Alberta Skylights: Everything You Need to Know About Sun Tunnels
Hey there! Welcome back to Alberta Skylights. My name is Trevor, and I’m here with Ryan, the owner and CEO of Alberta Skylights. Today, we’re going to talk about something a little different but still skylight-related: sun tunnels.
What Is a Sun Tunnel?
Trevor: So, what is a sun tunnel, and why should we have them?
Ryan: A sun tunnel is a tubular skylight. It’s essentially a round piece of pipe that goes through your roof into your ceiling. It collects light from the roof and directs it into your home, bringing a lot of light to spaces that need it. Sun tunnels can work wonders in the right areas.
Trevor: Sun Tunnel is the product name from Velux, correct?
Ryan: That’s right. Velux calls it the Sun Tunnel, but you might also hear them referred to as Solatubes, which is another brand. Solatube was one of the first companies to come up with the round tubular skylight design.
Trevor: And what makes them unique?
Ryan: The great thing about sun tunnels is that they focus light into one particular area. They’re perfect for spaces like pantries, laundry rooms, and closets.
Why Choose a Sun Tunnel Over a Skylight?
Trevor: Why would someone choose a sun tunnel over a skylight?
Ryan: Skylights are much more intrusive. When we install a skylight, we have to cut out a lot of drywall and build an insulated well, which makes the process more complex and expensive. Skylights are larger, let in more light, and can cost anywhere between $6,000 to $8,000.
In contrast, a sun tunnel:
- Can be installed in about 3 hours.
- Costs around $1,400 to install.
- Works in spaces where skylights aren’t feasible, such as areas with complex framing like a hip roof or areas where an older roof exists under a newer addition.
Trevor: So sun tunnels are more versatile?
Ryan: Exactly. They can go where skylights simply can’t.
Advantages of Sun Tunnels
Trevor: What are some advantages of sun tunnels?
Ryan: There are several advantages:
- Ease of installation: Sun tunnels are quick and less invasive to install, typically taking only a few hours.
- Cost-effectiveness: At around $1,400, they’re significantly cheaper than skylights.
- Focused light: They provide just the right amount of light in spaces like bathrooms. A skylight in the same space might feel like overkill.
- Versatility: Sun tunnels excel in areas with difficult access or tight spaces where focused light is ideal.
Disadvantages of Sun Tunnels
Trevor: What are some common problems with sun tunnels?
Ryan: Most issues come down to installation. Common problems include:
- Debris accumulation: If the sun tunnel isn’t sealed properly, debris or insects can get inside.
- Condensation: Warm air from inside the house can meet the cold air in the attic, causing moisture buildup.
Debris Issues
Trevor: What causes debris to collect in a sun tunnel?
Ryan: When we install a sun tunnel, we ensure there’s zero visible light coming through the tube. This serves two purposes:
- It keeps debris and insects out.
- It creates an airtight seal, which provides insulation value.
If a sun tunnel is installed properly, it should be maintenance-free.
Condensation Issues
Trevor: What causes condensation, and how do you fix it?
Ryan: Condensation happens when warm air from inside the house gets into the sun tunnel and meets the cold air in the attic, which is an unconditioned space. The temperature difference creates moisture.
To fix this, we:
- Ensure an airtight seal at the bottom of the tunnel.
- Use energy kits with extra panes, creating a triple-pane effect.
- Apply spray foam to seal any gaps.
The top of the sun tunnel has a semi-permeable membrane to wick away moisture, but excessive condensation can still cause water to drip down.
Ideal Candidates for Sun Tunnels
Trevor: Who is a good candidate for a sun tunnel?
Ryan: Sun tunnels are great for:
- Bathrooms
- Ensuites
- Pantries
- Small, enclosed spaces
They work best in tight areas where light can stay focused and dispersed. In large spaces like living rooms or kitchens, the light gets diffused too quickly. For those areas, skylights are a better choice.
Ryan: Sun tunnels are ideal when you don’t need a tremendous amount of light, but you want focused, brilliant illumination in a specific spot.
Materials and Construction
Trevor: What are sun tunnels made of?
Ryan:
- Inside the house: A plastic diffuser is installed on the ceiling. You can swap out lenses to create effects like bubbles or prisms.
- The tunnel itself: Made of highly polished aluminum for maximum reflectivity. Fun fact—it’s so reflective that it can start a fire if not properly installed!
- On the roof: A dome with an acrylic top protects the tunnel. This top has a semi-permeable membrane for wicking moisture and integrates seamlessly into the roofing system.
Sun tunnels can also be installed on flat roofs using a curb, making them suitable for commercial spaces.
Ryan: We’ve even installed sun tunnels in dental offices, replacing drop ceiling panels with diffusers for a seamless look.
Winter Installation
Trevor: Can sun tunnels be installed in winter?
Ryan: Absolutely. Most of the work happens inside the attic and house, so the roof is only open briefly. We just need to clear the snow to access the roof.
Why Choose Alberta Skylights?
Trevor: You install the Velux brand of sun tunnels, correct?
Ryan: That’s right. Velux is a trusted name in skylights and sun tunnels.
If you’re interested in brightening your home with a sun tunnel, contact Alberta Skylights. We’d be happy to come out, give you a quote, and help you brighten your day, your home, and your life.
Trevor: Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you next time!