While skylights are a great way to bring more natural light into your home, they can be hard to install, result in unwanted heat buildup, and are prone to leaking.

Tubular skylights solve these problems by using a small-diameter round lens on the roof to gather sunlight and shine it down a reflective metal tube to a diffuser mounted on the ceiling.

The lens concentrates the light, even when the sun is low in the sky, while filtering out 99% of harmful UV rays. ODL Tubular Skylights are designed to minimize heat gain in the home and exceed government ENERGY STAR standards.

They are available in 10- and 14-inch-diameter models, both of which fit between standard rafters and ceiling joists to allow light in problem areas such as hallways, baths, kitchens and closets.

The 10-inch-diameter skylight illuminates rooms as large as 150 square feet with up to 3,750 lumens of light — the equivalent of three 100-watt bulbs — while the 14-inch model can provide enough light for an area twice that size.
An optional light kit allows light at night as well.

ODL Tubular Skylights can be installed on roofs with a minimum of 3-inch rise per foot up to a 12-inch slope.

Due to the reflective qualities of the tube, the ceiling diffuser can be offset up to a 45-degree angle from the skylight, allowing it to fit around obstructions.

Once the skylight has been installed, it will provide natural light during the day, free of charge, reducing the cost of your electric bills.

We dive deeper into this type of skylight in our breakdown of the benefits and disadvantages of solar tubes.

Tubular skylights are available online at The Home Depot.

Watch the video above to find out more.


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Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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