Sun tunnels are a great alternative to traditional skylights for homeowners who want to add natural light to their homes. These kinds of skylights are also known as solar tubes or sun pipes and offer many benefits, such as energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall functionality.
Sun tunnels are ideal for small spaces such as bathrooms, closets, and dark hallways, where a traditional fixed skylight may not be feasible or practical. Read on to learn more about your skylight options and contact RoofPRO today for a free sun tunnel estimate!
What is a Sun Tunnel?
A sun tunnel is a device that captures natural sunlight from your roofing system and reflects it into your home through a series of reflective surfaces and light tubes. Sun tunnels are typically much smaller and more compact than traditional skylights, making them ideal for smaller spaces within your home.
Sun Tunnel vs. Skylight
Traditional, fixed skylights are often larger and require a more challenging installation process than sun tunnels. Sun tunnels, on the other hand, are much more flexible with their installation, making them ideal for rooms and hallways in your home that do not have access to natural light.
Sun Tunnels are Perfect in Small Spaces
Sun tunnels are a popular option for adding natural light to smaller spaces such as bathrooms, closets, and hallways. Their flexibility is a big plus for homeowners; sun tunnels come with the benefits of easier installation and improved lighting in your home!
Adding Natural Light and Boosting Your Home Value
One of the main advantages of sun tunnels is that they provide a cost-effective way to add natural light to your home, which can significantly improve your property’s value and appeal to potential buyers if you eventually decide to sell in the future. Also, natural light is known to be a great way to boost moods and bring a whole new feel to your space!
Energy Efficiency with Sun Tunnel Skylights
Sun tunnels are considered to be very energy-efficient and can help lower your overall costs by allowing natural light to enter your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting throughout the day.
How Does a Sun Tunnel Work?
A sun tunnel operates by capturing natural sunlight from your roof and reflecting it into your home through a series of mirrored ducts and tunnels. The device consists of three main components: a domed flashing on the roof, mirrored ducts to transfer light, and a ceiling-mounted diffuser in your desired room.
Reflecting Natural Light Into Your Home
Sun tunnels use reflective surfaces to capture natural sunlight and reflect it into your home, providing a natural and cost-effective source of light. Most homeowners love the versatility of sun tunnels, as they can be installed in nearly any room with the help of a professional!
Components of a Sun Tunnel
The three main components of a sun tunnel that allow it to bring in natural light include a dome-shaped flashing installed on the roof to “catch” the sunlight, mirrored ducts to transfer the light, and a diffuser installed on the ceiling of the desired room in order to display the natural light.
Dome and Flashing on the Roof
Sun tunnels start on your home’s roofing with a sealed and durable dome and flashing kit. The dome captures the sunlight and directs it into the mirrored ducts below to be transferred throughout your home. The flashing kit is what protect the transition between the roofing material and the dome.
Mirrored Ducts to Transfer Light
The mirrored ducts serve as the actual “tunnel” by transferring the sunlight from the roof to the ceiling-mounted diffuser in your desired room. These can be either rigid or flexible tunnels, depending on your home’s interior and layout. We will go over the difference between rigid and flexible sun tunnel types a bit later in the article.
Ceiling-Mounted Diffuser in Your Desired Room
The light diffuser, typically mounted onto a room’s ceiling, is the final component of the sun tunnel and is designed to naturally spread light into your desired area.
What Kinds of Sun Tunnel Options are Available?
There are two common types of sun tunnel options available: rigid tunnels and flexible tunnels. They each provide unique benefits for homeowners, which you can read about below.
Rigid Tunnels for Access
Rigid tunnels are ideal for installations where the room’s ceiling diffuser (where the light enters the room) is right below or very close to the roof dome.
These types of tunnels are straight, rigid pieces and have limited bend to accommodate your home’s interior. These tubes are made from a solid then metal that has ribs that allow sections to turn and angle the tube.
Flexible Tunnels for Difficult Access
Flexible tunnels are ideal for areas where the ceiling diffuser is father away from the roof dome or is in a difficult to reach location.
They are made of a reflective material wrapped around a flexible tube and metal wire frame. Once installed, you won’t notice the difference between the type of tunnel.
Additional FAQs about Sun Tunnels
As a trusted skylight contractor in Maryland, we’ve spent the last two decades providing top-rated sun tunnel installations for homeowners across the state.
Here are some frequently asked questions that our team gets about sun tunnels.
How Much Does a Sun Tunnel Cost?
The cost of a sun tunnel installation can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the installation. On average, the cost of a sun tunnel installation in Maryland can range from $750 to $3,000; it’s best to contact a reputable contractor like RoofPRO for a free estimate to get an accurate cost estimate for your unique project.
How Long Do Sun Tunnels Last?
Sun tunnels are designed to last for many years without maintenance. The lifespan of a sun tunnel can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the installation and the materials used, but they can typically last upwards of 10-20 years without needing repairs!
RoofPRO is a Top-Rated Contractor for Sun Tunnel Installation
If you’re interested in adding natural light to your home with a sun tunnel, RoofPRO is a top-rated contractor for sun tunnel installation. We have nearly 20 years of experience installing and repairing sun tunnels for homeowners across the state of Maryland and can help you choose the best sun tunnel option for your home’s unique needs!
Contact Us Today for More Information
Contact our team today for a free estimate and learn how we can help you enjoy the benefits of added natural light in your home. With our professional installation methods and expert service, you can rest easy knowing that your sun tunnel will last for many years to come!
