Replies

1. 
   hasbeen | May 16, 2005 05:47am | #1

   I put in two SolaTubes.  They were kind of a hassle to work with, but after about a year there have been no problems and we sure like the light.  They are smooth tube types.

   "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.... and just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way."

2. 
   basswood | May 16, 2005 06:26am | #2

   I only used rigid tubes and would estimate that they provide a bit more light.

   Don't forget to wrap the tube in insulation. They can be big energy wasters if you skip that step.

1. 
   MikeSmith | May 16, 2005 12:57pm | #3

   the Velux Suntunnel, with the mylar flex tube, is a breeze to install... there is no other unit on the market that can deliver as much light as their 22" model...

   the exterior portion is relatively attractive , as far as tubular skylights go

    we've installed about 100 of the 22"  and about 50 of the 14"...

   we also sold about 50 units as a dealer before Velux bought themMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   neilpuck | May 16, 2005 07:37pm | #4

   I purchased a TSR-10 inch sun tube and am looking forward to installing it.  But I seem to have misplaced the instructions.  While it looks very straightforward, anytime i'm cutting a hole in the roof, i would like to make sure i'm doing it right.  I went to their site, but the only instructions that are unavailable are the ones I need.  Can anyone possibly forward them to me?  Thanks

   Neil

2. 
   jimofsmudge | May 16, 2005 09:09pm | #5

   Wrap indeed! I put a rigid one in last spring and had to call their tech department about a couple things while installing it. I asked specifically about wrapping it and they said it wasn't necessary even though I'm in Wisconsin. I even had the insulation but they reccomended against it. I regretted it all winter long as moisture from inside the house condensed on the inside of the tube and filled the lens up with water. The lens is supposed to lock air and moisture out but doesn't. I like the light out of it, but with my wife's complaints, I wouldn't put in another.
   Good luck.

1. 
   basswood | May 17, 2005 06:34am | #6

   "Wrap indeed!"Failing to adequately insulate around the tube is probably the biggest problem with installation of tube lights.I don't know why the instructions don't insist on it, especially in cold climates.edit to add: If you can get into your attic you can still wrap yours and see if next winter the condensation is a thing of the past.

   Edited 5/16/2005 11:48 pm ET by basswood

1. 
   MikeSmith | May 17, 2005 02:19pm | #7

   one of the problems with wrapping the tube is that most of the units  still have convection currents inside the tube..

    Velux Suntunnel is available with a double gasketed interior lens that helps in cold climates... we almost always sold that option when we were Suntunnel dealers

   as far as the tunnels being a big heat loss.... true.. wrapping the tube helps a lot..

    but conventional skylights  are usually even worse.. the typical well becomes a colum of warm moist air  pressing against a large expanse of glazing insulated to the astounding level of  R2.3 or so..

    and the typical install on those will show a huge light well in the attic with a few desultory pieces of fiberglass insulation falling off

   as usual... the devil is in the detailsMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   basswood | May 17, 2005 06:19pm | #8

   Regarding skylights and energy (and related problems with condensation)--you are unquestionably right. That is why I prefer a well insulated tubelight, or better yet a conventional window (short and wide) and high on a tall wall. Similar lighting effect and less trouble, & less upfront and energy costs. This is not always possible, of course, so the "sun tunnels" are a good second choice.