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Discussion Forum

Solar tube-type skylights.

fingers | Posted in General Discussion on July 9, 2007 10:18am

I’m going to be working on a house soon and the owner wants to put in one or two of those solar tube type skylights in a dark hallway.

Anyone have any experience with those?  Which brand?  Pros and Cons?

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Replies

  1. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Jul 10, 2007 12:27am | #1

    Only one worth considering, Velux.  They have two sizes, one that fits between rafters 24"oc, and a smaller one to fit between 16s.  Two styles of tubes, as well.  Choice of rigid reflective tubing, which I believe has a higher reflective value, tho I'm not positive, and an easier to install collapsible tube (accordian style, like too many use on their dryers and br exh fans.)

    Last one I put in took about 3-4 hours, by myself.  You need to have roof and attic access.

    The result is like a soft white bulb left on during the day.  I kept reaching for the switch, thinking I'd left the overhead light on.

    Velux.  None better.  Not that I've installed any others to compare, though...

     

    "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

    1. theslateman | Jul 10, 2007 02:31am | #2

      Here's a second for using only Velux- oricinally designed by others but now part of the best skylights on the planet.

      1. MikeSmith | Jul 10, 2007 03:20am | #3

         they used to be called "SunTunnel"....i liked them so much we became a dealer  and sold quite a few until Velux bought them out

        now we buy them thru our lumberyardMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

        1. theslateman | Jul 10, 2007 03:55am | #4

          Where you been?  Golfing all the time- haven't seen your posts lately.

          Walter

        2. JLazaro317 | Sep 08, 2007 06:13pm | #11

          Mike,

          You seem to be the resident Sun Tunnel expert. I want to install one in an interior upstairs bathroom. I would like to install a 14" low profile. Will the 14" fit between 16" o.c. rafters? Is the low-pro vs. the pitched recommended on 8/12 pitch with southern exposure? And have you ever insulated the tunnel?

          I love Velux skylights and the local rep came by the other day. I mentioned that I was thinking of installing a Sun Tunnel and he offered me 40% off list for my own house. I think I'll snag 2. I know the 10" will fit no problem but I'm being greedy for the 14". I really don't want to header off any rafters for it to fit but I may if I have to. My tube will end up being about 10'.

          Thanks,John

          J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

          Indianapolis, In.

           

          1. MikeSmith | Sep 08, 2007 08:28pm | #13

            john ... i've never used the low-pro

            we always used the tunnel  ( mylar duct vent )

            the 14" will fit between framing 16" oc

            and yes we've insulated the tunnel in some situations

            mostly  though , we order the double gasket and use a double  lens at the ceiling line and forget about insulating the tunnel itselfMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          2. JLazaro317 | Sep 08, 2007 09:16pm | #14

            Mike,

            I'm looking at the TGR. It comes standard with the dual diffuser I believe you are refering to and the rigid tube. It's the only one that is Energy Star rated. I'll give it a try.John

            J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

            Indianapolis, In.

             

    2. Fbart | Jul 10, 2007 08:22am | #5

      I agree that Velux Suntunnels are nice lights.  In my experience however one does not have to do anything in the attic to install them. I recently installed two about 4-5' from the outside wall over a master bath tub in a house with a 3:12 pitch, much to close to have room to do any work in the attic.  We did everything quite easily from the roof, and from the room below.  

      1. User avater
        NickNukeEm | Jul 10, 2007 01:35pm | #6

        Shallow pitch, near to edge, you're right.  Regardless the pitch, I usually go into the attic to drill up thru the roof at the centerpoint of the tube roof penetration, just to be certain of not hitting a rafter, and to ensure there are no other obstructions (electrical cable, ducts, etc.) in the way.

         

         "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

  2. darkchalk | Jul 10, 2007 04:15pm | #7

    About 5 years ago I installed 2 Solatube skylights in my hallway and have had no problems. I have a flat roof with a modified surface so was able to torch down flashing for a water tight seal. Solatube offered a couple different types of diffusers and install was pretty straight-forward but I would agree that any additional access to the attic would faciliate the job. They really do make an amazing difference and are well worth it. Just make sure you have your sun glasses if you install on a sunny day - they're bright.

  3. BryanSayer | Jul 10, 2007 04:18pm | #8

    Be sure your customer understands what Nick said.

    There ain't no OFF switch for a solar tube. If they might need darkness during the day for some reason, it won't happen.

    1. User avater
      BillHartmann | Jul 10, 2007 06:56pm | #10

      While not too common there are iris or "dimmers" for some model of tubular skylihts.http://www.solatube.com/res_accessories_dimmer.php
      http://getsolarise.com/product.html
      .
      .
      A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

  4. Shoeman | Jul 10, 2007 06:42pm | #9

    I installed 3 of these in my parents house about 10 years ago.  Think they were the Sun Tunnel brand - not certain though.  Went in pretty easy.

    Anyway, the comment I wanted to make, is that you might want to consider a light kit.  I put them in two lights.  Just a bare bulb mounted in the center of the tube.  Nice to be able to switch on a light at night.

  5. User avater
    Huck | Sep 08, 2007 06:19pm | #12

    I've put a couple in - one was "Solatube", other was a big box brand - A bit of a learning curve, but overall pretty straightforward install.  The roof part was like installing a whirlybird vent, then run the duct to where you want it, install the ceiling frame and diffuser, and tie it all together.  The learning curve is working with the compound angles on the duct, and making sure your roof placement is right.  Both of mine were comp shingle roofs, I'm sure tile shingles would be another matter.

    edited to add:

    the funny part is when its in, everyone keeps looking for the switch to turn it off when they leave the room!

    “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product” – Charles Greene

    http://www.bakersfieldremodel.com



    Edited 9/8/2007 11:22 am by Huck

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