Sun tunnels, also known as solar tubes or light tunnels, may seem like magic as they bring natural light into the darkest corners of your home or office. But in reality, there’s a fascinating science behind these innovative devices.
1. Capturing Sunlight with the Dome
It all starts with the rooftop dome. This small structure is strategically placed on your roof to capture sunlight. The dome is made of durable, UV-resistant materials and is designed to maximize the collection of sunlight throughout the day.
2. Reflecting Light Down the Tube
Once sunlight is captured by the dome, it’s directed down a reflective tube. This tube is made of highly reflective materials, often using advanced technologies like silver-coated or specular aluminum surfaces. These materials ensure that as much light as possible is reflected down the tube, minimizing losses.
3. Distributing Light with the Diffuser
At the bottom of the tube, there’s a diffuser that spreads the collected sunlight evenly into your interior space. The diffuser is designed to disperse the light in a way that mimics natural sunlight, creating a soft and pleasant illumination.
4. Overcoming Obstacles
One of the remarkable aspects of sun tunnels is their ability to navigate obstacles like attics, rafters, and other structural components. This is achieved through the flexibility and adjustability of the reflective tube, allowing it to snake around obstructions and deliver light to the desired location.
5. Consistency in All Weather
Sun tunnels are engineered to provide consistent lighting, even on cloudy or overcast days. The reflective materials and design of the tube ensure that diffuse sunlight is still captured and distributed effectively, reducing your reliance on artificial lighting.
6. Minimal Heat Transfer
Unlike traditional skylights that can sometimes lead to heat gain or loss, sun tunnels are designed to minimize thermal transfer. This means you can enjoy the benefits of natural light without worrying about temperature fluctuations in your space.
If you’re looking to bring more natural light into your home or office while benefiting from the latest in lighting technology, contact Alberta Skylights to explore the possibilities of sun tunnels in your space.