Natural light has a profound impact on the ambiance and comfort of a home, and as homeowners seek sustainable and energy-efficient solutions, Sun Tunnel Skylights from VELUX have emerged as the future of illuminating interiors with the beauty of the sun.
Our Raleigh roofing experts are exploring the benefits of installing a Sun Tunnel Skylight system for your home. From introducing our customers to how they work and discussing why they are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces, we have everything you need to know. Get ready to discover a brighter, more sustainable future for your home with Sun Tunnel Skylights.
What Are Sun Tunnel Skylights?
Sun Tunnel® Skylights, also known simply as “sun tunnels” or “tubular skylights,” are innovative daylighting devices designed to capture and channel natural sunlight into the interior of a building, including homes and commercial spaces. These systems are designed to bring the benefits of natural light into areas that might not have access to traditional windows or skylights.
Highly Reflective Tubes
Sun Tunnel Skylights from VELUX are equipped with tubes that have highly reflective inner surfaces. These surfaces efficiently capture and channel natural sunlight from the roof to the interior of the building. The use of reflective materials maximizes the amount of light transmitted, ensuring optimal illumination.
Durable Capture Unit
The capture unit or dome of the Sun Tunnel skylight is installed on the rooftop and is typically constructed from durable and weather-resistant materials, such as acrylic or polycarbonate. It protects the system from the elements, ensuring long-lasting performance and preventing water infiltration.
Diffuser or Ceiling Fixture
At the interior end of the reflective tube, a diffuser or ceiling fixture is installed on the ceiling. This component evenly distributes the incoming natural light throughout the room. The diffuser is designed to create soft, diffuse lighting, eliminating harsh shadows and glare.
Variety of Sizes and Designs
Velux Sun Tunnels come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different lighting needs and architectural roofing preferences. Homeowners can choose the size and style that best suits their specific space and aesthetic requirements of their home or business.
Energy Efficiency
These skylights are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They minimize heat transfer, ensuring that the interior space remains comfortable throughout the year. By reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, they also contribute to energy savings.
Flexible Installation
Sun Tunnel Skylights can be installed in a variety of configurations, making them versatile and suitable for a wide range of spaces to add more natural light. Skylight installation can take place on sloped or flat roofs just like traditional skylights.
Low Maintenance
Once installed, Sun Tunnel Skylights require minimal maintenance. Performing regular roof maintenance by cleaning the capture unit and diffuser is usually all that’s needed to keep the system working efficiently. This low maintenance requirement is a significant advantage for homeowners.
Privacy
Sun Tunnel Skylights allows you to add natural light to your home without compromising privacy. They are ideal for spaces like bathrooms, walk-in closets, and private offices, where traditional windows may not be suitable due to privacy concerns.
Enhanced Well-being
By bringing natural light into interior spaces, VELUX sky tunnels offer the numerous health and well-being benefits associated with exposure to sunlight. These benefits include improved mood, increased productivity, and better sleep patterns.
Sun Tunnel Skylights vs Traditional Skylights
Sun Tunnel Skylights and traditional skylights serve the common purpose of bringing natural light into interior spaces. However, they differ in several key aspects, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Installation and Placement
Sun tunnels are designed for flexible installation and can navigate obstacles in the building’s structure. They can be installed in various configurations, making them suitable for spaces with challenging layouts. Sun tunnels are often more straightforward to install than traditional skylights, which may require more extensive roof modifications.
Traditional skylights typically require more extensive structural changes during installation. They need a direct path through the roof and ceiling, which may limit their placement options. The installation of traditional skylights can be more complex and may involve additional costs for framing and drywall work.
Aesthetic and Design
Sun tunnels have smaller, unobtrusive ceiling fixtures, which can blend seamlessly with various interior designs. They offer a discreet and minimalist look that can work well in contemporary and traditional settings.
In contrast, traditional skylights often have larger visible openings in the ceiling, which can be a prominent design feature in a room. They provide a more expansive view of the sky, which can be desirable in certain architectural designs.
Natural Lighting Quality
Sun tunnels utilize reflective tubes to channel natural light. The light is diffused through a ceiling fixture, creating soft and even illumination with reduced glare and shadows. They are excellent for evenly lighting spaces and can be particularly useful in rooms where direct sunlight may be too harsh.
Traditional skylights, on the other hand, provide a direct view of the sky and can flood a room with abundant natural light. However, they can be prone to issues like glare, excessive heat gain, and uneven lighting, which may require additional shading or diffusing solutions.
Energy Efficiency
Sun tunnels are designed for energy efficiency. They minimize heat transfer and can help reduce energy consumption by reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. Traditional skylights can be less energy-efficient. While they provide ample natural light, they can also introduce heat into the space, potentially increasing cooling costs.
Cost
Sun tunnels are often more cost-effective than traditional skylights. Their simpler installation and smaller size generally result in lower overall costs. When it comes to budgeting, traditional skylights tend to be more expensive due to their larger size, more complex installation, and potential structural modifications.
Privacy
Sun tunnels can be designed to maintain privacy while still allowing natural light into private areas like bathrooms or walk-in closets. Traditional skylights may not offer the same level of privacy, especially if they provide a direct line of sight into private spaces.
How Do Roofers Install Sun Tunnel Skylights?
Installing Sun Tunnel Skylights is a specialized task that requires the expertise of experienced roofers and professionals familiar with these daylighting systems. At Artisan Quality Roofing in Raleigh, NC, our contractors are trusted, certified installers of the VELUX Sun Tunnel system.
Initial Assessment
The installation process begins with an initial consultation and roofing inspection. Our roofers will inspect the roof structure and the interior ceiling where the skylight will be installed. They’ll assess the angle of the roof, roof material, and any potential obstacles that may affect the installation.
Determining Placement
Our professional roof installers work with the homeowner or building owner to determine the ideal placement for the Sun Tunnel Skylight. Factors such as room layout, desired lighting coverage, and potential obstructions are taken into account during this stage.
Roof Preparation
The selected area on the roof is marked, and the roof is prepared for installation. This typically involves cutting an opening in the roof to accommodate the skylight. The size and shape of the opening will depend on the specific Sun Tunnel Skylight model being installed.
Installing the Capture Unit
The capture unit, which is the dome or light-collecting component of the Sun Tunnel, is installed over the prepared opening on the roof. It is secured in place to prevent leaks and provide weather protection.
Installing the Reflective Tube
A reflective tube is attached to the capture unit and extends down into the interior of the building. This tube is responsible for channeling and directing natural light from the rooftop to the room below. It is designed to be highly reflective, ensuring maximum light transmission.
Ceiling Fixture Installation
Inside the building, a ceiling fixture is installed where the reflective tube terminates. This fixture is typically a translucent or prismatic panel that diffuses the incoming natural light, providing even and soft illumination throughout the room. The fixture is secured to the ceiling to ensure a weather-tight seal.
Sealing and Weatherproofing
Our roofers take great care to seal all joints, seams, and connections to ensure the skylight is watertight and weatherproof. This step is critical to prevent leaks and maintain the integrity of the roof.
Contact Our Installers of Velux Sun Tunnel Skylights in Raleigh
Ready to transform your living spaces with the natural beauty of VELUX Sun Tunnel Skylights in Raleigh? Our expert skylight installers at Artisan Quality Roofing are here to bring the benefits of natural light into your home or commercial property.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. Let’s discuss your lighting needs, explore design options, and provide you with a personalized quote. With our trusted installation services, you can enjoy the advantages of VELUX Sun Tunnel Skylights in no time.
Get started today by calling us at 919-906-3791 or filling out the form below to get started.
