Over time, skylights have moved from being just an aesthetic feature of your home to a crucial roofing accessory. Skylights play an important role in adding natural sunlight and even ventilation to your home.
With manufacturers constantly improving to bring the most natural light to your home, they have come up with newer options such as a sun tunnel. So, while traditional skylights have been lighting up homes for decades, sun tunnels now offer an exciting alternative.
As a homeowner, you might have a tough time deciding between a sun tunnel vs. skylight.
But don’t worry, we are here for you! As a prominent roofing company in Oklahoma with years of experience, we’re here to break down the pros and cons of each option, helping you choose the best fit for your space.
What Is A Skylight?
Traditional skylights are essentially windows in your roof, creating a direct opening that allows natural light to flood into your space. They come in various sizes and styles, and can often be opened for ventilation.
Skylights are larger than sun tunnels, making them better suited for rooms where you want both more light and an open feel.
What Is A Sun Tunnel?
While most homeowners are already familiar with a skylight, let’s talk about a more recent innovation.
Sun tunnels are tubular structures that capture sunlight on your roof and channel it down a reflective tube, delivering light into your home even through multiple floors or narrow attic spaces. Also known as tubular skylights, these are typically smaller in diameter (10 to 14 inches) and focus on providing light to compact spaces like bathrooms, hallways, and closets.
Sun Tunnel vs. Skylight: Main Differences To Know!
Choosing between sun tunnels and skylights will require you to consider certain factors. In this section, we talk about some crucial parameters that may influence your decision.
Natural Light Quality and Intensity
One of the biggest reasons people install either a sun tunnel or a skylight is to bring more natural light into their home, but each does this in a slightly different way. Let us look at which of these natural lighting sources bring more sunlight into your home.
Sun Tunnels: They’re efficient at capturing sunlight and sending it down to otherwise windowless spaces, but the light is diffused. These tubular skylights are connected to a diffuser on the lower end.
So, while you’ll get a nice glow, it won’t be as intense or direct as light from a skylight. Sun tunnels are perfect if you’re looking for light in a smaller area without direct sunlight’s potential glare or heat.
Skylights: The skylights deliver more natural light than a roof sun tunnel, even giving you a view of the sky. The light feels much more natural, almost like having a big window. If you’re aiming to open up a larger room and want that expansive, airy feel, skylights are usually the better choice.
Ease Of Installation
When it comes to ease of installation, sun tunnels and skylights require different levels of work and preparation.
Sun Tunnels: Sun tunnels are generally simpler and quicker to install. Since they don’t require cutting large openings in your roof or making structural changes, installation is less invasive. A good skylight installer can install them within a few hours, even in tight spaces. Additionally, sun tunnels can be installed around attic ducts or other obstructions, giving them flexibility in placement.
Skylights: Installing a skylight is a more involved process. Skylights require larger openings and often structural modifications to ensure the framing can support the new fixture. Because of these adjustments, skylights take longer to install, typically anywhere from a day to several days, depending on the size and complexity.
Cost
Cost likely plays a huge role in deciding whether you install a sun tunnel or a traditional skylight. Let us see which is less expensive.
Sun Tunnels: Sun tunnels are usually the more affordable option. They require less labor and time for installation, which reduces overall costs. Additionally, because they use a smaller diameter tube rather than a large glass panel, material costs are lower.
Skylights: Skylights are typically more expensive due to the larger glass panels, framing needs, and longer installation time. For standard skylights, you’ll pay more upfront for both the product and labor. High-quality models with features like low-E glass or opening/venting capabilities add even more to the cost.
Maintenance and Durability
Maintenance is another practical consideration. You’ll want something that will last without requiring too much upkeep.
Sun Tunnels: These have few moving parts and don’t require much maintenance. Solar tube skylights are also less likely to develop leaks if properly installed, as their design is simpler and more weather-resistant.
Skylights: Since skylights are made of glass and often have moving parts (if they open), they generally require more maintenance. They also need to be cleaned periodically, especially if they’re prone to dirt or debris buildup.
Also Read: How To Clean Skylights (A 2024 Guide)
Aesthetic Appeal
Both sun tunnels and skylights have aesthetic advantages, but they’re a bit different.
Sun Tunnels: Solar tubes give a subtle, diffused light effect that doesn’t overpower a space. They’re more about function than form and don’t usually stand out as a design feature.
Skylights: Skylights can make a bold architectural statement, especially if they’re large or placed strategically. Roof skylights come in different types and shapes, for example rectangular, circular, and dome-shaped.
Some skylights come with remote control and blinds, adding more flexibility. They bring a sense of openness and luxury to a room, adding value to your home’s interior design.
Also Read: Enhance Your Home’s Look with Skylight Installation: Design Ideas and Inspiration
Ventilation Options
Some homeowners are surprised to learn that skylights can actually double as a ventilation option.
Sun Tunnels: Tubular skylights are good for natural light but don’t offer ventilation. They’re purely for light.
Skylights: Many skylights are designed to open, either manually or electronically, allowing fresh air to circulate. This is a huge plus if you want to naturally vent a room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, where heat and moisture can build up.
Sun Tunnel vs. Skylights: Choice Of Brands!
Both sun tunnels and roof skylights are manufactured by some of the most reputed brands in the industry. Let’s take a look at some of the top choices of both these options:
Where To Get A Sun Tunnel Skylight
VELUX® Skylights
VELUX Group is a market leader in both sun tunnels and skylights, and their Sun Tunnel® series offers a great range of features. VELUX Sun Tunnels are available in both rigid and flexible tubing options, allowing homeowners to maximize natural light even if the installation path is challenging. Their advanced dome technology captures sunlight efficiently, with options like diffusers to soften the light and reduce glare.
Solatube
Known as a pioneer in tubular skylights, Solatube has a range of products designed for optimized light capture and energy efficiency. Their Daylighting Systems use patented optics, like the Raybender® 3000 Technology and LightTracker™ Reflector, which maximize light collection even in low-light conditions
Natural Light Energy Systems
Specializing in both commercial and residential homes, Natural Light Energy Systems focuses on eco-friendly tubular skylights available in various sizes from 10 to 18 inches in diameter. Their models are Energy Star® certified and designed to reduce heat transfer.
Where To Get A Skylight
VELUX Skylights
VELUX skylights are popular throughout the U.S. They offer fixed skylights for continuous lighting, vented skylights for fresh air, and solar-powered options with remote control and rain sensors. For those prioritizing energy efficiency, VELUX skylights can come with solar blinds that qualify for federal tax credits.
Also Read: Top 5 Reasons to Invest in VELUX® Skylights
Fakro
Known for their durability and energy efficiency, Fakro skylights are popular in colder climates due to their excellent thermal insulation properties. Fakro offers both fixed and vented options, as well as electric skylights with rain sensors.
Want To Install A New Skylight Or A Sun Tunnel In Oklahoma?
Both sun tunnels and skylights have their own advantages and disadvantages and the right choice depends on your needs. For example, if you want to install a light source for areas that do not receive sunlight, a tubular skylight is a better option. Regular skylights are perfect if you want more light and customization.
Whatever you decide to install, be it a sun tube or a skylight, our team at A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing can help. We have expertise in skylight installation and only install top brands. We also offer other home exterior services.
Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to learn more.
