Why Tubular?
WHY TUBULAR IS
A Better Choice than Traditional Skylights
There are several advantages to installing a tubular skylight versus a traditional skylight in your home or office. They are particularly a better choice for smaller spaces like closets, hallways, laundry rooms and pantries where installing a traditional skylight would not be practical.
Tubular Skylight Advantages
A TUBULAR SKYLIGHT
Emits More Light
Tubular skylights emit more light than traditional skylights. Tubular skylights operate by bouncing captured sunlight through a highly reflective, mirror-like light pipe. Traditional skylights do not reflect or bounce the incoming sunlight and are inefficient when the sun’s angle is low. Natural Light uses one of the best performing light pipes in the industry. Tests show that our light pipes capture sunlight, even when the sun’s angle is low.
TUBULAR SKYLIGHTS ARE
More Energy Efficient
Tubular skylights are far more energy efficient than traditional skylights. They are designed with a sealed shaft that minimizes the transfer of heat or cold into your home, unlike traditional skylights that generate heat. Natural Light Tubular Skylights are designed to have a very low U-Factor Rating and a low SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient). They also qualify for a 30% Federal Tax Credit when paired with our Solar LED Light Kit.
A TUBULAR SKYLIGHT
Diffuses Incoming Light – No Hot Spots
Tubular skylights scatter 100% of the natural light spectrum through the use of a diffuser, thereby eliminating the spot light effect common with a traditional skylight system. The “hot spot” light of traditional skylights is extremely harsh and very unpleasant unlike the light from a Natural Light Tubular Skylight which is soft and evenly dispersed.
TUBULAR SKYLIGHTS
Eliminate Harmful UV Rays
99% of harmful UV rays are absorbed by both the specially designed dome and by the light pipe of tubular skylights, thereby eliminating the bleaching effect on rugs and furniture. Most traditional skylights do not block out these harmful UV rays.
TUBULAR SKYLIGHT ARE
More Affordable with a Better Warranty
Tubular skylights are far more economical; a tubular skylight can be installed in less than two hours at a fraction of the time and cost it takes to install a traditional skylight. No structural changes are needed for the installation of a tubular skylight. Natural Light backs up our Tubular Skylights with our industry leading limited lifetime product warranty. Most traditional skylights only have a 10 or 15 year warranty.
TUBULAR SKYLIGHTS ARE
Virtually Leakproof
Natural Light Tubular Skylights incorporate an exclusively designed dome system with a stress absorbing seamless aluminum collar. This collar prevents the acrylic dome from cracking when the temperature fluctuates. Its round shape minimizes damage to roof shingles and enables it to withstand the stresses of expansion and contraction due to the temperature variations Also, Natural Light’s flashing is seamless preventing water from seeping in. Traditional skylights are usually manufactured with rolled seams or are tack welded – and therefore prone to developing leaks.
TUBULAR SKYLIGHTS
Accommodate Various Accessories
Both traditional and tubular skylights have systems to dim the skylight during the day. But, Natural Light also offers light kits (electric or solar) for night time use and a bathroom exhaust vent kit – both are easily installed and greatly improve the functionality of your tubular skylight.
Tubular vs. Traditional Skylights
Summary of the key points why “Tubular” is a better choice than traditional skylights.
| TUBULAR SKYLIGHTS | TRADITIONAL SKYLIGHTS | |
|---|---|---|
| PERFORMANCE | Bounces captured sunlight through highly reflective light pipe even when sun’s angle is low | Doesn’t reflect or bounce incoming sunlight and inefficient when the sun’s angle is low |
| ENERGY EFFICIENCY | Sealed shaft minimizes the transfer of heat or cold into your home | Tends to generate more heat |
| INCOMING LIGHT | Scatters 100% of natural light spectrum through the use of a diffuser – no hot spots | Creates extremely harsh and unpleasant “hot spot” light |
| COST | Installs in about 2 hours without any structural changes saving on installation costs | Installation requires structural changes and building a shaft incurring extensive costs |
| UV PROTECTIONS | 99% of harmful UV rays are absorbed by the specially designed dome and light pipe | Many do not block out harmful UV rays causing fading on carpets and furniture |
| ACCESSORY AVAILABILY | Easily add an electric or solar light kit for night time use or a bathroom exhaust vent kit | Only offers manually or electric dimming systems |
| PRODUCT WARRANTY |
Lifetime warranty for original residential purchaser | Some of our competitors offer shorter warranties |