How to Choose Between Skylights and Solar Tubes

Velux Skylights

Whether you are shopping for a roofing contractor to improve the energy efficiency of a condominium you own, or remodeling your San Francisco Bay home, you’d love to gain more natural sunlight indoors. Some research suggests that the vast majority of Americans are Vitamin D deficient – meaning they don’t get enough safe sun exposure. This lack of natural light can lead to depression, immune system problems, and increased cancer risk.

This short primer will help you understand how to remodel and upgrade your roof to enjoy more Golden State sunlight. At Ben’s Roofing, we leverage different technologies to ensure better light transmittance and energy efficiency. Two skylight companies we love to install include Solatube and Velux. Let’s examine the specs on a couple of their systems.

Solatube Daylighting Systems

Solatube Daylighting Systems offer diverse solutions to pipe in natural sunlight easily. The equipment is simple to install (thanks to a special telescoping system) and offers excellent protection against leaks. Solatube daylighting products are compatible with a diverse range of roofing materials, including slate, tile and shingles, and the systems are low maintenance.

Velux skylights offer a larger amount of sunlight to transfer through the space. Studies show that residents can actually turn off artificial lights up to 80 percent of the time and that skylight installation typically pays for itself within two years or less. A normal commercial building — even one with “good natural lighting” — may use artificial lighting for 40 percent or more of energy needs. With Velux skylights installed, you can dramatically reduce consumption of electricity for lighting, without creating glare (thanks to Velux’s 100% haze factor) or losing much heat or A/C through thermal conduction.

Contact Ben’s Roofing With Questions About Skylight Installation

For help understanding whether Solatube Daylighting Solar Tubes or Velux Skylights are right for your daylighting initiative, contact the Ben’s Roofing team today at 510-690-8570. Whether you need residential roofing services or just want to discuss the benefits of a skylight installation, we are here to help.