Updated on November 15th, 2022 at 11:44 am

If you want to add more natural light to your home without any significant renovations, you may want to consider installing a sun tunnel or a skylight. Both options will enhance the visual appeal of your home and help improve its energy efficiency. Before deciding which option may be a better solution, you should consider the difference between sun tunnel and skylight.

A skylight is a window that mounts directly on the rooftop of a home, allows for sunlight and additional ventilation, and adds a feeling of openness to small spaces and rooms without large windows. A sun tunnel or a tubular skylight extends from the roof through the ceiling, brings natural light into the home’s interior, but it cannot be opened up.

Let’s take a closer look at sun tunnels, skylights, the differences between these two options, as well as the benefits of having them installed in your home.

What is a Sun Tunnel?

Sun tunnels are also known as sun tubes or tubular skylights, and they are perfect for anyone looking to add more natural light to their homes. These tunnels are an excellent solution for hallways, bathrooms, closets, and other spaces that don’t get sunlight. The size of sun tunnels is perfect for small interior spaces.

Sun tubes are very affordable, easy to install, and they require very little space. Also, you can have a light inside the tunnel to replace your existing lighting. Sun tunnels have become very popular when it comes to the construction of “green” buildings or similar eco-friendly architectural projects.

A sun tunnel is a sheet-metal tubing that acts as a mirror and pours natural sunlight from the roof into an interior room. While the sunlight is channeled along the length of the tunnel, its warmth and intensity are preserved. The outside portion of the sun tube is visible on the roof and protected by a weather-proof dome. The dome gathers the sunlight and moves it through the tube. The tube has a diffuser at the end, which is located in the ceiling of the room and spreads the sunlight into the room.

Sun tunnels are an excellent solution for interior spaces that lack natural light and can even be used with solar night lights. They help minimize heat gain during warm summer months and heat loss in the winter. However, the downsides of sun tunnels are that they don’t provide a view of the sky, and can’t be opened up, which means they don’t allow ventilation.

What is a Skylight?

Skylights are windows designed to be installed in the roof instead of a wall, and they provide a large amount of natural light during the day. The sunlight comes straight down into a home through the glass. Skylights also provide additional ventilation when opened and offer a full, unobstructed view of the sky. They work well for most homes, and they are especially perfect for rooms without large windows. Skylights will add a feeling of more openness to any indoor space.

Skylights are available in different styles and materials, and the design options are very flexible. Thanks to a wide variety of options, it is easy to get an energy-efficient, no-leak skylight that fits the style of any home. Energy efficiency can be improved even more by using manually or electrically operated solar blinds.

Having a skylight installed can help minimize heating, cooling, and lighting costs. Also, it adds a sense of spaciousness to any home while allowing fresh air in. Although they may be a bit expensive initially, they will pay for themselves in a year or two. Skylights reduce the use of artificial lighting, which allows homeowners to save money on electric bills. The downside is that their installation requires a certain amount of space.

What are the Differences Between Sun Tunnels and Skylights?

Sun tunnels and skylights have the same purpose – to add natural light into your home. However, there are certain differences between these two options.

Skylights are mounted on the rooftop, and they allow for sunlight and additional ventilation since they can be opened and closed. Sun tunnels extend from the roof through the ceiling, and they bring natural light, but they don’t let the fresh air in.

Skylights make the rooms look more spacious and provide an unobstructed view of the sky. On the other hand, sun tunnels don’t give a sky view and don’t add to the openness of interior spaces.
Skylights are the best option for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, or any room that doesn’t have a window. Sun tunnels are a better solution for smaller spaces, such as hallways, bathrooms, closets, and other spaces where it’s not possible to use a window.

Finally, skylights are more complicated to install and require a certain amount of space. Sun tunnels are very easy to install and need very little space.

Benefits of Getting a Sun Tunnel or a Skylight

If you are thinking about having a sun tunnel or a skylight installed in your home, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• More natural sunlight – Natural sunlight is very beneficial to your well-being. It prevents vitamin D and B deficiencies, seasonal depression, and makes you feel more energetic. On the other hand, the lack of natural lighting can cause eye fatigue and headaches.
• Improved energy efficiency – Skylights and sun tunnels reduce the use of artificial lighting and help reduce heating and cooling bills.
• Aesthetic appeal – Bringing more natural light into your home provides enhanced warmth and color and adds to the visual appeal of your indoor space.

No matter whether you choose a skylight or a sun tunnel, you will enjoy the benefits that these options provide. If you have more roofing questions don’t hesitate to contact the offices of The Roof Replacement Pros.