Give Your Living Space A More Calming Ambiance With Sun-Dome Skylights
Now more than ever, solar tube skylights are becoming a common feature in many people’s homes. Also referred to as a sun tube or sun tunnel, they are classified as being a tubular lighting device or TDD. They can be had in curved, straight, or jointed designs; all of which can increase the quotient of natural light entering a residential or commercial building.
At first glance, a plastic skylight is similar in appearance to other types of recessed lighting fixtures. No matter what the decor is in a room you can be certain that a tubular skylight is not going to look out of place. Usually they are much easier to install than other skylights and typically cost much less. Their compact size means that less heat is lost in the winter months and the heat gained during the hot months is also reduced; for this reason they are thought of as being a highly efficient choice.
The main design concept behind tubular skylights is to have a living space which is brightened by diffused sunlight. Indirect light is not so harmful and damaging to people and belongings. For example if sunlight was to enter a room unimpeded it can cause eye strain as well as damage to furnishings. It is possible to pick up a tubular skylight that comes with an integrated electrical light which can be used during the night or when the sky is heavy with cloud.
Most designs of tubular skylights are manufactured with a metal frame and an acrylic lens. The tubes themselves are placed into a dome that is installed into the roof. They also incorporate a reflective sun scoop that directs the light into a metal or plastic tube. The tube uses a reflective coating to bounce the light down and out through a diffuser lens. The diffuser would be located in the room’s interior ceiling.
Though a lot more compact than a conventional form of skylight, tubular designs are able to disperse a high level of light into the room they are placed in. It is claimed that in the dark winter months they can offer the equivalent light output to a seven hundred watt bulb, while in the summer months this is almost doubled. No matter what your requirements, this should be more than sufficient.
The amount a tubular skylight costs is going to depend on its size, as well as quality. The starting price can be as low as a hundred bucks, but expect to pay more than five hundred for the top of the range designs. It is best to steer clear of the cheapest products as they are unlikely to have been made to a high quality.
When choosing an installer, it is wise to do a fair amount of research. Do not choose an installer without doing a background check. If possible, use a firm that has been recommended to you. If the installer has little or no experience you may end up with a skylight that is prone to drafts and leaks.
It is not that difficult for an experienced DIY enthusiast to fit tubular skylights by themselves. With the cost of electricity rising upwards each year it makes perfect sense to take on board practices that can reduce the energy required to heat and cool a home as much as possible. By choosing a sun-dome skylight, you would also discover that the atmosphere becomes less stressful and more productive than if using only artificial lights.
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Tags: Solar Lighting Tubes, Sun-Dome Skylights, Tubular Skylights