Tubular skylights fit in spaces too small for full-sized skylights. Great for
baths, hallways and kitchens, a tubular skylight provides a lot of natural light
with a minimum of space and effort. In the ceiling they look just like an overhead
light fixture - but with no need for electricity. Some kits come with light diffusers.
Tubular skylights are pre-assembled to various degrees to make installation easy.
Due to their relatively small size, they work with any roof support type without
the need for cutting and reinforcing joists. Installation is relatively simple,
as long as you take the time to measure properly and plan the location. Lowe's
is happy to provide this information as a service to you.
When
shopping, make sure you get the proper mounting kit for your style of roof. Thicker
roofs, such as wood shakes or clay tile, use a different type of flashing than
regular asphalt shingles.
A cross-section view of an installed tubular skylight.
Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions. The basic installation steps are:
Determine the location for the tubular light. The tube must have a clear path from the ceiling to the roof. The path does not
have to be absolutely straight, the tube is flexible. The tube must also fit between rafters and between roof supports.
Check the attic above the location for joists, wiring or other obstructions to the tube.
Push a nail through the ceiling in the center of where the ceiling fixture/diffuser will be.
While in the attic, check plumb from the nail hole to where the roof hole will be. Dangle the plumb bob from the inside of the
roof until it points directly to the nail hole. Mark the spot on the inside of the roof. Drill a hole or drive a nail up through the
roof to mark the center of where the dome will be.
OR Have a helper stand in the room below and shine a flashlight up
through the nail hole. Mark the point of light on the inside of the
roof.
Cut the ceiling hole.
Remove
the roof shingles. Cut the roof hole using the template provided.
Attach
flashing. To avoid leaks, when mounting the dome on the roof, always
nail or screw exactly where the manufacturer specifies (and nowhere
else).
Attach
dome.
Insert
tube and attach on roof and at the ceiling fixture as directed .
Install
the ceiling fixture/diffuser inside.
Insulate
as recommended by the manufacturer.
Good
Idea: The more direct
the line of the tube and the shorter the tube, the more light you will receive.
Light
kits are available to allow you to use the tubular skylight as a regular electric
overhead light. Install the kit according to the manufacturer's directions.
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