Tubular skylights (also called sun tunnels or solar tubes) bring natural light to spaces traditional skylights can't reach. Here's how they work and whether they're right for your home.
In this guide
What Are Tubular Skylights?
Tubular skylights capture sunlight and channel it through reflective tubes:
- Dome on roof captures light
- Highly reflective tube carries light through attic
- Diffuser lens spreads light into room
- Works even in windowless interior rooms
How They Differ from Traditional Skylights
Traditional Skylights
- Direct view of sky
- Large roof opening
- More heat gain/loss
- Limited to rooms directly under roof
- Higher cost and complexity
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Tubular Skylights
- Diffused natural light (no direct view)
- Small roof penetration (10-14" typical)
- Minimal heat transfer
- Can reach rooms not under roof
- Lower cost, simpler installation
Best Applications
Tubular skylights excel in:
- Interior bathrooms: Natural light without windows
- Hallways: Brighten dark passages
- Closets: See colors accurately
- Laundry rooms: Often windowless
- Kitchens: Supplement existing light
Light Output
How much light do they provide?
- 10" tube: Equivalent to 2-3 100W bulbs
- 14" tube: Equivalent to 4-5 100W bulbs
- 21" tube: Equivalent to traditional skylight
- Light output varies with sun position and weather
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Installation Considerations
Roof Requirements
Works on most roof types:
- Asphalt shingles: Ideal
- Metal roofing: Compatible with proper flashing
- Tile roofing: Requires tile adapter kit
- Flat roofs: Special dome required
Tube Length
Distance from roof to ceiling matters:
- Up to 15 feet: Standard tube works well
- 15-30 feet: Extended tube kits available
- Over 30 feet: Light diminishes significantly
- Angles: Up to 90° of bends possible
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Ceiling Finish
Diffuser options include:
- Standard white dome
- Decorative trim rings
- Square/rectangular options
- Integrated LED for nighttime use
Cost Comparison
Tubular vs. traditional skylights:
- Tubular (10"): $200-$400 + $200-$400 installation
- Tubular (14"): $300-$600 + $250-$500 installation
- Traditional skylight: $1,000-$3,000 installed
Tubular skylights cost 50-75% less than traditional options.
Pros and Cons
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Advantages
- Affordable natural lighting
- Minimal leak risk (small penetration)
- Reaches interior rooms
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation
- No structural modifications
Disadvantages
- No view of sky
- Can't be opened for ventilation
- Light varies with weather/time
- Not a design focal point
- Limited decorative options
Popular Brands
Quality tubular skylight manufacturers:
- Solatube: Premium, best light transmission
- VELUX Sun Tunnel: Established skylight maker
- ODL: Good value option
Quality matters—cheap tubes lose light to poor reflectivity.
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Our Experience
We install tubular skylights throughout Lake County. They're especially popular in:
- Bathrooms during remodels
- Hallways in ranch homes
- Kitchens needing more light
Contact us to discuss whether a tubular skylight makes sense for your space.
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