If you are thinking of adding a natural daylighting option to your home, know the differences between skylights and sun tunnels. A skylight is a waterproof window that mounts directly on the roof to allow for large amounts of natural light and ventilation. In recent years, skylights have been engineered to be more energy-efficient with new glazes and solar blinds to control heat gain in the summer months.
A sun tunnel, or tubular skylight, features a flexible reflective tube that can be bent around attic obstructions to deliver light to areas of a home that cannot utilize standard windows and skylights. From the exterior, sun tunnels look like small domes and are an ideal solution for lighting bathrooms, closets and kitchens. Due to their size, sun tunnels also minimize heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.