Tubular Skylight

Tubular skylights add natural lighting to rooms through a small tube rather than a large roof or window. They work by transmitting indirect, diffused sunlight into the room. Try are small enough to fit between the rafters of the structure or home. Tubular skylights are typically mounted on pitched roofs above attic space, but are also suitable for low-slope roofs.

How do Tubular Skylights Work?

The function of tubular skylights depends on a roof-mounted acrylic lens set in a metal frame; this is called a "light collector." The majority of tubular skylights include a part called a "reflective sun scoop." The sun scoop directs sunlight into a plastic or metal tube; the tube has a highly reflective interior coating. The plastic or metal reflective tube directs the sunlight to a dispersing lens that is mounted on the interior ceiling surface. The dispersing lens spreads light evenly throughout the room. Many tubular skylights have blended baffles to control the amount of incoming sunlight.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Tubular skylights have many advantages and disadvantages. Because of their simple design, tubular skylights are long-lasting and generally distribute light more evenly throughout the room. Tubular skylight systems also cost less than conventional lighting systems, and even less than conventional skylights. Their small compact size minimizes the impact on the home and closely resemble conventional lights from the homes interior. They also offer considerable energy savings by utilizing the sun and energy during the day and providing light, day and night, through integrated electrical lights. Tubular skylights are also easier to install than conventional skylights as there are no modifications to be made to the structure. Because tubular skylights diffuse indirect sunlight, this reduces potential UV ray damage to carpets and furnishings

On the other hand, tubular skylights don't provide a view like traditional skylights. Also, they are only effective in the living area directly under the roof or attic.

Installation and Purchasing

Tubular skylights may be purchased or ordered online directly from distributors and manufacturers. Because tubular skylights do not require any additional framing or major structural modifications, you can easily install them within 2 to 3 hours. Professional installation is generally much lower in cost than installing traditional skylights.