Square skylight on the ceiling.

Investing in new skylights for your home is a great way to add natural lighting while reducing energy costs and waste. One type of skylight alternative for those who are in the market for a new roof light is a tubular skylight.

Tube Skylight Installation Vs. Fixed Skylight Installation

Ceiling window vs skylight.
Vivid Skylights offer premium quality skylights in four standard sizes.

Understanding the difference between a tube skylight installation and a fixed skylight installation is highly advisable for any homeowner in the market for roof windows or skylight fixtures of any kind.

With a tube skylight installation, you will need a roof slope that is between 15 and 60 degrees, as the tubes themselves will not work with roofs outside of this slope range.

A fixed skylight installation may be a bit more flexible in terms of roof materials that are acceptable as well as slopes that can be worked with during an installation. For tubular skylights, you may require an asphalt roof, although it is possible to install a tube skylight on metal or tile roofs with the proper flashing adaptors in place.

Should You Install a Tube Skylight or a Skylight?

Deciding between a tube skylight or a traditional skylight greatly depends on your home’s setup and layout as well as your own needs when it comes to adding natural lighting to a space in your home.

Light Comparison Between a Skylight and a Tube Skylight

Choosing the type of skylight that is right for your home depends on your goals as well as the amount of light you want to bring into a specific room or space. With a light tube skylight, you will receive less light overall compared to traditional skylights and fixed skylights, as tubular solutions typically require less space to complete the installation itself. If you are interested in adding natural light, but no heat or additional ventilation, a tubular skylight may be optimal for you.

What are the Disadvantages of a Skylight Tube?

Investing in a skylight tube solution works for some individuals who have less space to work with or for those who are searching for a simple solution for natural light, but not energy efficiency. Some of the disadvantages of choosing a skylight tubular design over a standard or square skylight for your roof include:

  • You do not have a full view of the sky with a tubular skylight, as it is enclosed and requires a much smaller space.
  • Not possible to dim lights unless you have a system installed and in place for dimming.
  • Unable to open tubular skylights.
  • If flashing is damaged, roof leaks may occur.

How Much Does a Tube Skylight Cost? Is it Worth it?

Comparing the tube skylight cost with a traditional skylight is highly recommended whenever you are in the market for skylights or roof windows. On average, a tubular skylight can cost anywhere from $450 to more than $750 each, similar to standard fixed and square skylights.
It is also important to note that the standard cost of a tube skylight does not include tube skylight installation, which will cost more based on the materials and labor involved in completing the job.

The Advantages of Installing a Skylight

A skylight installed in the bathroom.
Vivid Skylights operable skylights are perfect additions for areas that need ventilation such as kitchens and washrooms.

Installing a skylight doesn’t just look nice. In fact, it offers plenty of advantages to homeowners and even future prospective buyers. Some advantages of installing a skylight in any area of your home include:

  • Adding a natural source of light that is otherwise unattainable
  • Minimizing dampness and wetness in dark or enclosed areas such as bathrooms and/or shower areas
  • Reduce the need to use electricity by adding more natural lighting throughout your home
  • Minimize energy waste
  • Reduce your carbon footprint as well as the overall carbon footprint of your household
  • Improve the overall curb appeal of your home, especially with modern skylight designs
  • Increase the value of your home, especially as homebuyers gravitate towards sustainable living and environmentally-friendly fixtures and home features
  • Enjoy a more eco-friendly and sustainable way of life

Investing in a skylight for your home is one of the best ways to add value to your property while optimizing energy usage and minimizing electricity waste. Whether you choose to install a tubular skylight or a traditional and fixed skylight, the results will still deliver the lighting and sustainable benefits you have in mind.