King Roof Care offers skylight installation for homes in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond, WA, and a Google reviewer mentions the crew installing a Sola tube. A solar tube skylight is a small roof-mounted dome that sends daylight down a reflective tube to a ceiling diffuser. Request a free assessment so King Roof Care can confirm which tubular unit suits your roof and room.
What a Solar Tube Skylight Is and How It Compares to a Traditional Skylight
A solar tube skylight, also called a tubular skylight or sun tunnel, has three main parts. A clear dome sits on the roof. A reflective tube runs through the attic. A diffuser lens is mounted flush with the ceiling below.
| Factor | Solar tube skylight | Traditional skylight |
|---|---|---|
| View of the sky | No view; light only | Clear view through the glass |
| Roof opening | Smaller opening in most designs | Larger framed opening |
| Interior work | Tube runs through the attic to a ceiling diffuser | Usually needs a framed and finished light shaft |
| Ventilation | Fixed in most designs; some products pair with a fan | Venting models are available |
| Best fit | Hallways, closets, bathrooms and smaller rooms | Living areas where a view of the sky matters |
| Main leak point | Flashing around the dome | Flashing and curb around the frame |
Solar Tube Skylight Installation with King Roof Care
King Roof Care lists skylight installation among its core services, alongside roof repair, roof replacement, roof inspection, storm damage repair and gutter work. The service area includes Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond, WA. You can read more about framed units on the skylight installation service page.
Choosing the Right Solar Tube Skylight for the Room
Solar tube skylight sizing depends on the room, the product and the roof above it. Manufacturers publish their own size options and coverage guidance. Check the guide for the exact product before ordering, rather than relying on a general rule.
- Hallways and stairwells: a single tube can often brighten a narrow space with no window
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms: ask whether a fan add-on is offered for the chosen product
- Closets and pantries: a smaller unit may be enough; confirm with the manufacturer guide
- Kitchens and larger rooms: more than one tube, or a traditional skylight, may be worth comparing
Solar Tube Skylight Cost in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond
Solar tube skylight cost has no sourced figure on this page. No national planning range or company price for tubular skylights was available. Any number given here would be a guess, so this section explains what drives the price instead.
- Product and tube size chosen, plus any diffuser upgrade or add-on
- Roof material, since shingle, shake, metal and PVC roofs need different flashing details
- Roof pitch and how easy the roof is to access safely
- Attic length and obstructions between the roof and the ceiling
- Ceiling type and whether the diffuser opening needs patching or paint touch-up
- Number of tubes in the same visit
- Any roof repair found near the planned opening
Solar Tube Leaks, Condensation and Roof Fit
Solar tube skylight leaks most often trace back to how the dome was flashed into the roof, not to the tube itself. The flashing must suit the roofing material and be layered so water sheds over it, not under it.
How a Solar Tube Skylight Project Typically Moves
A solar tube skylight project usually follows a predictable order. The sequence below is general guidance for tubular installs, not a fixed King Roof Care schedule. Your written estimate sets the actual scope and timing.
- Assessment: pick the room, check the roof above it and look at the attic path
- Product choice: select the unit, tube size, diffuser and any add-ons
- Written estimate: review scope, materials and flashing method before approving
- Room prep: clear the floor under the ceiling opening and cover nearby furniture
- Roof work: cut the opening, set the dome and install flashing to suit the roofing
- Attic work: run and secure the tube between the roof and ceiling openings
- Ceiling work: cut the ceiling opening and mount the diffuser
- Cleanup and walkthrough: check the diffuser, the attic run and the roof flashing
Solar Tube Skylight Checklist: Questions to Ask and Mistakes to Avoid
Solar tube skylight estimates are easier to compare when every quote answers the same questions. Use the list below when you talk with King Roof Care or anyone else.
- Which tubular product and size is quoted, and why does it suit this room?
- How will the dome be flashed into my roofing material?
- Is any roof repair needed around the opening, and is it priced separately?
- What diffuser options are available for this product?
- Are add-ons such as a light kit or fan compatible with this unit?
- What does the written estimate include for ceiling patching and cleanup?
- Who confirms permit needs with the city before work starts?
Frequently asked questions
What are solar tubes in a house?
Solar tubes in a house are tubular skylights that bring daylight into a room without a full window. A small dome on the roof collects light, a reflective tube carries it through the attic, and a diffuser in the ceiling spreads it into the room. They are often chosen for hallways, bathrooms and closets.
Are there standard sizes for skylights?
Standard skylight sizes are set by each manufacturer, not by one universal chart. That applies to both traditional skylights and solar tubes. Check the sizing guide for the exact product before ordering, and ask King Roof Care to confirm the fit for your roof and room during the free assessment.
How much does it cost to install a sun tunnel skylight?
The cost to install a sun tunnel skylight has no sourced figure on this page. No national planning range or company price for tubular skylights was available. Price depends on the product, roof material, roof access, attic path and ceiling finish. King Roof Care provides a free assessment and a written estimate with exact scope and materials before work starts.