Homeowners today have a wide variety of options when it comes to incorporating natural light into their homes. Skylights and solar tubes are two of the most popular solutions, each providing its own unique benefits.
Skylights
Skylights are one of the oldest methods for bringing natural light into a home. Skylights are typically installed in the roof or ceiling and are designed to let in natural light from the outdoors. Skylights are ideal for adding light to hallways, stairwells, and other areas that don’t receive direct sunlight. They can also be used to provide additional light to rooms that receive direct sunlight.
Skylights are available in a variety of styles and sizes, from the traditional flat-glass variety to domed, bubble, and tubular skylights. The type of skylight you choose will depend on the type and size of the opening, the budget, and the desired aesthetic.
One of the biggest advantages of skylights is that they allow natural light to filter in without the need for additional ventilation. They can be opened if needed to provide additional ventilation, but this isn’t necessary to bring in natural light.
Solar Tubes
Solar tubes are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to skylights. Solar tubes are essentially small, tubular skylights that are installed between the roof and the ceiling. They are designed to capture and reflect sunlight from the roof, and then direct it into the home.
Solar tubes are ideal for providing natural light to smaller spaces, such as bathrooms and closets. They are also very energy efficient, as they don’t require any additional ventilation for the light to enter.
Solar tubes come in a variety of styles and sizes, and can be installed in less than an hour. Unlike traditional skylights, solar tubes are flush with the ceiling, and require no additional framing or construction.
Regardless of which type of natural light solution you choose, both skylights and solar tubes can be an attractive and energy-efficient way to bring natural light into your home.