Skylights vs. Sun Tunnels: Choosing the Best Option for Your Home

Skylights and sun tunnels are both energy efficient ways to invite more natural light into your home. No matter the option you choose, each will create a bright, sun-filled space that is sure to boost your mood and provide your body with much-needed vitamin D.

Skylights are acrylic, glass or polycarbonate windows set into the roof of your home. They are usually rectangular and consist of three main components, including:

• Glazing – the clear window
  
• Frame – sets the window into the roof
  
• Flashing – helps prevent leaks
  

Skylights can range in size from 12- by 12-inch squares to larger rectangular areas, though they should never exceed 15 percent of the targeted room’s square footage.

Sun tunnels, also known as solar tubes, are an acrylic or polycarbonate dome installed on the roof to catch the sun’s rays. The sunlight is then reflected down a rigid or flexible sheet metal tube in the attic before shining on the diffusing lens in the room’s ceiling. These are typically 10 to 14 inches in diameter but can be larger.

Sun tunnel installation can take as little as two hours and no more than half a day. The dome is installed on the roof with proper flashing and the tube is extended from the dome to the room’s ceiling. The light diffuser is then set into the ceiling with minimal interior finishing work needed.

Skylight installation is more time-consuming because it requires more carpentry work than sun tunnel installation. One rafter will have to be cut for most skylight sizes, requiring the rafters around it to be doubled.

Even without cutting, the process requires careful work finishing the inside of the room and installing flashing to prevent leaks.

Unlike sun tunnels, skylights add to a room’s appearance by opening the ceiling for a breathtaking view of the outdoors. In some cases, adding a skylight may add to a home’s resale value. Skylights can be vented or shaded and filtered to partially block UV rays.

Skylights can be gorgeous additions to any home, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Because of their size and appearance, skylights need more interior finishing and are more expensive to purchase and install. Also, skylights are less energy efficient, allow more heat gain and are commonly associated with condensation and leakage problems – unless installed by experienced professionals.

Sun tunnels are easier to install than skylights because they require little interior finishing. They are also less expensive overall. Sun tunnels are more energy efficient than skylights and in some cases may qualify the homeowner for an energy tax deduction. They also block potentially damaging UV rays and cause less heat gain.

While they have a long list of benefits, some are prone to forming water condensation inside the tube, don’t offer outdoor views and likely won’t boost your home’s resale value.

If you’d like to bring more natural light into your home, skylights and sun tunnels are excellent, energy-efficient options.

The experienced contractors at Alpine Construction & Roofing are up to date on the proper procedures for using a variety of roofing materials and are ready to develop the perfect solution for you and your budget. We can satisfy all your Washington home’s roofing needs.

Get your FREE roofing estimate today by contacting us online or calling 509-448-8099!