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Need to bring a little light into a dark hallway, landing, or closet? With tubular skylights, you can install a little bit of sunshine.
Tubular skylights operate better than traditional skylights to deliver usable light to a living area by utilizing a roof-mounted light collector that consists of an acrylic lens set in a metal frame. The rooftop assembly directs sunlight into a metal or plastic tube, which has a highly reflective interior coating. The reflective tube guides the sunlight to a diffuser lens, mounted on the interior ceiling surface, which spreads light evenly.
Because of the shape of the "scoop" at the top, tubular skylights can draw light regardless of the sun's angle in the sky.
Research has shown that the lights can provide the equivalent light output of up to one 700-watt incandescent bulb in December and one 1,200-watt bulb in June.
Tubular skylights are relatively easy to install as they fit between rafters well and require very little intrusion into the roof, but as with any puncture in the roofing, care must be taken with flashing and proper water-intrusion prevention. New models feature light fixtures included so the dark areas of your home can be lit both day and night.
