Sun Tunnel FAQ's

Sun Tunnel® Skylights FAQ

Consider Installing a Sun Tunnel® Skylight

Are your home’s hallways too dark during the day? Perhaps your bathroom doesn’t get enough natural light. Fortunately, NSS Exteriors offers an outstanding solution. If some areas of your home are dark and dreary, consider installing a skylight. The VELUX Sun Tunnel® is an excellent choice for smaller spaces that need a burst of natural light during the day. NSS Exteriors offers top-notch installation services to the Chicago Metro Area, and we’re happy to consult with you. Learn more about why installing a Sun Tunnel® should be your next project. 

What Is a Sun Tunnel®?

A Sun Tunnel® from VELUX is a cylindrical skylight that serves to brighten up your home. They tend to be smaller than most skylights, but that doesn’t mean they offer any less function. Sun Tunnels® are especially useful in closets, hallways, and on parts of the ceiling that are far from the roof.

How Do Sun Tunnels® Work?

VELUX Sun Tunnels® reflect incoming daylight with domed flashing, which stays exposed on the roof. The light is then directed through a mirrored duct and ceiling-mounted diffuser to bring you extraordinary light even in cramped, dark spaces. 

How Does It Work at Night? 

Obviously, a Sun Tunnel® doesn’t reflect sunlight once the sun goes down. However, you can take advantage of an additional kit that uses solar power to light your home, even at night.

Where Should You Install a Sun Tunnel®?

Sun Tunnel® installation can be completed nearly anywhere in your home. In fact, the installation process tends to be much more cost-effective than that of a typical skylight. Most of our clients request that more than one Sun Tunnel® be installed throughout their home, and while they can work anywhere, these skylights are most commonly installed in: 

  • Bathrooms
  • Hallways
  • Family rooms
  • Kitchens
  • Areas beneath the tallest part of the attic

What Sizes Are Available?

Sun Tunnels® from VELUX come in two standard sizes—14” and 10”. Simply let the team at NSS Exteriors know your needs, and we’ll recommend the best size for you. Although the 14” tunnel is most popular, we might suggest the 10” unit for older houses. Some projects might require a 22” Sun Tunnel®, but this size is more often recommended for commercial and industrial uses. 

How Much Does a Sun Tunnel® Cost?

The price you’ll pay for a Sun Tunnel® varies based on the size of the unit and several other factors. When you meet with the NSS Exteriors team, we’ll provide you with an accurate estimate of the Sun Tunnel® installation cost. You can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to upwards of $1000. 

Are There Other Brands? What’s the Difference?

VELUX Sun Tunnels® are some of the best available today. While there are some other brands on the market, we encourage our clients to look carefully at these alternatives. Oftentimes, other brands use subpar materials and compromise quality in order to keep costs down. 

How Long Will a Sun Tunnel® Last? 

Sun Tunnels® from VELUX typically have a lifespan of up to 20 years. 

Will a Sun Tunnel® Work Anywhere in My Home? 

Generally, yes. However, before we begin the installation, we’ll need to make sure the location isn’t in the way of valleys on the roof or ducts in the attic. We may need to reevaluate the location to ensure that the skylight doesn’t compromise the structure of your roof or attic. Rest assured that our team will make every effort to install a Sun Tunnel® in your chosen spot without damaging the roof. 

How Many Sun Tunnels® Can I Install?

Homeowners can request that several Sun Tunnels® be installed at one time. For aesthetic purposes, we generally don’t recommend installing more than three on the roof. However, this is entirely up to you. When you meet with a member of our team, you can discuss the number of skylights you’d like and their potential positions.

Get in Touch with NSS Exteriors Today

Skylights are an excellent way to bring some natural light into dark, dreary places, and Sun Tunnels® make lighting your home even easier. After a quick and affordable installation process, you’ll be enjoying the daylight in no time. The team NSS Exteriors has worked on countless projects throughout Chicago, and we’re glad to provide an array of additional services. Look to us for skylight repair, metal siding, gutters, and much more. Contact our knowledgeable team with any questions.

Contact NSS

NSS Exteriors
4650 W. 120th Street
Alsip, IL 60803
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