If you haven’t checked out the California-made Solatube lately, it has improved since it was introduced 15 years ago. Not only does this little gem of a skylight produce more light than ever, but it also can act as a vent.
Essentially it’s a skylight but smaller than a conventional-size skylight. It’s round and doesn’t usually require cutting through roof trusses or ceiling joists to install.
The most popular sizes of the residential Solatubes are the 10- and 14-inch diameter models. One reason is that it is relatively easy to install these sizes by cutting a hole in your roof and in the ceiling below without having to reframe joists, which typically are 16 inches apart.
Solatubes are especially valuable in rooms that are fairly small, such as a bathroom or laundry room, and in hallways.
It isn’t just direct sunlight that pours into a Solatube and then enters the living areas of your home as most conventional skylights provide. A Solatube catches sunlight, then reflects it once or twice–depending on the way the Solatube fits into your roof and ceiling–before it enters your living area. Instead of the natural light lessening before you get it, it is increased, thanks to the refractory metals used inside each device.
Not only can you now get a conventional Solatube, but you can also get one with an add-on vent system.
Prices vary, so it’s a good idea to do comparative shopping. The suggested price range is from about $300 for the 10-inch Solatube to a little more than $400 for the 14-inch size. The 21-inch model starts at about $500. The length of the tube and options also affect the price. You can hire a professional to install a Solatube, but it’s also easy for a handyman to do.
Go online to www.solatube.com or call 800-966-7652 for more information and a list of dealers.
