As a designer and avid DIYer, I’ve tackled more home renovation projects than I can count. From simple decor changes to full-blown remodels, I’ve learned that one of the most impactful ways to transform a space is by introducing natural light. And when it comes to flooding your home with sunshine, skylights and sun tunnels are hands-down the way to go.
The Skylight Vs. Sun Tunnel Showdown
Now, I know what you’re thinking – aren’t skylights and sun tunnels pretty much the same thing? Well, my friends, there are actually some key differences between the two. Let’s break it down.
Skylights are like windows installed directly into your roof. They let in tons of natural light and allow you to see the beautiful blue sky above. Some even come with the capability to open and close, or have remote-controlled blinds for added flexibility. Skylights can be a real architectural showstopper, adding visual interest to your ceiling.
On the other hand, sun tunnels (also known as tubular skylights) use an acrylic dome mounted on your roof to capture daylight, magnify it, and channel it down a highly reflective aluminum tunnel into the room below. While sun tunnels don’t let you see the sky, they’re an incredibly versatile and cost-effective way to bring natural light into those dark, windowless spaces.
VELUX is one of the leading manufacturers of both skylights and sun tunnels, and they offer a wide range of options to suit any home. I’ve had the pleasure of working with VELUX products in the past, and I can honestly say their quality is unbeatable.
Choosing Between Skylights and Sun Tunnels
When it came time to tackle the lighting woes in our current home, I knew I wanted to go the skylight route again. Unfortunately, the depth of our attic space just didn’t allow for traditional skylights. But that’s where the VELUX sun tunnels came to the rescue!
After a quick consultation with the VELUX Trusted Advisors, we determined that sun tunnels would be the perfect solution for our dark upstairs hallway and bathrooms. And let me tell you, the transformation has been nothing short of magical.
As I shared in a previous post, our upstairs hallway used to be so cave-like and depressing, even with the doors to the rooms open. And our kids’ bathrooms? Forget about it – they were practically pitch black without the lights on.
But all that changed once we had the VELUX sun tunnels installed. I was honestly shocked by the incredible amount of natural light that came flooding in. It was like someone had flipped a switch, transforming the entire upstairs into a bright, airy oasis.
The Sun Tunnel Installation Process
The installation process for the VELUX sun tunnels was surprisingly fast and painless. The team from Southern Roofing Co. (our VELUX Signature Skylight Specialists) was in and out in a day and a half, with minimal disruption to our daily lives.
On the first day, they spent most of their time on the roof and in the attic, carefully cutting the holes and prepping the reflective tubing. Then on the second day, they finished up by installing the domes and cutting through the ceilings. It was amazing to see how quickly the natural light started pouring in as they connected the tubes.
One thing that really put my mind at ease was the weather-tight installation process. The highly adhesive mastic, strategic screw placement, and additional sealant layers ensured that our sun tunnels wouldn’t be prone to leaks – a common concern I’ve heard from others. And of course, VELUX’s “No Leak” technology gave me an extra sense of confidence.
Customizing Your Sun Tunnels
Beyond the incredible influx of natural light, there were a few other features of our VELUX sun tunnels that pleasantly surprised me. For one, you can add a solar night light to each one, which uses the available daylight to charge a hidden battery, providing a soft glow after dark.
And the diffuser options allowed us to customize the appearance and color temperature of the light. The daylight that the sun tunnels capture can sometimes feel a bit too cool and blue, so we opted for a neutral light diffuser to warm things up and give the space a cozier feel.
The Transformative Power of Natural Light
I’ll admit, when we first bought this house, the lack of natural light in the upstairs was a major turnoff. It felt dark, dreary, and honestly a little depressing. But the addition of those four VELUX sun tunnels has completely changed the game.
Now, our hallway and bathrooms are flooded with sunshine, elevating the entire mood and atmosphere of the second floor. It’s like we’re living in a whole new home – one that’s bright, cheerful, and filled with the kind of natural light that makes you just feel good.
And the best part? The cost-effectiveness of sun tunnels compared to traditional skylights. We were able to get all four sun tunnels installed for a fraction of what skylights would have set us back. It’s an investment that has truly transformed our living space in the most wonderful way.
So if you’re dealing with dark, dreary rooms in your home – whether it’s a hallway, bathroom, or any other space – I highly recommend exploring the VELUX sun tunnel option. It’s a game-changer, I promise. Just be ready for that “wow” moment when you see the difference it makes!