Solar tubes explained
A solar tube channels daylight into a dark room without cutting a full skylight opening.
What you'll learn
- How a reflective tube carries daylight from the roof to a ceiling diffuser
- Where solar tubes work best, hallways, closets, and windowless bathrooms
- Why they need no rewiring and little attic disruption
- How a solar tube differs from a full skylight or a sun tunnel
Step by step
- Pick the room that stays dark during the day and check the attic space directly above it.
- Note the straight-line distance from the roof to the ceiling spot you want lit.
- Look for attic obstructions between that roof section and the ceiling, rafters, ducts, or wiring.
- Decide whether you want a plain diffuser or one with a dimmer or nightlight kit.
- Bring these notes to a solar tube installer for an accurate quote.
Safety note
Attic space near the roof deck gets hot and the footing is unstable. Leave the roof cut, flashing, and tube run to a professional installer.
Rather have a pro handle it?
We match homeowners with experienced, insured local skylight crews across the Austin metro. You reach us directly, not a national call center.
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