Thinking of opening your home’s roof to let in more natural light? You have several options, which skylight contractors can walk you through once you’re ready to truly explore the options. But there are two main types of features that can increase your home’s exposure to natural light: skylights and solar tubes. How do you know which one is best for your home? Aside from asking a skylight contractor, you can read through the below descriptions and feel out what’s ideal.
Skylights Some people call skylights roof windows, because that’s what they appear to be. Instead of giving your home a view of the outdoors, it gives a view of the sky. It allows direct sunlight to fill your home from above, airing out your floorspace. They come in many sizes, from small squares to rows of long, rectangular panels. They can come with shades, a remote-controlled venting option, and have wood, metal, or vinyl framing depending on your roof structure. Skylights are more expensive than solar tubes. A traditional skylight can cost around $2,000 to install, while a solar tube can cost around $700. Skylights are more costly because they require more installation, will need wiring installed if they’re electric or remote controlled, and need more interior finishing. Installation involves working with your roof’s structural beams and making sure their integrity isn’t compromised. In some cases, skylight contractors will have to work around the beams and use specific frames to accommodate your roof slope. Solar Tubes Solar tubes, also called sun tunnels and tubular skylights, are domes that carry sunlight from the roof into the home. They work by reflecting sunlight down a flexible or rigid metal sheet, which is then diffused into the house. Think of it as a kaleidoscope, except instead of an image you get sunlight. They typically come in diameters of 10 inches or larger, and from the inside, appear like regular light fixtures. Generally, solar tubes are easier to install than skylights or roof windows and require little interior finishing. They’re less costly, more energy efficient, and block UV rays at the exterior dome. They’re great if you live in a hot area, as they provide sunlight without the substantial heat gain. In other words, your home temperature won’t increase from direct sunlight. Conversely, solar tubes can’t vent like some skylights. They also don’t provide the expansive views popularized by skylights. Popular spaces to put solar tubes are areas that don’t get direct sunlight, such as stairwells, hallways, bathrooms, closets, and places that are too small for skylights. Which is better for your home? Speak with a skylight contractor who provides both skylights and sun tubes for their opinion about what would work best for your home. There will be pros and cons for either choice, but generally, if you want maximum sunlight over a view of the sky, you’ll be interested in a solar tube, which is far more effective at diffusing light. If you want to see the sky as it changes throughout the day, go with a skylight. Skylights are also better if they’re on a roof that sees a lot of direct sunlight, and if you want to brighten your remote workdays with an enjoyable view. Contact your local home remodeling contractors to determine the best fit for your home, and if you could use a mix of skylights and solar tubes. You might install skylights in one room, and a solar tube in another. Comments are closed.
|
Archives
October 2021
Categories
All
|