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TUBULAR, DOME AND OTHER MODERN SKYLIGHTS
There are many modern non-rectangular skylights in the market,
in a wide variety of shapes: pyramidal, dome, circular, oval, diamond,
multi-sided, tubular… This last type – usually in much smaller
units than the other types - is the most interesting one.
Since they use the sunlight during the day, they may provide
reasonable energy savings.
Image source: Energy Star.
Advantages of tubular skylights
Modern skylight designs reduce daytime overheating and nighttime
heat loss. They use the sun for lighting interiors with fewer
demands than traditional skylights. And they are usually cheaper
and easier to install.
Modern Dome and
Ridge Skylights
Skylights with a dome and
ridge design are typically energy inefficient, namely in cold
climates. They cannot
incorporate energy-efficient technologies.
Avoid these type of skylights to avoid heat losses.
Drawbacks of tubular skylights
Tubular and other modern skylights cannot provide views and
ventilation. That’s their major disadvantage.
Like traditional skylights, tubular skylights aren’t
also effective in the living areas not directly under the roof or
attic. Tubular skylights can only light effectively the top
floor of multi-story houses.
In some cases and rooms, the installation may require a long
tube, which may decrease the effectiveness
of the skylight.
For higher performances, tubular skylights shouldn’t be mounted
on shaded areas or non-sunny slopes of the roof.
Technology: light or solar tubes
Tubular skylights involves a roof-mounted light or solar
collector - typically an acrylic lens set inserted in a metal
frame. The sunlight is then guided to a diffuser lens -
resembling conventional lighting fixtures... - mounted on the
interior of the ceiling, which spreads light throughout the room.
Tubular skylights may use plastic glazing, but the best ones use
glass, and they are smaller than most other skylights, without
losing efficiency. Because they have a small surface area, they
minimize heat losses (in winter) and heat gains (in summer).
Some tubular skylights have integrated baffles to auto-adjust
the amount of sunlight, while others have electrical lights (to
provide light both day and night).
Technology
Tubular skylights
are energy efficient, but
their performance may vary
widely between brands (besides varying during the year in most
climate zones, according to solar conditions).
Tubular Skylights
Prices
Tubular skylights are cheap systems. Some of them cost less or
much less than conventional lighting and conventional skylights.
Prices of $150 for more basic models are common, while more
sophisticated and larger units may amount $600 or more.
Tubular skylights installation
Tubular Skylights
Warranties
Lifetime warranties are common. Demand at least a 10 year
warranty.
Pros and cons of tubular skylights
Tubular skylights are usually cheaper and easier to install than
traditional ones. But tubular
skylights have a huge limitation, if you also want ventilation…
They simply can’t provide it.
Back to top Tubular Modern Skylights
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