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.
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, LLC. 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.
