The best location for any solar device would be on the southwest facing side of the house. Remember to take into consideration chimneys, adjoining roof structures or trees-anything that can cast a shadow over the dome is going to effect the light output. There is so much light energy in sunlight and the VELUX Sun Tunnel Solar Tube Skylight does work well on the north side of a house. Just keep in mind that the best light output is obtained by exposing the dome to direct sunlight. Therefore it performs better where it receives as much direct sunlight as possible.

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In general, the ideal length of tube in the VELUX Sun Tunnel Solar Tube is about 6-8 feet. However, lengths over 15 feet are routinely installed with very favorable results. We recommend increasing the unit to the next size for runs longer than 14 feet.

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VELUX Sun Tunnel solar tubes are extremely efficient; with virtually no heat gain or loss and they are Energy Star rated!.

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Typical installation of a VELUX Sun Tunnel solar tube by a homeowner is about 2 hours with common everyday tools.

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While through the generations openings in roofs have been used to let in sunshine and help with ventilation, skylights as we know them started in Europe after WWII. After the devastation of WWII, there was a tremendous lack of housing and commercial space throughout Europe. The VELUX founder, Mr. Villum Kann Rasmussen, saw an opportunity to provide more space by bringing natural light and air into attic spaces through the roof. This idea led to the design of the first roof windows, which were initially used to convert unused attics into classrooms. Conventional windows could not be used and maintain the watertight integrity of the roof. A roof window has a hinged opening rather than a sash, and is sealed to prevent leakage. It allows light and ventilation into a converted attic space. This concept evolved into the skylights we use today.

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Tubular skylights were invented by Steve Sutton, an Australian inventor, in 1986. They were first distributed by a company in Australia in 1991 and then introduced in the US in 1992. Today there are more than 10 manufacturers of tubular skylights in the US. We carry 2 brands – VELUX and Natural Light Energy Systems.

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In all the years that I have sold, repaired and installed skylights, I have never come across an intact skylight that leaks. Skylight leaks are almost always the result of faulty installation or a roof problem! Here is some more information on leaks:

There are generally a few reasons that people have leaks related to a skylight.

• Incorrect or improper installation - The skylight was installed incorrectly and water is leaking in from around the skylight, not through it.
• Broken acrylic skylight - The skylight is old and degraded from sun and weather, has either spontaneously broken or it was hit by something and broke. Problems also arise on acrylic skylights when someone decides to apply sealer or caulk at the junction of the skylight and the frame, usually because they have water coming in. This does not allow the skylight to expand and contract with changes in temperature, as it was designed to do. This will definitely shorten the lifespan of an acrylic skylight and make fracture inevitable! Acrylic skylights definitely have a lifespan; it may take 2 years, it may take 10 but at some point it will break and need replacement.
• Roof failure - There is a problem with the roof, and water will find its way through any openings in the roof. It may not become evident until the drywall starts to stain or sag.

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• Glazing (lens)
• Most commonly acrylic, polycarbonate or glass.
• Can be single or multiple layers (VELUX starts with two panes of tempered glass for their residential skylights).
• Layers are sealed and may be filled with inert gas for additional energy efficiency (VELUX uses argon between the first two pieces of glass).
• May have coating for improved energy efficiency (VELUX uses a low-E coating on all residential skylights).
• May have an additional layer of glass laminated to the first pane.
• Frame
  • The glazing is supported by a frame which is wood or aluminum.
• Cladding
  • Holds the lens to the frame.
• Curb
  • Used to elevate skylights up off the deck. Used on flat roofs or with certain roofing materials.
• Underlayment
  • Membrane or seal for between the roof deck and skylight or curb.
• Flashing
  • Applied over the underlayment and integrated with the roofing materials as the final barrier to the elements.

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When purchasing a skylight, you want to consider the manufacturer, materials of construction, design, warranty and product/consumer support to be sure you get a skylight that you can trust and depend on! This is why we sell only the best!

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Tempered glass is known in the industry as “safety glass”. Glass is strengthened by heating it to just about its melting point and then is rapidly cooled. This rapid cooling compresses the glass which results in additional strength, resistance to thermal stress and impact. Tempered glass is four to five time stronger than standard glass. Tempered glass can break but if it does the glass will fracture into very small pieces of glass and these pieces are usually not sharp, thereby significantly reducing the potential for bodily injury. If tempered glass fails, the entire sheet of glass will fracture. Tempered glass will not just crack.

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Laminated glass consists of two layers of tempered glass bonded together by a layer of transparent plastic (PVB). In case of breakage, the plastic interlayer is designed to hold the fragments together. VELUX offers an upgrade on its standard tempered glass which is referred to as “Comfort Plus” glass. Comfort Plus glass also significantly blocks out UV rays which prevents fading of furnishings.

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A microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layer deposited on a skylight glazing surface to reduce the skylight U-factor or shading coefficient by suppressing radiative heat flow through the skylight.

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Argon is an inert gas. By sealing it between two panes of glass, you have less transmitted heat/cold into your living space. Argon is a better insulator than air.

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VELUX glass skylights are superior to plastic in every respect. It is more energy efficient and more durable. Glass skylights reduce external noises, won’t discolor, leak or allow drafts.

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A flashing kit seals and waterproofs the intersection of the skylight and the roof opening. The proper installation of the flashing kit is the most important factor in achieving watertight installations. Flashing kits are designed to accommodate specific types of roof material and roof pitch. Thus if you have an asphalt shingle roof, you must use a flashing kit designed for an asphalt shingle roof. This information will be displayed on our site under the “options” heading when ordering.

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Flashing kits are broken down into two main types; curb mounted or deck mounted. Curb mounted skylights require step flashing kits (ECL) which are good for both asphalt and shake type roofs. Other roof types would require custom made flashing kits which are not offered. Deck mounted skylights offer more flashing solutions; EDL type flashing kits for shingle or shake roofs, EDW for tile roofs, and EDM for metal roofs.

• It is also important to understand that in addition to roof types and skylight models, flashing kits are roof pitch dependent; that is why we indicate the roof pitch on the specific skylight models we offer.
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A deck mount skylight is a skylight that attaches directly to the roof deck. Deck mounted skylights combine a wood frame, the insulated glass panes, and the aluminum cladding. A flashing kit is used to cover the seam and make the installation water-tight.

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A curb is nothing but a raised frame that certain types of skylights (curb mount) are attached to. The curb raises the skylight above the roof line. The skylight consists of an aluminum frame, insulated glass panes and a rubber gasket that seals the skylight on the curb. Flashing kits are provided separately.

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The decision to use a curb versus a deck mount skylight is often based on the preference or experience of the installer or contractor. There is one exception to this - flat roofs will require a curb mount skylight to keep water from submerging the skylight and causing leakage.

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This is called “ganging” and deck mounted skylights can be ganged together by utilizing the special order “Combination Flashing” kits that VELUX manufacturers. This flashing option is available for asphalt shingle, tile and metal type roofs. If you are interested in ganging the skylights together please give us a call at 800-208-9577 to discuss the specifics.

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• Cellular Shades – white translucent fabric which increase energy efficiency up to 16% and diffuses the light so only 13% enters the room, providing a very soft diffused light.
• Venetian Blinds – provide optimal light and glare control and adjust the light so only 11% enters the room. The white thermo coating aluminum blinds are excellent for humid or wet areas like bathrooms.
  
• Lightblock shade – fabric that has an energy efficient aluminum coating on the exterior side that acts as a heat barrier and increases the energy efficiency up to 20%. This room darkening shade blocks 98% of the light and is great for bedrooms, TV/entertainment rooms.
  
• Exterior Heatblock Awning – reduces the heat gain up to 40% as this blind is installed on the exterior of the skylight. There are two versions available, depending on the type of skylight. One is made of a UV resistant cloth net material that is charcoal in color and does allow a view to the exterior and one is made of a solid black cloth that is room darkening/opaque.

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No, there are no skylights offered with blinds that go between the glass panes. VELUX has a full line of blinds and shades that are specifically designed for installation in VELUX skylights.

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The blind options that VELUX offers are made specifically for certain model skylights. Venting skylights need to meet certain types of criteria that fixed skylights do not. Velux offers their widest range of options on their deck mounted skylights.

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Shade/blind options can be installed either during or after your skylight installation.

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All VELUX electric blinds can be operated with the hand held remote control or the optional wall switch. One remote can control multiple blinds in one room.

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VELUX does not include these with the skylight because each installation is different. If you install a skylight in an attic space that you have converted to usable space, you can reach the skylight easily and need a handle. If you install your skylight in the ceiling then you need a rod. Some people also chose a motorized rod to open their skylight. Also for larger skylights there are stronger handles better equipped to last. You may only need to purchase one rod to operate several skylights. So since you have a choice with different pricing for each, they are sold separately.

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As with everything else, it would be prudent to check with your local building code officials to inquire about specific requirements for your area. In general, the standard tempered glass meets all US building codes, but there are exceptions; California code requires the use of Comfort Plus or laminated glass, certain areas in Florida require stronger impact or hurricane rated glass. We offer the right skylight for your application, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

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When you order from The Best Skylights, all products are drop shipped directly from the manufacturer (except Canada, Alaska and Hawaii). They are always in original packaging from the factory.

• VELUX products are sent from the closest distribution center to you and are generally shipped via a freight company. For this reason there are no tracking numbers per se. Product leaves the factory 1-2 business days after you place your order. If the package is not received in the expected time we can have it tracked through VELUX.
• Natural Light products ship within 24 hours during the week by FedEx or UPS. By the time we receive tracking information on the products, you will usually have it. If the package is not received in the expected time we can track it.

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Our manufacturers will not ship outside the continental U.S. For these orders there are additional handling charges as we must go pick up product from the factory and send it via alternative method. Unfortunately, we cannot ship VELUX products outside the continental US.

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On VELUX products we do not get tracking information since they usually ship via a freight company. If the shipment does not arrive in the expected time, we can start a tracking process through VELUX.

On Natural Light products, we receive tracking information in 2-3 days. This is most times after the product is received by the customer. If the shipment does not arrive in the expected time, we can checking the tracking.

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Believe it or not, shipping damage is not very common. Less than 1% of our shipments incur damage. Since all products are shipped from the manufacturer, all shipping claims must go through them. The Best Skylights will initiate the process, but it is handled by them and not in our control. This may add time to the process to get new product shipped to you. If you are home when the package arrives and you see visible damage to the box, tell the carrier that you are going to check out the contents and if there is damage you can refuse the item. Just call and let us know and we will get you a replacement. If you discover damage after you accept the product, your claim will still be covered; just inform us of the damage and we will initiate the right course of action.

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