A VELUX sun tunnel skylight is a tubular skylight. A small roof dome sends daylight down a reflective tube to a ceiling diffuser, lighting hallways, closets and bathrooms without a full skylight opening. King Roof Care installs skylights in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond, WA. During your free assessment, ask whether a VELUX unit or another brand suits your roof and attic.
How a VELUX Sun Tunnel Skylight Works
A VELUX sun tunnel skylight, also called a sun tunnel tubular skylight, a light tube or a solar daylight tube, has three main parts. A weather-sealed dome sits on the roof. A tube with a reflective lining carries light through the attic. A diffuser in the ceiling spreads that light across the room below.
Where a Sun Tunnel Tubular Skylight Fits in a Home
A sun tunnel tubular skylight suits rooms that need daylight but have no practical way to add a window or a full skylight. Placement depends on what sits between the roof and the ceiling, such as rafters, ducts, wiring and attic insulation. A site visit settles placement better than a floor plan does.
- Hallways and interior corridors that stay dim during the day
- Staircases, where daylight can make steps easier to see
- Walk-in closets, where daylight helps you tell colors apart
- Bathrooms that need light but also privacy
- Laundry rooms, pantries and other small interior spaces
- Rooms under a roof section where a full skylight opening would be hard to frame
Sun Tunnel vs. Traditional Skylight: Decision Table
A sun tunnel and a traditional skylight solve different problems, and King Roof Care's skylight installation service can cover either path. The table below compares the two in general terms. Product details vary by manufacturer and model, so check the published specifications for the units you are comparing.
- Choose a sun tunnel when the goal is daylight in a small or interior room with little ceiling work.
- Choose a traditional skylight when you want a view of the sky, a larger lit area or a unit that opens.
- Ask for both options in the written estimate if you are unsure, so the scopes can be compared side by side.
| Factor | Sun tunnel (tubular skylight) | Traditional skylight |
|---|---|---|
| Roof opening | Small, sized to the tube | Larger, sized to the skylight frame |
| Ceiling work | Small round opening for the diffuser | Often a framed and finished light shaft |
| View of the sky | No; the diffuser spreads soft light | Yes, through clear glazing |
| Privacy | High; the diffuser obscures the view | Depends on glazing and shades |
| Room fit | Hallways, closets, bathrooms, small spaces | Living areas, kitchens, rooms near the roofline |
| Path through the attic | Tube can route around some obstacles | Shaft generally runs more directly to the ceiling |
| Opening for air | Generally not; check the model | Some models open; check the model |
Rigid vs. Flexible Tubes, Roof Types and Installation Considerations
Sun tunnel skylights are generally sold with either a rigid tube or a flexible tube. The choice comes down to the attic layout. A straight, open path from roof to ceiling allows a rigid run. A path that has to bend around framing, ducts or wiring may need a flexible or angled section.
How a Sun Tunnel Skylight Is Installed: General Sequence
A sun tunnel skylight installation generally follows the order below. Treat it as general guidance only. Each manufacturer publishes its own instructions, and the exact scope for your home belongs in a written estimate.
- Confirm the diffuser location in the ceiling and check the attic above it for framing, wiring and ducts.
- Plan the tube path and choose rigid, flexible or angled sections to fit that path.
- Mark and cut the roof opening, then set the flashing and dome so the flashing laps correctly with the roofing.
- Cut the ceiling opening and install the diffuser ring.
- Connect the tube between the roof and ceiling parts and seal the joints as the manufacturer directs.
- Restore the attic insulation around the tube, then check the roof flashing and the interior finish.
What to Ask and Compare in a Sun Tunnel Skylight Estimate
A sun tunnel skylight estimate is easier to compare when each quote answers the same questions. Bring the list below to every bid so you are not comparing a full scope with a partial one.
- Which brand and model is quoted, and is it a VELUX sun tunnel or another tubular skylight?
- Is the tube rigid, flexible or a mix, and how long is the run?
- Which flashing kit is used, and does it match your roof material and pitch?
- Does the scope include the ceiling diffuser, interior trim and patching around the opening?
- How is attic insulation handled around the tube?
- Does the price include removing an old tube or skylight, if you have one?
- Was the surrounding roof checked, and are any repairs recommended before cutting?
- What written manufacturer and workmanship terms apply, and who handles a leak afterward?
Mistakes That Cause Rework, and How to Prepare Your Home
Sun tunnel skylight rework usually traces back to planning, not to the product. The mistakes below are common sources of callbacks on any roof penetration.
- Placing the diffuser by floor plan alone, then finding a rafter, duct or wire in the way
- Choosing a tube type the attic path cannot accommodate
- Using a flashing kit that does not match the roof material
- Cutting into a roof section that will soon need replacement
- Disturbing attic insulation and not restoring it around the tube
- Skipping a check of nearby shingles and flashing that were already worn
King Roof Care Skylight Installation in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond
King Roof Care is a locally owned and operated roofing contractor with an office at 11400 NE 132nd St, Kirkland, WA 98034. The company offers skylight installation along with roof repair, replacement, inspection and storm damage repair. It is a registered Washington construction contractor under L&I registration KINGRRC782QA, which you can verify at lni.wa.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Are VELUX sun tunnels any good?
VELUX sun tunnels can be a good choice when a hallway, closet, bathroom or other small room needs daylight and a full skylight is not practical. Results depend on placement, the tube path through the attic and correct flashing for your roof, so a site assessment matters as much as the brand.
How much does a VELUX sun tunnel cost?
The cost of a VELUX sun tunnel depends on the model, the tube type and length, the roof material and the attic access, so no single figure applies to every home. King Roof Care provides a free assessment and a written estimate with the exact scope and materials before any work starts.
What is the typical cost of a sun tunnel skylight?
The typical cost of a sun tunnel skylight varies with the product, the length and type of tube, the flashing needed for your roof and any ceiling or insulation work. Comparing written estimates that list the same items is the most reliable way to judge price.
Which sun tunnel is better, VELUX or Solatube?
Neither VELUX nor Solatube is the better sun tunnel for every home. The right choice depends on your roof type, the attic path and the room you want to light. Compare each manufacturer's published specifications and written terms for the models quoted, and ask the installer which one fits your roof.
How to install a sun tunnel skylight?
Installing a sun tunnel skylight generally means locating the diffuser, planning the tube path, cutting and flashing the roof opening, cutting the ceiling opening, connecting and sealing the tube, and restoring attic insulation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and because the work involves roof cutting at height, consider a professional roofer.