modern tubular skylight installation

Tubular skylights installation is much simpler than that of flat skylights. But unless you are a very skillful with some experience in roofing works, hire a professional. He will install the sun tunnel skylight in a few hours time.

Different methods

As with flat skylights, sun tunnel skylights installation involves a wide set if details, depending on models, brands and manufacturers, and also on the roof type and the articulation with the rooms.

The type of sun tunnel skylight

Pitched flashing skylights (also known as vertical tunnel skylights) are typically used on 15-45º roof pitches.

For 45-60º roof pitches oriented East, West, South (in the North hemisphere countries) or North (in the South hemisphere countries) the best solution is often sloped-flexible tunnel skylights.

The roof opening, the reflective tube and the fixture

The major difficulties associated with the installation of a tubular skylight often relates with

- the location of the rough roof opening;
- the flashing mounting and...
- the weatherization of the roof around the flashing.

To pass the reflective tubing of the tubular skylight between the trusses or the roof rafters is a relatively easy task, due to its narrow diameter (typically between 10 and 21 inches). And since the fixture has a light weight, the mounting is also easy and can be usually be done with no additional support.

Most existing roofs and interior ceilings will easily support the light weight of tubular skylights.

The interior ceiling opening isn’t also a truly difficult task, once defined (its location is defined in strict connection with the roof opening).

Installation Steps:

The very first installation step is to define the skylight location, witch depends basically on...

1) the roof orientation;
2) the location of the room or space to which the tubular skylight illumination is going to be applied (most sun tunnel skylights are mounted on pitched roofs above the attic space, or in low-slope roofs).

The skylight should be mounted to receive as much direct sunlight as possible; shaded areas will diminish its effectiveness. Remember: sun tunnels do not pose the problems of flat skylights, in terms of undesired ultra-violet light, or excessive summer heat…

A very typical first job is to mark the center of the tubular skylight, taking into account its center on the roof and ceiling, and establishing the connection. The images above illustrate this task (that should be preceded by some basic checks, namely whether the attic space and the roof are clear of all obstructions).

Once defined the sun tunnel skylight center, use the flashing to mark the top and the bottom of the rough roof opening, its sides, and, subsequently, cut the rough opening. See images.

Remove the roofing material around the upper half of the roof opening, and apply mastic around it. See image.

The flashing material should be centered over the rough opening and secured in its flanges, with screws. Take into account the pre-punched holes. Exposed fasteners should be sealed. See image.

In order to get a proper drainage, apply a roof paper or other underlayment material to the top of the flashing flange. See image.

After the applying of the underlayment, reinstall the roofing material over the flange of the flashing. Take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations on distances, channels, etc.

Final steps

Install and assemble the several sun tunnel pieces, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most of the final tasks consist essentially on fitting the parts together, till the diffuser mounting on the reflective tubing.

Do not forget to insulate the ceiling area (attic?) around the skylight. Spray its perimeter with polyurethane foam. Insure that the insulation is snug around the tube…