Australia’s sunny climate makes natural light a key consideration in architectural design. Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, improving natural light will enhance living spaces, reduce energy costs, improve aesthetics and improve your wellbeing. Skylights are a perfect addition for any new build or renovation to provide natural lighting solutions which enhance and add value to the outcome. When considering options of choosing between modern tubular skylights and roof window skylights, is one option better than the other?
What Are Tubular Skylights?
Tubular skylights are round skylights installed on the roof of a home or building, designed primarily to bring sunlight directly into interior spaces via a dedicated tubular light shaft which can be flexible or rigid. Available with various tube sizes, round to square or rectangular options and many other accessories, tubular skylights can really enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room, create an open atmosphere, and contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
Skylights, whether fixed roof window skylights or modern tubular skylights like Sky Tunnel, can be installed on many types of roofs offering direct overhead lighting that brightens up interior spaces efficiently. However, the performance of each style of skylight is bound by the parameters from within which it must operate. The raw materials and design features, orientation on the roof, length of light shaft and importantly the quality of the installation will all impact upon the performance of the skylight. o
About Roof Window Skylights
Roof window Skylights are advanced window solutions designed to be installed within the roof structure. Unlike modern tubular skylights, these skylights function more like standard wall windows, when the sun strikes the glazing directly it can provide both natural light and fresh air if openable. Openable skylights are perfect for any area of a building where additional light and ventilation is needed. Roof window skylights can be installed individually or in a row of two or more depending upon budget and roof structure restrictions.
Key Features:
- Superior ventilation – can be opened to improve air circulation.
- Views to the sky – offers a clear, unobstructed view of the sky and surroundings.
- Variety of opening mechanisms – manual, electric, solar, top hinged, centre pivot, or remote-controlled options.
- High energy efficiency – most models provide double glazing for better thermal performance and result in less reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems.
- Roof window skylights also provide that “wow” factor but at a cost.
Stylish modern aesthetic roof window skylights can be fixed, manual opening, electric or solar opening capabilities with blind options to suit your needs and budget.
About Modern Tubular Skylights
Modern tubular skylights have enhanced technology within the raw materials used and their design. Improved light capture at the roof, various dome options, single or double glazed dome options, flexible and rigid light shaft options, single or double glazed ceiling diffuser options as well as various diffuser material options.
Key Features:
- Acrylic or glass domes – single or double glazed if desired
- 86% reflective flexi tube or 98% reflective rigid tube providing direct light transfer to the interior of the building.
- Single glazed or double glazed ceiling parts to reduce any heat impact and provide better light diffusion/transfer throughout the area below.
- Mechanical light control options available.
- Passive or mechanical ventilation options available.
- Round to square or rectangle ceiling options are available.
- LED Lighting options can also be incorporated.
Modern tubular skylights provide many options as well as the opportunity to direct and spread daylight to the area below. Tubular skylights make it easy to brighten up multiple gloomy or dark areas within a building or home by directing the light to specific areas required.
Comparing Modern Tubular Skylights and Roof Window Skylights
Functionality and Ventilation
One of the biggest differences between modern tubular skylights and roof window skylights is ventilation. Many skylights are fixed and provide only daylight without the ability to provide ventilation. While ventilation is available on modern tubular skylights, they can’t offer the same volume of ventilation provided by roof window skylights. Atlite, Keylite and Velux roof window skylights on the other hand, all provide superior ventilation options, helping to reduce condensation, maintain indoor air quality and keep your home cooler in warmer months.
Installation and Design Flexibility
Skylights offer a simple and effective way to bring in natural light, however their placement is typically limited to roof structure and services confined within the roof space. Roof window skylights are a much more difficult installation but can provide an amazing outcome once installed. Roof window skylights also allow homeowners to integrate large areas of natural lighting into their living spaces in a way that complements architectural aesthetics.
Modern tubular skylights provide flexibility and ease of installation across multiple areas within a building or home to enhance natural light where required. Multiple tubular skylights may be installed for the cost of one roof window skylight.
Cost Considerations
Cost may be a factor when choosing the type of skylight to be installed. Modern tubular skylights tend to be more affordable upfront than roof window skylights. However, if you want that “wow” factor then roof window skylights are what you are looking for.
Roof window skylights such as reputable brands like Velux, Atlite and Keylite are more expensive however, they offer long-term value through excellent thermal performance, durability and ventilation. If you’re planning a home renovation in Perth, investing in roof window skylights can enhance both functionality and property value.
Which option is right for you?
The choice between modern tubular skylights and roof window skylights all comes down to your specific needs, budget and home design.
You might choose tubular skylights if:
- You need a cost-effective way to bring natural light to specific areas of a building or home.
- Ventilation is not a major concern
- You need natural light in multiple areas of the home or building.
- The installation may have restrictions within the roof space which will be best serviced by a tubular skylight to direct light into specific areas in the home or building.
You may prefer roof window skylights if:
- You want both natural light and ventilation.
- You’re converting a roof attic or loft space which has limited possibilities for tubular skylight installation, and you want to maximise light within the space.
- Energy efficiency and insulation are top priorities.
- You’re looking for a premium solution with excellent design flexibility which may incorporate multiple skylights side by side.
- You want to create a “wow” factor within the area as well as providing light.
No matter which option you choose, ensuring a professional installation by using Skylight Accredited Installers as well as skylights made from high quality materials will guarantee the best results for your installation. If you’re planning a renovation or a new build, consult with Calidad Industries today, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help you find the perfect daylighting solution for your space.
For over 30 years we have been helping Australian homes and businesses with innovative natural lighting and ventilation solutions. For roof window skylights and tubular skylights Perth’s Calidad Industries is your trusted choice – Call 08 9302 6622 or visit www.calidad.net.au to find out more.
