Skylights or Solar Tubes: What to Choose?

A bright, sunshine-filled space offers more than energy savings. It also boosts your mood and provides you with needed vitamin D. However, not every place in your home gets enough sunlight from standard windows. CQ Construction & Roofing discusses traditional skylights and solar tubes. As your trusted roofing contractors, allow us to explain how they brighten the dark or artificially lit areas in your home

Skylights

Traditional skylights are window-like openings in your roof composed of a glass panel encased in a frame. It can be opened and closed and allows ventilation and natural light into your home. Temperature control problems, such as heat gain and heat loss, can be an issue, though.

Skylight Pros

Traditional skylights provide a view of the sky outside while preserving privacy. You can get these roof accessories from any premier roof repair company, like CQ Construction & Roofing.

Skylight Cons

Natural sunlight from skylights contributes to glare, eye strain and fading of carpet or soft furnishings. Its many parts are prone to damage, breakage, or leaks. Installation is more expensive, requiring roof work, framing and repainting.

Solar Tubes

Solar tubes are also called sun tunnels, light tubes and tubular skylights. Acrylic or polycarbonate dome installed on the home’s roof catches the sunlight. The light reflected down a rigid or flexible sheet metal tube in the attic is then shone on the diffusing lens in the room’s ceiling.

Solar Tube Pros

Solar tubes are usually cheaper and easier to install than traditional skylights. Some types earn federal tax credits and don’t cause glare or heat gain. Their insulation prevents loss of heating or cooling energy. They are easy to maintain and are leak and damage-proof.

Solar tube Cons

Just as it is with skylights, solar tubes have their own set of inherent weaknesses. For one, they don’t give a view of the sky. Also, their sealed design doesn’t allow an opening for ventilation either.

Consider the benefits and drawbacks of both daylighting systems. Ask your trusted roofer for a roof inspection and recommendation. Then you can choose the right one for your home and your needs. CQ Construction & Roofing can install and repair skylights in just about any area of your home. We serve homeowners in Fort Walton Beach, FL, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (850) 683-4169 to schedule a free estimate.