If you've been thinking of adding more daylight to a kitchen or dark hallway, a solar tube may be the way go. a solar tube provides plenty of worm, indirect light.
HOW IT WORKS
Know variously as a sun tube, sun tunnel, light tube, or tubular skylight, a solar tube is a 10-or 14-inch-diameter sheet-metal tube with a polished interior. The interior acts like a continuous mirror. channeling light along its entire length while preserving the light's intensity. It captures daylight at the roof and delivers it inside your home.
On your roof, a solar tube is capped by a weather-proof plastic globe. The tube ends in a
porthole-like diffuser in the ceiling of a room below. The globe gathers light from outside;the diffuser spreads the light in a pure white glow.The effect is dramatic:New installations often have home owners reaching for the light switch as they leave a room.
HOW MUCH LIGHT ?
A 10-inch tube, the smallest option, is the equivalent of three 100-watt bulbs, enough to
illuminate up to 200 sq.ft. of floor area; 14-inch tubes can brighten as much as 300 sq.ft
popular locations for a light tube include any areas where constant light is handy:
hallways
stairways
walk-in closets
kitchens
bathrooms
laundry rooms
The only place you don't want a light tube is above a TV or computer screen where it might create uncomfortable glare.
IS YOUR HOUSE RIGHT FOR A LIGHT TUBE ?
Because installation requires no framing alteration, there are few limitation to where you can locate a light tube. Check the attic space above to see if there is room for a straight run. If you find an obstruction, elbows or or flexible tubing may get around it. Its relatively easy to install a light tube in a vaulted celing because only a foot or so of tubing is required.
WEATHER:
If you live in a locale with high humidity condensation on the interior of the tube can be a problem. warpping the tube with R-15 or R-19 insulation greatly cuts condensation. Some manufacturers offer sections of tubing with small fans built in to remove moist air. If you live in a hurricane-prone area,opt for an extra-hardy polycarbonate dome.
HOW IT WORKS
Know variously as a sun tube, sun tunnel, light tube, or tubular skylight, a solar tube is a 10-or 14-inch-diameter sheet-metal tube with a polished interior. The interior acts like a continuous mirror. channeling light along its entire length while preserving the light's intensity. It captures daylight at the roof and delivers it inside your home.
On your roof, a solar tube is capped by a weather-proof plastic globe. The tube ends in a
porthole-like diffuser in the ceiling of a room below. The globe gathers light from outside;the diffuser spreads the light in a pure white glow.The effect is dramatic:New installations often have home owners reaching for the light switch as they leave a room.
HOW MUCH LIGHT ?
A 10-inch tube, the smallest option, is the equivalent of three 100-watt bulbs, enough to
illuminate up to 200 sq.ft. of floor area; 14-inch tubes can brighten as much as 300 sq.ft
popular locations for a light tube include any areas where constant light is handy:
hallways
stairways
walk-in closets
kitchens
bathrooms
laundry rooms
The only place you don't want a light tube is above a TV or computer screen where it might create uncomfortable glare.
IS YOUR HOUSE RIGHT FOR A LIGHT TUBE ?
Because installation requires no framing alteration, there are few limitation to where you can locate a light tube. Check the attic space above to see if there is room for a straight run. If you find an obstruction, elbows or or flexible tubing may get around it. Its relatively easy to install a light tube in a vaulted celing because only a foot or so of tubing is required.
WEATHER:
If you live in a locale with high humidity condensation on the interior of the tube can be a problem. warpping the tube with R-15 or R-19 insulation greatly cuts condensation. Some manufacturers offer sections of tubing with small fans built in to remove moist air. If you live in a hurricane-prone area,opt for an extra-hardy polycarbonate dome.
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