Why Tubular Skylights Are Great for Decorating Your Home

Letting in natural light can really brighten your home, especially during the winter months. However, while traditional skylights are an option, they can be expensive and add to your heating and cooling costs. Tubular skylights are a good alternative, providing natural light all year round without losing the same thermal insulation as traditional skylights.

How tubular skylights bring sunlight into a room

Tubular skylights are a great alternative for corridors, stairwells, toilets, and attics when you plan to add a natural light source. They come in a variety of configurations that can rise from two to 40 feet from the roof. Once installed, the tubular skylight, also known as the solar tube, looks like a small dome on the roof. The dome is designed to concentrate and reflect as much light as possible towards the tube. Indoors, the end of the tube will look like a recessed lighting fixture; Between the visible parts, the tube is covered with a reflective material to make the most of the available light. The fixture lets daylight into your home without the need for electricity.

Why tubular skylights are effective and practical

Aside from saving on energy costs and providing natural light, solar tubes are not as susceptible to leaks as conventional skylights when properly installed. They do not need to be connected to an electrical source, so you can connect them without adding electrical circuits. This means tubular skylights are cheaper to install and can also save significant maintenance and energy costs over time.

What to keep in mind

There are some important points to keep in mind when choosing tubular skylights. First, they do not provide the spectacular view that a conventional skylight would provide. Secondly, as with a traditional skylight, solar tubes will dim when the outside light dims, so they are not recommended to be used as the only light source. However, there are other high-end models that are equipped with LED inserts and sensors to compensate for darkness – this type can provide 24 hours of lighting and still significantly reduce energy costs. The solar tube model with remote control and dimmable solar power is an option if you don’t need full sunlight all day long.

Disadvantages of tubular roof windows

The disadvantages of tubular roof windows are that they do not work in the dark and have only one source of energy (the sun). This type of sunlight is impractical in areas where it is dark for more hours than it is light in winter. Plus, each pipe will look like a small dome on your rooftop. If you don’t like the look of domes, solar tubes are probably not for you.

When to hire a professional

If you like the idea of ​​solar tubes, you can install them yourself. However, this process involves cutting a hole in the roof, so this is not a project for beginners. If you do decide to tackle this, make sure you choose a tube that fits the space you have, and it is very important to choose a kit that comes with a flashing light so it doesn’t leak.

Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as improper installation can damage your home. If you are uncomfortable with climbing a roof safely, or you are a beginner at home, this is a professional project.

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