Skylights vs. Solar Tubes: What to Choose?

Creating a bright, sun-lit space offers more than reduced electricity costs. Natural light also helps boost mood and productivity as well as supply your body with needed vitamin D. But the thing is that not all rooms in your house have access to enough sunlight from traditional windows. Here are two other excellent methods that brighten up homes: skylights and solar tubes.

skylights vs. solar tubes

What Are Skylights and Solar Tubes?

A skylight is a window installed on a roof or ceiling. It is made of glass, acrylic or polycarbonate material and often rectangular in shape. It is connected to the roof by a metal flashing, which helps head off leaks. While bigger is better when it comes to skylights, their size should not exceed 15% of the total square footage of the room.

A solar tube, also called a sun tunnel or light tube, is also an acrylic or polycarbonate dome installed on the roof. It catches the sunlight, reflects it down a rigid or flexible sheet metal tube in the attic and then shines on the diffusing lens on the ceiling of the room.

How Do They Compare?

  • Installation – It is more difficult to install a skylight because it requires complex carpentry work. There is a common perception that skylights are prone to leaks, but it only occurs when the installation is substandard. On the other hand, solar tube installation is often easier. It can take a roof repair and replacement contractor no more than half a day to install.
  • Costs – A traditional skylight is more expensive to install than solar tubes due to its extensive installation requirements. However, adding a skylight is known to increase the overall resale value of a home. Meanwhile, one financial benefit of installing solar tubes is the 30% energy tax reduction.
  • Energy Efficiency – In most cases, solar tubes can be more energy-efficient than skylights because of how they capture and diffuse light into a home.

Pressure Point Roofing, Inc. is a premier source of residential roofing solutions in Central Point and surrounding areas in Oregon. Our top-rated team is committed to providing the comfort and efficiency you need through industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us at (541) 772-1945, or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation estimate.

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We've worked with a number of contractors over the years doing home improvement projects and I can say that, without question, working with Pressure Point was about as easy as it gets.

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I've changed my review from a 1 star to a 4 stars. Matt Stone got right on a pretty poor job done installing a skylight. He had his guys remove the skylight, move it, repair the roof and inside ceiling to its original state, paint it, repair some external trim that was damaged, and all within a few days after talking to him about the multiple problems. It was really an eyesore from the inside. I'd give a 5 star if this had been done well the first time. The skylight just didn't fit the space I first wanted it and was told it would. More communication about the potential problems might have allowed this to be done right the first time. But, Pressure Point Roofing gets 5 starts for making amends and correcting a pretty ugly problem, very fast! Thank you.

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I needed someone to come out to take a look at a leaky roof. I contacted Pressure Point Roofing, Inc. and they came out the same day. They gave me a quote to fix the problem and I agreed to their terms. It was about 4PM and I knew they closed at 5PM but they stayed and fixed the leak at no additional cost. I was very happy and impressed. Would recommend them to anyone. Thank you Pressure Point Roofing for earning our families trust. Will definitely be doing business with you again.

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Excellent experience, prompt and professional estimate, showed up on schedule (actually a day early) and did a thorough and complete job. All personnel were professional,polite and great at their jobs. Would recommend to anyone.

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I am so happy I chose Pressure Point to replace my 40-year-old roof.  The crew was professional, efficient, and answered all my questions, addressed the few concerns I raised, and made me feel comfortable, trusting them with such a big project.  I couldn't be happier with their work and the look of my new roof.

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