difficult to enjoy the natural light.

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Skylights — Welcome natural light into your home‍

If you’re looking to bring natural light into a large space or want to take advantage of a great view, a skylight is a better option for you than a solar tube. Additionally, a skylight can open up your space, making a small room appear larger than it actually is.

Skylights are basically windows installed in your roof. They are customizable and can either be fixed — meaning they don’t open — or ventilating. Ventilating skylights can be opened, providing fresh air and helping regulate temperature. 

When properly installed and sealed, skylights can be more energy-efficient than solar tubes. They provide more insulation, which reduces the amount of heat loss or gain through the roof. 

Skylights add a unique design feature to your home, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the sky and stars — something potential buyers would find appealing too! Just be sure that your skylight is professionally installed and regularly maintained so it doesn’t leak and damage your home.

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Thinking of adding a solar tube or skylight to your home?‍

Solar tubes and skylights are a great way to add natural sunlight to your home, but before adding one, there are several factors to consider.

• Consider your roof type — Solar tubes and skylights are installed on the roof of your home, so it’s important to consider the type of roof you have. Some roofing materials, such as slate or clay tiles, require special installation techniques or may not be suitable for skylights or solar tubes.
• Determine the best location — Where you put a solar tube or skylight is an important consideration. Decide which rooms would benefit the most from natural light and consider well the orientation of your home and the potential for glare.
• Choose the correct size — Make sure the size of the solar tube or skylight is appropriate for the size of the room so that it’ll provide enough natural light.
• Opt for energy efficiency — Look for models that are Energy Star certified and have high insulation values to minimize heat loss or gain in your home.
• Hire a professional — Working with a professional roofing contractor with experience installing solar tubes and skylights is crucial to ensure they don’t leak or cause other issues.
• Maintenance requirements — Be prepared to regularly clean and maintain your solar tube or skylight to ensure its longevity and catch minor leaks before they become major problems.
• Budget restraints — The cost of a solar tube or skylight can vary depending on the size and type of unit, as well as installation costs, so be sure to consider all associated costs when making your decision.

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Ready to have a solar tube or skylight installed in your home or business?

If you have more questions about installing a solar tube or skylight, get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer them for you. We can show you examples and help you decide which would be best based on your needs and the design of your roof — and before you know it, your home or business will be full of beautiful sunlight.