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

See: Tubular skylights installation

Tubular Skylights Warranties

Lifetime warranties are common. Demand at least a 10 year warranty.