When it comes to bringing natural light into your Ottawa-area home, two of the most popular options are traditional skylights and VELUX SUN TUNNEL® skylights. Both options can brighten your living spaces, but each serves a different purpose depending on your room layout, lighting needs, and home design. At Sunrise Skylights, we’ve installed both skylights and SUN TUNNEL® systems throughout Kanata, Orléans, Rockland, Barrhaven, Nepean, and Carleton Place, and we know how to help families make the right choice.
What Is the Difference Between a Skylight and a SUN TUNNEL®?
Skylights
A skylight is essentially a window in your roof, allowing direct daylight to flood your space. VELUX skylights come in a variety of sizes and styles—fixed, manual, or solar-powered venting skylights—and are ideal for larger rooms like living rooms, kitchens, or master bedrooms where you want both light and a view of the sky.
SUN TUNNEL® Skylights
A VELUX SUN TUNNEL® skylight, on the other hand, is designed for areas where a traditional skylight may not be practical. It uses a highly reflective tube to channel daylight from your roof into tight or windowless spaces—think hallways, closets, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
When to Choose a Skylight
- You want a view of the sky or trees – Perfect for rooms with cathedral ceilings or open-concept living areas.
- Larger spaces need abundant daylight – Skylights can dramatically increase brightness in big rooms.
- Ventilation matters – Venting skylights help with airflow and moisture control, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Homeowners in Kanata, Orléans, and Barrhaven often choose skylights for main living areas where natural light is a major design feature.
When to Choose a SUN TUNNEL®
- Tight or enclosed spaces – Hallways, pantries, stairwells, and walk-in closets benefit greatly.
- Cost-effective solution – SUN TUNNEL® skylights are more affordable to install than traditional skylights.
- Minimal structural impact – Requires a smaller opening and works well where a roof truss might block skylight placement.
In Rockland, Carleton Place, and Nepean, we often recommend SUN TUNNEL® installations for older homes where adding a full skylight may be difficult.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Both VELUX skylights and SUN TUNNEL® skylights are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Low-E, double-glazed glass and sealed installations help reduce heat loss in winter and minimize heat gain in summer. This can lower lighting and heating costs while improving your home’s comfort.
Which Option Adds More Value?
A traditional skylight often has a higher visual and resale impact for large, shared living spaces, while a SUN TUNNEL® can still add significant value by improving the feel and usability of previously dark, unused areas.
Get Professional Skylight Installation in Ottawa
Choosing between a skylight and a SUN TUNNEL® isn’t always straightforward—that’s why working with trusted professionals matters. Sunrise Skylights is your go-to expert for:
- Skylight installers near Kanata, Ottawa
- Skylight installers near Orléans, Ottawa
- Affordable skylight installers near me
- VELUX SUN TUNNEL® installations across Ottawa and surrounding areas
Bring More Light Into Your Home Today
Whether you’re ready to brighten your Kanata kitchen with a skylight or transform your Rockland hallway with a SUN TUNNEL®, our team at Sunrise Skylights is here to help.
