Anyone have any comments/experience with Velux Sun Tunnels or related products?
Does anyone have any comments or reviews of Velux Sun Tunnels or any other ‘tube’ skylights? I’m in the process of framing in openings for 3 Velux skylights before I reroof in a month (it will be a complete tear-off on a very old house with skip sheathing, and we’re adding new plywood sheathing). Looking at one room in particular (dining room) that won’t be getting a skylight, I’m thinking it could benefit from more natural light. So, I thought giving some tube skylights a consideration for this room, although not sure how I’ll make it work designwise. I’m very familiar with Velux skylights, I’ve worked with them a lot, so just wondering if someone out there has some tube skylight experience they could share. Thanks very much!
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Light from sun tunnel..
I've had them installed in many of my projects. Mostly in bathrooms, dressing rooms, hallways, utility rooms. The color of the light is very cool - has a very 'blue' hue - surprisingly not very appealing for things like food. Also, it's like having a single light fixture on in the room. I've use it in dark areas that could use some utilitarian light and eliminate the need to switch on a light fixture. They've worked great in hallways and utility rooms without a window.
I don't know if anyone's done an energy comparison with the advent of LED's, but my educated guess is that there's much more heat loss/gain out of these 24 hours a day than turning on an off LED fixtures as needed.
I personally would not use one in a living space...I don't like the quality of the light and having no control...and they're expensive..and like any other roof penetration, they can leak water and energy....My advice to you would be to spend your money on a good lighting plan for the dining room instead.