FAQ
FAQ SUNPIPE® SKYLIGHTS
How does a SUNPIPE work?
Sunlight is piped down into the desired room by means of silver coated aluminium pipes with a mirrored surface internally. At ceiling level, the diffuser has the ability to distribute the light in every direction, giving an even spread of light throughout the room.
How do you make sure it is waterproof?
The SUNPIPE flashings incorporate rain stops and upstands to ensure a watertight installation. It is recommended that a thick bead of building mastic is applied to the flashings before the cut tiles are put in place around the flashing and mastic should also be used in B to point up the cut edges of any tiles or slates.
The weathering skirt provided for tiled roofs should be carefully dressed to the roof tiling.
Can I install it myself?
Any competent DIY person can complete an installation of a SUNPIPE. You will need the right tools, and if working on a roof, safety scaffolding. There are separate instructions for Flat Roof installation and Pitched Roof
Before installing a SUNPIPE, is it necessary to remove any roof tiles?
It is normally necessary to remove between two and four tiles or slates from around the area where the flashing plate is to be fitted.
Are any structural alterations required?
In the majority of cases, no structural alterations will be required, since the SUNPIPE normally slips between the rafters or joists of your property. However, it is most important that you carefully check the Installation Instructions before undertaking the installation yourself.
What side of the house should the SUNPIPE be fitted?
For maximum light output, the SUNPIPE should be on a south facing roof but bear in mind the sun is not always shining, the SUNPIPE still works extremely well under overcast conditions. So, even if the SUNPIPE is on the north facing slope, it will still pick up all available ambient light.
Does the SUNPIPE require maintenance?
Due to the shape of the Diamond dome, the SUNPIPE is self-cleaning, since rainwater washes off any dust or dirt and there are no crevices for dirt to collect. The ceiling diffuser fits snugly into the base of the ceiling diffuser to prevent dust or dirt entering the system and as a result the interior mirror finish surface never requires any maintenance. Furthermore, there are no mechanical or moving parts, there is nothing to break down or go wrong - as opposed to an openable window or skylight.
How does it prevent condensation?
The SUNPIPE top dome and proprietary collar has a 3mm condensation trap and it is important that this 3mm gap is not sealed up with mastic, so as to allow the system to 'breathe' at all times. Condensation will not occur if the SUNPIPE is properly installed.
How does it prevent heat loss?
The bottom diffuser is sealed to the SUNPIPE, no air can enter the SUNPIPE system, creating virtually a column of still air. It is, therefore, similar to a giant double-glazed unit, since it is known that a still column of air is an excellent insulator against heat transfer. The 'U' value of a SUNPIPE is 1.63 W/m2
What about the weather?
Although the name "SUNPIPE" suggests that the SUNPIPE only works under full sun, the remarkable fact is that even when it is cloudy, overcast, or even raining, the light output from the SUNPIPE is really quite remarkable.
Can I run a SUNPIPE through several floors?
Ideally, if you want to drop the SUNPIPE through several floors, you need to find a cupboard that the SUNPIPE could run down inside or otherwise, the SUNPIPE needs to be cased in as it goes through the room or floor above. As such, whereas a SUNPIPE can drop down to a lower floor, it usually means that it is not feasible to try to light up an internal hall or similar to a two storey house, since the SUNPIPE has to drop down through the floor above. Very often, there is insufficient space available on the landing or corridor above. SUNPIPE are ideal, therefore, for single storey homes and for first floor areas.
Do I need planning permission?
In general terms, it is not necessary to apply for Planning Permission for installation of a SUNPIPE, particularly on the smaller sizes, since a SUNPIPE of 230mm or 300mm diameter is no different to a flue pipe or chimney flue. However, if the property is Listed or situated in a conservation area, then specific permission must be sought from the local Listed Buildings Officer, since it is unlawful to alter any roof profile or covering without prior permission. Here the Square or Conservation SUNPIPE may be more applicable.
FAQ ODL SKYLIGHTS
How does an ODL Tubular Skylight work?
ODL Tubular Skylight's patented Solar Lens® dome captures the light and reflects low angle light and more ambient light down through the highly reflective tubing. The reflective tubing maximizes light more efficiently than a traditional drywall skylight shaft, or accordion style flexible tube. The diffuser, which looks like a recessed light fixture, then spreads the light evenly throughout the room.
Do ODL Tubular Skylights leak?
The ODL Tubular Skylight is designed for leak-free operation when installed properly. Our metal and injection molded roof flashings are one-piece and seamless to eliminate leakage. Roof sealant should be applied generously to the bottom of the flashing. It is also recommended to use roof sealant to seal screw heads on flashing and shingles to flashing.
What are the advantages of the ODL Tubular Skylight's patented Solar Lens® Technology?
The Solar Lens Dome features patented Solar Lens® reflex optics molded into the dome. This prismatic surface increases the amount of light directed downward through the tube. While this occurs throughout the day, it is most noticeable when the sun is relatively low in the sky, such as during the morning, late afternoon, or during the winter months.
What happens on a cloudy day?
The ODL Tubular Skylight's reflective system transfers light down to the room with minimal light loss on cloudy days. The patented Solar Lens® technology allows light coming from any direction to be transferred down the tube, allowing the best light output possible.
Is the ODL Tubular Skylight maintenance free?
Cleaning and repainting is unnecessary. The shape of the dome and flashing virtually eliminates the gathering of debris, which keeps the dome clean and makes the ODL Tubular Skylight completely maintenance free. All assemblies and joints have seals to stop bugs and dirt from entering the tube.
If a bug does ever get into the tube, you can remove the diffuser lens by twisting it counter-clockwise.
Are there any condensation problems?
No. Seals at the ceiling level prevent warm moist air from entering the tube from the house. Outside air is allowed to enter the tube via the dome, eliminating the difference in air temperatures that often cause condensation.
Will a tube skylight fade my carpet?
The ODL Tubular Skylight absorbs 99% of UV rays to protect rugs, furniture, and clothes from fading.
Is the ODL Tubular Skylight difficult to install?
No. The 10-inch and 14-inch Tubular Skylight fits very easily between roof rafters, and require no structural changes. It is not necessary for a carpenter to build a skylight shaft using lumber, drywall, plaster and paint. The adjustable tubes allow easy installation around obstructions, and fit easily into the extension tube.
How long does it take to install a Tubular Skylight?
Installation takes approximately two hours or less on shingle asphalt roofs; slightly longer on other roof types.
Will the ODL Tubular Skylight fit all roof types?
Yes. Different flashings are available to ensure a perfect fit for most roof types.
How long can the tube be?
The longer the tube length, the less light output is obtained. Good lighting results can be expected for tube lengths up to 10 feet for the 10-inch Tubular Skylight and 15 feet for the 14-inch Tubular Skylight. The recommended maximum tube length is 12 feet for the 10" tube and 24 feet for the 14" tube.
Will an ODL Tubular Skylight work when installed on the north side of a house?
A Tubular Skylight does work well on the north side of a house; however, the best light output is obtained by exposing the dome to direct sunlight. Therefore it performs better where it receives as much direct sunlight as possible.
Can Tubular Skylight's be installed in commercial buildings?
Yes. The ODL Tubular Skylight has been installed on many commercial buildings throughout the world, including schools, churches, industrial buildings, post offices, and hospitals. For flat roofs, the Tubular Skylight metal flashing is recommended.
What is the maximum angle of adjustable tubes?
You can angle the tubes up to 45 degrees to avoid obstacles in the attic.
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