Skylights and Solar Tubes are an excellent way to bring natural light into your home, and they’re a popular choice for many homeowners. Skylights and Solar Tubes can be installed in new or existing homes and on almost any roof style. However, some wonder just how energy-efficient they are. Here’s everything you need to know about how efficient these fixtures are and other things to consider:
How Efficient Are Skylights?
Skylights can be an excellent addition to your home. They bring in natural light, which makes your home feel more welcoming. Skylights prevent eye strain caused by staring at screens, such as computers/laptops/tablets, etc., all day. This may sound like an obvious benefit, but it is worth noting since many people work 9-5 jobs where they sit behind their
computer screens almost all day. Going outside for fresh air and vitamin D is always good for the soul, but if you cannot do that, having natural light will help. That’s the great thing about skylights: you can bring in the natural light and improve your emotional state.
The efficiency of a skylight depends on the material and size of the skylight. The larger the opening, the more light it will let in. If you have a dark room, it’s best to choose a larger model with more glass area so that more daylight can enter your home. The pitch (the angle) at which your roof slopes determines how much sunlight hits your home each day and how efficiently it is absorbed into your room through skylights or windows.
What Are Solar Tubes
Solar tubes are another great way to add more natural light to your home, they operate much like the light that comes through windows, but they have the added benefit of being directed where you want them. Solar tubes are installed with a series of mirrors that reflect sunlight into the tube. The tube has a lens at the end that focuses the light into a small area to be used for task lighting or general lighting.
How Efficient Are Solar Tubes?
Solar tubes are a good option if you’re looking to reduce your electricity consumption. They have an average lifespan of 25 years and can help light up dark rooms in your house.
Solar tube lighting systems use mirrors to reflect sunlight into your room through glass tubes that run along the ceiling.
This means they’re best suited for dimly lit rooms with plenty of natural light–for example, closets and bathrooms. With the natural light coming in, there will be less need for grid-dependent options, making your home more energy-efficient.
How Are Solar Tubes Installed?
The best way to install solar tubes depends on a few factors. You can find solar tube kits at any hardware store or online retailer that sells home improvement products. If you plan to install them on your roof, having a professional install them is better. The last thing you want is to cause your roof to leak.
It is best to install solar tubes before your roof, since you’ll be able to see where they go and plan accordingly.
Skylights vs. Solar Tubes
While both types of skylights have advantages, there are a few things to consider before installing one on your house.
Skylights vs Solar Tubes: The Basics
Skylights are typically larger than solar tubes, allowing more natural light into the home. They’re also more expensive to install because they require a bigger hole in your roof. This requires more protective materials like flashing around the edges of the opening and insulation around the opening itself.
You can usually install solar tubes above existing windows or doors, making them easy to remove if needed. Anyone comfortable using basic tools and willing to climb a ladder occasionally can handle the installation.
Do skylights leak?
Yes, skylights can leak IF they are not installed correctly. The most common cause of leaks is failure to seal all the seams on the roof or around the perimeter of the skylight itself. This installation failure can result in rainwater seeping into the attic and damaging your insulation. It is essential that you hire an experienced professional to install your skylight so that it is done right the first time. Also, remember that not all skylights are created equal, so ensure you only install quality skylights!
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some insight into choosing a skylight and the benefits of installing one in your home. If you plan to add a skylight to your house, we suggest talking to the experts at Point Roofing and Restoration! We are the premier roofing and restoration company in Boise, specializing in installing skylights and solar tubes!
