If the tubes have been left in the sun or exposed to heat, the protective lining may adhere to the tubing and become difficult to remove. If this occurs, the tubing will likely need to be replaced. For best results, un-installed tubing should be kept in the packaging until it is installed. Also, it should not be stored in areas with direct sunlight or excessive heat for long periods of time.
Most Solatube® Daylighting Systems feature tubing with a specially designed notching system that allows one tube to telescope into the next, so they rarely have to be cut to length. High-quality foil tape is used to seal all tubing seams. This keeps bugs and dust from entering the system, ensuring maintenance-free operation. Tube sections are further reinforced by fastening them with provided self-tapping screws for structural integrity.
One exception is the Solatube SkyVault® Series, which features a patented Tab-Lock Connection System that guarantees proper assembly. Additionally, Tube Belts ensure structural integrity by cinching the tube connection to prevent gaps and provide a tapeless, self-sealing joint. This combination of features simplifies installation and reduces labor costs.
The domes used with most Solatube® Daylighting Systems are injection-molded with impact modified acrylic. The high quality and durability of the material combined with the molding process produces a dome that creates a benchmark for the industry. For markets in High Velocity Hurricane Zones, the optional Shock Inner Dome is available to meet building codes. This material is required to pass stringent missile impact tests for hurricane threat areas. In the Solatube SolaMaster® Series, we also offer a military-grade dome for applications that require anti-terrorism blast testing.
The Solatube SkyVault® Series dome, intended for commercial use, is made of high-impact, vacuum-formed polycarbonate that is 43 times stronger than acrylic. A different material is used with this model due to the dome’s massive 29 in. (74 cm) size. An acrylic dome with that diameter would be too flexible and not strong enough to withstand high impact conditions. This model is also available with a dual-glaze dome assembly that includes an outer and an inner dome for added durability.
Solatube® products are manufactured using the highest quality materials, so they are extremely durable and designed to last. All Solatube Daylighting System components (excluding electrical components) are covered by 10-year warranty. A multitude of Solatube products have been in operation for more than 20 years and continue to perform exceptionally.
We have specific product configurations that can meet High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements as well as OSHA fall protection standards and military anti-terrorism blast requirements.
For Residential applications
Your Solatube® diffuser or Decorative Fixture is quite easy to remove and clean. Please note that Solatube Daylighting Systems manufactured before 2000 have twist-lock diffusers for the 10 in. (250 mm) and 14 in. (350 mm) models. For these older units, the diffuser twists off counterclockwise when looking up at the diffuser. If you have a unit that was manufactured between 2000 – 2007, simply pry down one edge of the white trim ring using something flat like a butter knife. Continue to work your way around the ring until you have a 1/4 in. (7mm) or so gap all the way around. Then simply grab onto the edges and pull straight down. The diffuser lens can be cleaned with soap and water. To re-install the diffuser, position the four zip ties into the four holes on the ceiling ring and push up until the diffuser is flush with the ceiling.
If you have a unit that was manufactured between 2007 – 2010, simply pull the diffuser straight down.
If you have a diffuser or Decorative Fixture that was purchased after September 2010, you’ll need to twist off the diffuser counterclockwise.
For the QuadraFrost™ and AuroraGlo™ Decorative Fixtures, simply rotate the screws located on the sides of the fixture counterclockwise to release. Make sure to support the underside of the fixture when releasing it from the ceiling.
For Commercial applications
For Solatube BrightenUp® Series or Solatube Smart LED™ Systems, see instructions above for removing a diffuser or Decorative Fixture.
For the SolaMaster® 330 DS-C and 750 DS-C, remove the diffuser by releasing the tabs on the diffuser frame from the transition box. For the Solatube SolaMaster Series 330 DS-O and 750 DS-O, find the four raised lines on the plastic trim of the diffuser. This indicates where the tube notches are that hold the diffuser in place. Depress above the raised lines to disengage the diffuser from the notches.
For the Solatube SkyVault® Series, first remove the tube belt above the diffuser. Next, lift and untwist the diffuser to unlock it from the Tab-Lock Connection System.
Important note: When removing any diffuser, keep all seals in place to insure proper reassembly. See installation instructions for reattaching diffuser in the Technical Resources section of our website.
To achieve optimal light output in spaces that require long tube runs, we recommend using tube lengths no longer than those listed below:
For tube runs exceeding 15 ft in length or running horizontally, we recommend the addition of suspension wires for support.
In short tube runs, there is no minimum length for the Solatube Brighten Up Series. The tubing may simply need to be modified to fit the space. This can be done easily by telescoping or cutting the tubing to the desired length. With the Smart LED System, the minimum length is 16 in. to accommodate the Amplifier. For SolaMaster 330 DS-C or 750 DS-C, a minimum depth of 12 in. is required to accommodate the transition box. For most open ceiling applications, the tube can be cut or telescoped to make the diffuser flush with the underside of the roof deck or to lower the diffuser to the desired height.
For Solatube SkyVault M74 DS applications, the Tab-Lock Connection System dictates that the tubes are set to designated lengths. Curb height can be manipulated to affect diffuser position.
Keep in mind that, for a short tube run, creating tube angles may not be possible.
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