When it comes to adding natural light to your home in Orleans, the two most popular solutions are VELUX SUN TUNNEL® skylights and traditional skylights. Both options can brighten your living space, reduce your reliance on artificial lighting, and enhance your home’s overall appeal. However, they each serve different needs and offer distinct benefits. So, which one is right for your home? Let’s compare them in detail.
1. Design and Functionality
VELUX SUN TUNNEL® Skylights
SUN TUNNEL® skylights are designed to capture sunlight from the roof and channel it through a highly reflective tunnel, delivering bright natural light to spaces that are hard to reach with a standard skylight. They are perfect for areas like hallways, bathrooms, closets, and stairwells.
- Ideal for tight spaces with limited roof access.
- Flexible or rigid tunnels available to suit your layout.
- Minimal roof and ceiling modifications required.
Traditional Skylights
Traditional skylights are larger window-like openings installed on the roof to provide direct overhead light. They can dramatically open up rooms, offer sky views, and even be vented for airflow.
- Great for larger rooms like kitchens, living rooms, or bedrooms.
- Can be fixed or vented for additional ventilation.
- Requires more extensive structural adjustments during installation.
2. Installation Complexity
- VELUX SUN TUNNEL® skylights are typically quicker and easier to install, often requiring less time and fewer structural modifications. This makes them a cost-effective choice for Orleans homeowners who want minimal disruption.
- Traditional skylights, on the other hand, may involve more complex framing, drywall work, and sometimes electrical adjustments for blinds or ventilation.
3. Cost Considerations
- SUN TUNNEL® skylights are generally more affordable due to their smaller size and simpler installation. They are an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget who still want to enjoy natural daylight.
- Traditional skylights tend to cost more because of the larger glass panels, more intricate installation, and potential customizations (such as remote-controlled blinds or venting options).
4. Energy Efficiency
Both VELUX SUN TUNNEL® and traditional skylights are designed to be energy efficient, but they perform differently:
- SUN TUNNEL® skylights offer controlled daylighting with minimal heat gain or loss, making them an energy-friendly choice for spaces that don’t require constant light control.
- Traditional skylights can provide more heat gain in the winter but may also require blinds or shades in the summer to manage excess heat and glare.
5. Best Locations in Orleans Homes
- SUN TUNNEL® skylights: Bathrooms, hallways, staircases, walk-in closets, and kitchens with limited roof access.
- Traditional skylights: Living rooms, master bedrooms, open-plan kitchens, and dining areas where expansive natural light and sky views are desired.
6. Why Choose Sunrise Skylights for Orleans?
At Sunrise Skylights, we specialize in professional installation of VELUX SUN TUNNEL® and skylights across Orleans, Rockland, Ottawa, Kanata, Carleton Place, Barrhaven, and Nepean. Our team will help you assess your home, determine the most effective lighting solution, and ensure a seamless installation with minimal disruption.
Whether you want the subtle brilliance of a SUN TUNNEL® skylight or the dramatic effect of a traditional skylight, our expertise guarantees a result that enhances both your home’s aesthetics and energy efficiency.
