A minimum of 12 1/2 in. (318 mm) between ceiling joists and a minimum of 12 in. (304 mm) of vertical clearance above the ceiling is required in order to use the Ventilation Add-On Kit. It is also important to note that service access is required to the fan motor assembly junction box.
Yes. The Solatube® Light and Ventilation Kits can be added to the Solatube Daylighting System 160 DS model to create a dynamic 3-in-1 fixture that includes daylighting, night lighting and venting functions in one ceiling location.
Yes, Solatube® Daylighting Systems work especially well in hot climates. All of our Daylighting Systems feature Spectralight® Infinity Tubing. This transmits the visible spectrum of light (400 to 760 nanometers), but provides significant blockage of infrared wavelengths greater than 900 nm, which is the main culprit in solar heat gain.
Additionally, the dome ring in the Solatube 160 DS/ISn and Solatube 290 DS/ISn acts as a thermal break between the flashing and tubing to prevent external heat from entering an interior space.
Also, the Raybender® 3000 Technology featured in many of our products helps to reject overwhelming light and heat when the sun’s rays are most intense.
These technologies allow Solatube Daylighting Systems to provide the highest light output performance with minimal thermal impact.
The Solatube® Ventilation Add-On Kit features an in-line fan motor assembly that is remotely mounted in the attic or plenum rather than on the ceiling of the room to be vented. This significantly reduces the noise level in the room below.
At this time, there are no sones (sound) level test standards available for this product due to the number of variables involved with its installation, such as:
However, it is generally accepted that remote-mounted venting is usually quieter than in-room venting.
Yes, all Solatube® Daylighting Systems are designed with features that prevent water from entering the system. The round shape of the domes themselves prevent water from collecting on the surface.
In addition, the circular and seamless, one-piece design of the self-flashing systems allows rain runoff to naturally flow past the daylighting system. As a result, the flashing has no weak points that could separate and allow water to enter. However, an optional turret extension may be added to raise the dome above the roof deck where required.
For curb-mounted applications, the height of the curb would raise the dome sufficiently to avoid any rain runoff. The curb itself (made by others) would typically incorporate a water diverter (cricket) for sloped roof applications.
The Solatube® Daylighting System 160 DS is available with an attractive optional Solatube Ventilation Add-On Kit. When the Solatube 160 DS is combined with a Ventilation Add-On Kit and a Solatube Light Add-On Kit, it becomes an attractive 3-in-1 ceiling fixture.
Recommended for residential use only.
Solatube® Daylighting Systems maximize the amount of daylight available for lighting your interior, regardless of sky conditions. Our proprietary Raybender® 3000 and LightTracker™ Technologies in our domes combined with our Spectralight® Infinity Tubing transfer the maximum amount of daylight from the rooftop down into the interior with minimal light loss, even on cloudy days. Keep in mind your light output is always relative to your light input. There will be a noticeable difference in light intensity between a clear, sunny day and a heavily overcast day. Our diffusers and Decorative Fixtures keep a consistent diffusion pattern, regardless of light intensity.
Our products feature dome optics that help collect low-angle sunlight, which is extremely important in northern latitudes. As a result, Solatube® Daylighting Systems have performed successfully in cold weather climates like the Northern U.S.A., Canada, and Northern Europe for more than 20 years.
Solatube skylights are designed to be leak-proof. Their low-profile, sealed dome design and seamless flashing options are engineered for all major roof types, including tile, metal, and shingle. Many competitor skylights rely on traditional seals that may degrade over time and are more prone to leaks.
The Solatube® Daylighting System captures ambient light so well that you can actually see a nice glow from your fixture on full-moon nights. If you prefer, you always have the option to add a Solatube Daylight Dimmer to block out unwanted light.
A typical bathroom fan will move about 50 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM). The proprietary fan / motor in the Solatube® Ventilation Add-on Kit is rated at 110 CFM (3 cubic meters per minute), which means it is more than twice as effective at clearing air than a standard fan.
When just the roof is covered with snow, it may actually increase light output as the white snow makes the roof more reflective. When the dome itself is covered with snow, light output will be reduced but the dome will continue to perform. Tests have indicated that all Solatube® Daylighting System models can resist positive snow loads up to 150 pounds per square foot. For more information and to review the CCRR test report, click here.
Condensation in homes or buildings is mainly a winter problem. It occurs most frequently in areas where warm, moist air is generated and allowed to penetrate to colder parts of the building. A number of activities can produce moisture, including cooking, bathing, washing dishes and/or clothes, heating, and humidifying. Condensation may be more severe in buildings with inadequate ventilation.
In Solatube® Daylighting Systems, condensation can occur when warm, moist air enters the tubing or the space between the flashing or curb cavity. If this happens, it’s likely that moisture is also present around or on other building elements, such as windows, doors and skylights.
While condensation cannot be eliminated entirely, Solatube International has made design changes to its daylighting systems over the years to reduce its occurrence. The current systems are designed to allow warm, moist air to escape at the dome level while preventing air infiltration in the tube run and at the diffuser level. Modifying your system with a Dome Upgrade Kit, Flashing / Curb Insulator, Effect Lenses, Severe Climate Glazing, or Curb Cap Insulation Kit may also help, but your local Solatube International, Inc. expert is best-suited to determine if these improvements or other changes will help minimize condensation in your Solatube Daylighting System.
Due to the numerous contributing factors to condensation in a home or building, Solatube International, like most window and skylight companies, does not cover it under the manufacturer’s warranty. As such, please be aware that there may be a charge for the service call and/or additional parts needed to upgrade your system.
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