- Q: How does a
Solatube work?
- Q: How large
an area does the Solatube light?
- Q: What is
Spectralight® Infinity?
- Q: How does
Solatube's light output compare to electric lights?
- Q: How is the
Solatube effected by the weather, such as cloudy or rainy days?
- Q: What
happens when it snows?
- Q: What are
the advantages of choosing a Solatube?
- Q: Tell me
about the installation process!
- Q: Does
Solatube offer a warranty?
- Q: What if
there is no attic space, or if I have a cathedral ceiling?
- Q: How
durable is the Solatube? Does it leak or have condensation
problems?
- Q: Can a
Solatube be installed in commercial buildings?
- Q: Is the
Solatube maintenance free?
- Q: Can I
install my own Solatube?
- Q: If I am in
the process of re-roofing, when do I install the Solatube?
- Q: I am
building a new home; when should I plan on having my Solatubes
installed?
- Q: Do you
have an ICBO (International Conference of Building Officials)
Number?
Q:
How does a Solatube work?
A: Solatube's patented Raybender technology and the
Light Intercepting Transfer Device (LITD) captures both high- and low-angle
light from your rooftop and redirects it to the diffuser. When the light
reaches the diffuser at ceiling level, it is then spread evenly throughout the
room. Traditional box skylights concentrate light only in the area directly
beneath the installation point, leaving the remainder of the room dim and
unaffected. Solatube's unique technology permits the maximizing of
early-morning, late-afternoon and low-seasonal natural sunlight to its greatest
potential. Research has proved its success unmatched in the natural lighting
market today. The Solatube design takes advantage of all available outside
light and nearly eliminates the light and color loss that often occurs with
"copycat" products. Its efficiency far exceeds that of traditional box
skylights, which can absorb as much as half of the available light in its
travel through the drywall shaft.
Q: How
large an area does the Solatube light?
A: A 10-inch
Solatube is recommended for a 10 X 10 to 12 X 12 square-foot area, and the
14-inch will satisfy an area of up to 150 square feet. These square-footage
estimates are based on an average tube length of 6 feet with an 8-foot ceiling,
with the roof dome in direct sunlight. Light output varies depending on the
intensity of the sun; i.e., there is more light at midday than in the evening
or morning. Some light output may also decrease as the length of the tube
increases. We recommend no more than 20 feet of tubing for a 10-inch Solatube,
and 30 feet for a 14-inch.
Q:
What is Spectralight® Infinity?
A: Spectralight® Infinity
tubing provides up t0 99% total reflectance and 99% specular reflectance (the
mirror-like reflectance of surface material that facilitates the quality and
effectiveness of daylighting). It is the most reflective tubing available on
the market today and is used in all Solatube tubing. Customers interested in
the maximum light output available will find the Spectralight® Infinity a
superior source of light for any room.
Q: How
does Solatube's light output compare to electric lights?
A: A standard 100-watt incandescent bulb produces
1200 lumens (the standard measurement for light output); a 40-watt 48-inch
fluorescent tube produces 2300 lumens. In comparison, the 10-inch Solatube
produces up to 4600 lumens, and the 14-inch Solatube will produce up to 9100
lumens, clearly a great deal more lighting than incandescent bulbs or
fluorescent tubes.
Q:
How is the Solatube effected by the weather, such as
cloudy or rainy days?
A: The
Solatube is designed to work well beneath cloud coverage-- there is some light
loss as compared to a sunny day, but it is effective on cloudy days, even when
located on the north side of the house. Not only will the Solatube function
satisfactorily on a cloudy day, it will still bring in a measurable amount of
light during a rainfall!
Q:
What happens when it snows?
A: The Solatube has a maximum snow load of 100
pounds per square foot, and is able to withstand this amount without damage.
While the light you receive will be reduced, the reduction is minimal.
Q:
What are the advantages of choosing a
Solatube?
A: It is not the
pure lighting technology alone that makes Solatube unique and a particularly
wise decision when it comes to daylighting a home or business. In addition to
the Solatube's ability to capture and make better use of natural daylight, the
it is installed with a single circular pressed steel flashing. This prohibits
the leakage so commonly found in traditional skylights; the flashing is
designed so that rain and debris naturally flow around the Solatube's rooftop
flashing, without getting caught by or accumulating in corners. Since the
Solatube filters 99.9 percent of UV rays, it will not fade your wallpaper,
furniture, upholstery, or other fabrics in your home. This makes the Solatube
ideal for closets; until now, the notion of closets and skylights were contrary
to one another- Solatube makes the duo a sensible solution to a previously
difficult problem.
Q: Tell
me about the installation process!
A: A Solatube can
usually be installed in under 2 hours. One of the greater advantages of its
design is that no major structural changes are needed, there is no necessity to
repaint and no drywall worries. Building permits are unnecessary, and in most
cases we can gain enough information from you over the phone to avoid an extra
consultation trip.
Q: Does
Solatube offer a warranty?
A: We are so
confident of our performance, Solatube offers a 10-year warranty on all
skylight components, a 5-year warranty on the bath fans (available for 10-inch
Solatubes only) and 3 years for all other product details. Professional
installation entitles the owner to a 10-year warranty on labor and workmanship
as well.
Q:
What if there is no attic space, or if I have a cathedral
ceiling?
A: Our product is
designed in such a way that almost all applications can be addressed, including
events in which there is minimal space between the roof and ceiling.
Q:
How durable is the Solatube? Does it leak or have
condensation problems?
A:
The Duradome (the component installed on the rooftop) is made from a
high-quality acrylic resin, specifically formulated for increased impact, and
chemical as well as weather resistance, all while maintaining an extremely high
level of clarity. The tubing is made from puncture-proof aluminum sheeting,
with a UV ray-protective covering that prevents deterioration. The Solatube is
designed specifically to prohibit leakage and condensation.
Q:
Can a Solatube be installed in commercial
buildings?
A: Yes. The
21-inch Solatube is designed precisely for commercial use. Brighter Concepts
has accommodated a number of businesses and offices throughout Southeastern
Wisconsin with the advantages of natural light. Contact us for more information
on commercial installations.
Q: Is
the Solatube maintenance free?
A: Absolutely. The
Solatube is designed as a sealed unit. All assemblies, the dome, diffuser and
flashing, are sealed and all joints are taped to prohibit insect and debris
infiltration.
Q:
Can I install my own Solatube?
A: If we install the Solatube for you, our warranty
covers the labor of the installation as well as the components. We provide
do-it-yourself kits, but cannot then guarantee the installation application,
just the parts.
Q: If
I am in the process of re-roofing, when do I install the Solatube?
A: The Solatube should be installed after the new
roof is completed.
Q:
I am building a new home; when should I plan on having my
Solatubes installed?
A: We
are very accustomed to working with families and builders who are in the
process of new construction. It is best to have your Solatubes installed when
your roofing, drywall and electricals are completed. Delays can and sometimes
do occur when a home is under new construction, and we are happy to keep in
touch with you and work with you through this process so that your installation
is scheduled in a timely fashion. We will accommodate you to the best of our
ability.
Q:
Do you have an ICBO (International Conference of Building
Officials) Number?
A:
Solatube is approved by the ICBO, the Underwriters Laboratories (UL, CUL), the
city of Los Angeles, the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI)
and Metro Dade County, Florida.
