Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions regarding our tubular skylights. If you do not find the answer to your question below, please email your question to info@nltubular.com or use our contact form.
Natural Light Tubular Skylights can be installed virtually on any roof type and slope. Our residential models are available in three general categories: pitched roof, flat roof or curb mount. The unique slope of the pitched roof flashing allows for easy installation on all roof pitches without the need for angle adapters in most cases. Our models accommodate all roofing material including composite shingles, wood shakes, tile and clay tiles. For some tile roof installations, a flashing skirt or turret extension may be needed. We also have a full line of commercial models.
Natural Light Tubular Skylights are perfect for any dark room in your home including the garage. Other common applications include areas without windows such as closets, bathrooms, hallways, laundry rooms and pantries. We also have a full line of commercial units available for office buildings and warehouse applications. Read more about residential tubular skylights.
The light pipe of Natural Light Tubular Skylights has super-reflective, mirror-like surface that has a reflectivity rate of 98%. Our models reflect light even when the sun’s angle is low in the early morning or late afternoon. Our tubular skylights output the equivalent of 300 – 1,450 watts of of incandescent light depending on the model size:
- 10″ tubular skylight = up to 150 sq. ft. (equivalent of up to 300 watts)
- 13″ tubular skylight = up to 300 sq. ft. (equivalent of up to 500 watts)
- 18″ tubular skylight = up to 500 sq. ft. (equivalent of up to 1,000)
- 21″ tubular skylight = up to 700 sq. ft. (equivalent of up to 1,450)
Read more the output capacity of our tubular skylights.
Yes, all available light will be collected and reflected by your tubular skylight - but it will be slightly diminished. If your live in a rainy area of the country, consider adding a light kit to your tubular skylight. This will ensure you have bright light even on those dark, gloomy days!
A homeowner can easily install our tubular skylights in about 2 hours or less. Installation requires basic do-it-yourself skills including using a reciprocating saw. Installation requires no wiring or structural changes to your home. Each kit comes with illustrated step-by-step instructions. Read more tubular skylight installation options or watch our step-by-step installation video.
Each Natural Light Tubular Skylight kit comes with everything you need to install a 4 foot long installation including:
- High impact Acrylic Dome
- Pitched, Flat Roof or Curb Mount Flashing
- 4 Feet of Light Pipe
- Ceiling Collar
- Decorative Trim Ring
- Prismatic (standard) or Soft White Diffuser
- All Hardware Needed
Tools Needed for Installation: Caulk, Caulking Gun, Drill, Drywall Saw, Flashlight, Flat Bar, Hammer, Ladder, Marking Pencil, Measuring Tape, Reciprocating Saw, Safety Goggles, Screwdriver, Stud Finder, String, Tin Snips, Utility Knife, Wire
Read more about the quality components used to manufacture our skylights.
Natural Light recommends short straight runs to get the maximum light output. But if straight runs are not possible, angle adapters (elbows) are available in 12″ sections. Below is the maximum length of light pipe recommended for each model:
- 10″ model = 18 feet of light pipe
- 13″ model = 20 feet of light pipe
- 18″ model = 20 feet of light pipe
- 21″ model = 20 feet of light pipe
Read more about angle adapters and additional sections of light pipe.
Natural Light Tubular Skylights require no maintenance! Once properly installed, the unit is sealed from weather, dust, moisture and bugs.
The rugged construction of Natural Light Tubular Skylights can withstand the harshest weather conditions including hurricanes and tornadoes. Only the dome and flashing are exposed on your roof. The dome is made of thick, heavy-duty acrylic that can withstand the impact of flying debris and the flashing is manufactured using commercial pure grade seamless aluminum and will not leak. Our units have been tested and approved by the Hurricane Testing Laboratory, Florida Building Code approved and ICC-ES listed. Learn more about extreme weather.
All our tubular skylight models have the industry leading limited lifetime warranty. To qualify for all warranty benefits, please register your product. Register your tubular skylight now.
To qualify for a federal tax credit, the homeowner must also install our Solar LED Light Kit. Additionally, the tubular skylight must have been placed in service on a residential home on June 1, 2009 through December 31, 2023. Natural Light provides a Statement of Certification for the homeowner to download, complete and keep with their tax records. The Statement does not need to be filled with your tax forms, but income tax regulations require taxpayers to have appropriate documentation. To claim a residential tax credit, download IRS form 5695 and instruction sheet. Natural Light recommends consulting a tax professional if considering filing for a tax credit. Read more about Tax Credits.
Natural Light offers a dimmer kit for all our tubular skylights. The dimmer is perfect for any room that may need to be darkened during the day including bedrooms, media and conference rooms. The dimmer is easily installed inside the light pipe and is operated using a remote control. Read more about the residential Dimmer Kit or the commercial Dimmer Kit.
Yes, Natural Light has designed an exhaust vent system available for the 10″ model. It is perfect for bathrooms and laundry rooms. The vent kit has a stylish streamlined light fixture with a hidden intake. Read more about Exhaust Vent Kit.
Yes, Natural Light offers two types of light kits: a Solar LED or Electric Light Kit. Both light kits are installed directly into the lower section of the light pipe. Tubular skylights installed on residential homes qualify for a 30% Federal Tax Credit when paired with our Solar LED Light Kit. The Electric Light Kit is available in 2 styles: single bulb and dual bulb. Read more about Solar LED Light Kit and Electric Light Kit.
Natural Light Tubular Skylights are manufactured using the only the highest quality components under the strictest control standards. The dome is made of high impact, thick acrylic, with an aluminum stress collar to prevent leaking. Our flashings are constructed of commercial pure grade 1100 series seamless aluminum. Our Miro-Silver® light pipe is one of the best performing in the industry with a 98% reflectivity rate. The decorative trim ring is powder-coated white seamless aluminum. The diffuser is made of durable acrylic with a slight arc to diffuse light evenly in the room. Read more about residential tubular skylight components or commercial tubular skylight components.
Yes, Natural Light Tubular Skylights are very energy efficient. The U-Factor (or heat transfer) of our units is extremely low at 0.54. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight) is also very minimal at 0.23. As an added benefit, Natural Light tubular skylights also block out harmful UV rays that can fade clothing, furniture and carpeting. Additionally, our residential models qualify for a 30% Federal Tax Credit when paired with a Solar LED Light Kit. Tubular skylights also have many advantages over traditional skylights. Learn why they can be a better choice for your home.
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Save 30%
For a limited time you can get a 30% Federal Tax Credit on residential installs.