Installing Solatube Skylights: Your Questions Answered

So, you have made the decision to install Solatube skylights at your property, and you are ready to start enjoying all the benefits they bring – more natural light, improved energy efficiency, and a fresher atmosphere in your space. But first, you need to make it through the installation process, and you probably have some questions about how that’s going to work, such as:

  • Can Solatube skylights be installed on my roof?
  • How long does it take to install Solatube skylights?
  • Who is the best person to install Solatube skylights?

Fortunately, you have come to the right place. We have got the answers to these questions and more right here. So, let’s dive in.

Can a Solatube daylighting system be installed on my roof?

The short and simple answer to this question is yes. Our skylights are compatible with almost all roof types. Make sure you speak to your local Solatube dealer to ensure you pick out the perfect product for your home or business, though!

How long does it typically take to install Solatube skylights?

Solatube skylights come with factory-assembled parts that are designed to make the installation process both quick and easy. Generally speaking, our residential skylights can be installed on a standard shingle asphalt roof in less than two hours.

If your property’s roof is made from a different material, such as tile, metal, or slate, it might take a bit longer – but it should still be a relatively fast process.

It can be a little trickier to estimate the length of time it will take to add a skylight to a commercial roof – since factors like job site conditions and model configurations may have a significant effect on the timeline. We recommend speaking to a Solatube daylighting expert if you would like more information on the approximate length of your company’s project.

Who is the best person to install Solatube’s skylights?

If you would like to install a Solatube daylighting system in your home, it is generally best to hire a Solatube Premier Dealer to carry out the work. They are licensed, bonded, and factory-trained on Solatube products – so they know how to deliver outstanding results.

If you plan to add one of our daylighting systems to your commercial premises, we recommend working with a Solatube International Commercial Distributor. They know our products inside and out, so they’ll be able to offer you design assistance and installation advice. They’ll even coordinate with a general contractor on your behalf if necessary.

Will my installer take steps to reduce the potential for moisture buildup in my skylight?

 Yes. If you work with a Solatube-certified installer, they will employ a broad range of techniques to lower the risk of condensation forming in your skylight, including:

  • Cutting round holes in your roof instead of square ones. This reduces the flow of warm, moist air into the flashing or curb cavity.
  • Installing a flashing insulator or curb insulator to reduce the amount of warm air from the interior of the building that contacts the product.
  • Sealing the area where the tubing comes through the roof deck with expanding foam to lower the chances of warm, moist air making contact with the flashing or curb cavity.
  • Wrapping the tubing in foil-faced insulation if installing the skylight in an area that has an extremely cold climate.
  • Installing a dome seal if the model you are installing calls for it.

When these techniques are properly implemented by a Solatube-certified installer, the risk of having moisture build up in your skylight becomes close to zero.

Will I need to maintain my Solatube skylights after they have been installed?

Whether or not you will need to perform any ongoing maintenance on your Solatube product will depend on the type of skylight you have installed at your property.

Generally speaking, the Solatube daylighting system does not require any ongoing maintenance work. That is because our tubular skylights don’t feature any moving parts and feature seals that are designed to prevent dirt and pest infiltration.

If, on the other hand, you install a traditional skylight at your home or business, you will probably need to get it cleaned and inspected periodically.

How can I start the installation process?

If everything you have read so far sounds good, and you are ready to add a Solatube skylight to your property, get in touch with a Solatube dealer in your area today! They will walk you through your options and help you get the ball rolling on the installation process as soon as possible.

Published on: October 29, 2024