A skylight can be an amazing addition to your home. But sun tunnels are also an option you should consider. To help you decide which model is best for you, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of both skylights and sun tunnels. So you can get the best skylight in Downriver Michigan for your home.

Choosing Between A Skylight and A Sky Tunnel in Downriver Michigan

Adding a skylight to your home is a great way to add natural light. During the colder months it’s a great way to add the warmth of natural light to your home and during the summer months having that natural light for many hours of the day is great. Skylights can help add curb appeal to your home as well as cut down on energy costs. They can make a great addition but sometimes homeowners get confused at the options that are available. We’ll take a closer look at two of the more popular style of skylights below to help you decide.

Skylights

A skylight is essentially a window that can be placed in your home’s roof to allow sunlight to get in. Because of the window design, you can choose between a range of styles and sizes to fit your needs. This means you can have a square, rectangle, circle, hexagon or other custom shapes, while also deciding how much light you want to let in. Skylights can also be shaped in acrylic domes or pyramids if the flat design isn’t for you. The glass in the skylight can be coated or tinted, even providing a stained-glass art piece on your ceiling.

In addition to the customization in appearance, you can also utilize many energy efficient features available for windows. Double or triple pane windows, gas fillings, low-e coatings and solar blinds can all be used to help lower your monthly energy bills. You can also choose between a functioning and non-functioning skylight, meaning you can either open it to allow air in, or leave it as purely a picture window.

Advantages

• Lots of style options
• Energy efficiency features
• Can be opened for ventilation
• Wide range of sizes
• Greater customization
• Adds value to your home

Disadvantages

• Requires you to cut into your roof
• Needs regular maintenance
• Can lead to leaks
• May not work in the space you want
• Can become very costly

Sun Tunnels or a Solar Tube

Sun tunnels are not as well known as skylights, but are also an option you should consider. Also known as a tubular skylight, sun tunnels allow light to come into your home, while avoiding more difficult installation. Rather than installing a flat window, you create a circular opening in your roof that is then covered in a clear dome. Metal sheeting will be installed down the opening to help transfer the light down into your home.

This is ideal for those who want to have more light in your home, but have an attic that blocks the way of light getting through from your roof. Sun tunnels provide a very clean look to the interior of your home, and minimal chance of leaking. You can also navigate obstacles more easily, making it ideal for those who want the light in a certain spot, but your roof may not allow a straight link. Tubing can be curved and lengthened, without losing any of the actual light the dome takes in.

Advantages

• Perfect for any type of home or area
• Can add light to any space
• Easy to install
• Energy efficient
• Weather proof
• Much more affordable
• No UV ray exposure
• Won’t impact your home’s temperature

Disadvantages

• Cannot be opened for ventilation
• Cannot customize the shape or brightness
• No view outside

Talk with a Contractor

For some homes the options may be limited due to design constraints. It’s always best to talk with a qualified home improvement contractor about your skylight project. They can help to determine the best placement for the skylight as well as give you pricing estimates for the skylight you want. One of the best home improvement contractors in Downriver Michigan that can do this for you is All Point Construction. Be sure to give them a call today at 734-407-7110 to speak with one of their representatives about your home improvement project.