Natural light has a powerful impact on our homes. It enhances mood, reduces energy consumption, and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Skylights and sun tunnels are two popular options for bringing in that light. But which one is right for your space?
And more importantly, how do they differ in function, installation, and suitability for different roofs and rooms? Don’t fear, RoofCrafters is here to answer these burning questions!
In this article, we'll dive into the key differences between skylights and sun tunnels, explore their benefits and drawbacks, and help you decide which is the better fit for your specific roof type and room layout. Let’s get started!
What is a Skylight?
A skylight is essentially a window installed on the roof, designed to bring sunlight directly into the room below. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, skylights are known for their ability to flood a space with natural light, providing expansive views of the sky. Skylights are ideal for rooms that benefit from a significant amount of daylight and can transform dim, closed-off spaces into open, vibrant areas.
Skylights are available in fixed, vented, or tubular designs. The fixed type remains closed, providing only natural light, while vented skylights can be opened to allow for airflow, which is perfect for rooms like kitchens or bathrooms where ventilation is crucial. Tubular skylights, on the other hand, are small and funnel sunlight through a reflective tube, making them a close relative to sun tunnels.
What is a Sun Tunnel?
Sun tunnels, also known as solar tubes or light pipes, are designed to capture sunlight from the roof and channel it down through a reflective tube into the room below. Unlike skylights, which are essentially roof windows, sun tunnels use a smaller footprint and are typically round. They rely on a dome on the roof to capture sunlight, which is then reflected down the tunnel and diffused through a lens on the ceiling.
The key advantage of sun tunnels is that they can bring natural light into spaces that skylights can't reach, such as interior rooms, closets, or hallways with no direct roof access. Sun tunnels offer a more concentrated, focused stream of light and are ideal for rooms that don’t need expansive natural lighting but could use a daylight boost.
Skylights vs. Sun Tunnels: The Key Differences
While both skylights and sun tunnels bring natural light into a space, they do so in different ways and have distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on the area and roof type. Let's break it down:
Amount of Light
Skylights: These provide a large, often dramatic source of natural light. Depending on the size and location, a skylight can flood a room with sunlight, creating a bright, airy atmosphere. They're ideal for spaces like living rooms, kitchens, and master bedrooms where ample lighting is a priority.
Sun tunnels: These bring in a more focused, softer light. While a sun tunnel can brighten a room significantly, it won’t have the same dramatic effect as a skylight. They're best suited for smaller, enclosed spaces like hallways, closets, or bathrooms where large amounts of light aren't needed, but natural light can make a big difference.
Installation
Skylights: Installing a skylight is a more involved process. It requires cutting a large hole in the roof, framing, and ensuring proper waterproofing to avoid leaks. Because they are larger and more complex to install, skylights tend to be more expensive in terms of both materials and labor.
Sun tunnels: Sun tunnels are generally easier and quicker to install since they require a smaller opening in the roof. The installation process involves less structural work, and the flexible tubing can be adjusted to fit around obstacles in the attic or roof space, making it a more cost-effective option.
Energy Efficiency
Skylights: While skylights provide great natural light, they can be a source of heat loss in the winter or heat gain in the summer. Modern skylights often come with glazing options that improve energy efficiency, but without these upgrades, they can affect your home's insulation.
Sun tunnels: Due to their smaller size, sun tunnels typically have less impact on the home’s overall energy efficiency. Since they don't open like vented skylights and have fewer issues with insulation, they often provide a more energy-efficient way to bring natural light into a home.
Cost
Skylights: The cost of installing a skylight can vary depending on the type, size, and complexity of the installation. Vented skylights are generally more expensive than fixed ones, and larger models will also increase the price. You can expect to pay more not just for the skylight itself, but also for the installation labor, as it involves more structural work.
Sun tunnels: Sun tunnels are generally more affordable than skylights. Their smaller size and simpler installation make them a budget-friendly option. Additionally, since sun tunnels are less intrusive, labor costs tend to be lower as well.
Maintenance
Skylights: Because they’re essentially windows on your roof, skylights can accumulate dirt, leaves, and other debris, which can affect both their function and appearance. Vented skylights may also need regular maintenance to ensure the opening mechanism works smoothly. You’ll want to clean and check them periodically, especially if your skylight is in an area prone to weather extremes.
Sun tunnels: Sun tunnels, by contrast, require much less maintenance. Their smaller size and design mean they’re less prone to collecting debris, and there’s no opening mechanism to worry about. Once installed, they require minimal upkeep.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Roof Type
The type of roof you have can significantly impact which option is best for your home. Here’s how skylights and sun tunnels perform on different roof types:
Flat roofs: While traditional skylights are more common on sloped roofs, there are options designed for flat roofs as well. These skylights can be installed on a curb or a frame to elevate them slightly, which helps prevent water pooling.
Flat roofs can pose a challenge for sun tunnels because the angle of the roof affects the amount of sunlight captured. However, there are specially designed sun tunnels that can be installed on flat roofs using a reflective dome that helps capture and direct light.
Sloped roofs: Skylights are ideal for sloped roofs. The angle allows them to capture direct sunlight, maximizing the amount of light entering the room.
Sun tunnels work well on sloped roofs too, as the natural incline helps to collect sunlight and channel it efficiently down the reflective tube.
Metal roofs: Installing skylights on metal roofs can be tricky, as the seams and ridges of the metal may interfere with the skylight installation. However, with proper flashing and sealing, it can be done successfully.
Sun tunnels can be a good option for metal roofs because their smaller footprint makes them easier to install and seal. Specialized flashing kits are available to ensure a watertight installation on metal surfaces.
Skylight or Sun Tunnel: Which Will You Choose?
All in all, both skylights and sun tunnels have their unique benefits, and the right choice for your space will depend on:
- Lighting needs
- Budget
- Roof structure
Skylights can bring a dramatic, open feel to a room, while sun tunnels provide a more focused, energy-efficient lighting solution for smaller or harder-to-reach areas.
By considering the specific requirements of your space and roof, you can make a choice that brightens your home and adds value for years to come. If your ready to up the ante on your humble abode, be sure to hit the “Schedule an Inspection” button down below!
