Since 1977, Demers Glass has proudly served Arizona homeowners with trusted expertise and a commitment to quality. One of the most common questions we hear from customers is whether a skylight or a sun tunnel is the right daylighting solution for their home. Both offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your space, goals, and budget. In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know so you can make a confident, informed decision.

What Is a Skylight?

A skylight is a window installed on the roof or ceiling of your home, designed to let in abundant natural light. Skylights come in a variety of styles including fixed, vented, tubular, and even custom designs. They are especially effective in rooms with flat ceilings, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces where you want to create a spacious, airy feel.

To explore some popular configurations, see our guide to the best types of skylights that capture natural light in your home.

Benefits of Skylights

  • Ventilation Options: Vented skylights improve airflow, making them ideal for humid spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Elevated Aesthetics: The addition of a skylight can make any room feel larger, more open, and more architecturally refined.

Considerations

  • Installation Costs: Due to their size and required structural modifications, skylights are generally more expensive than sun tunnels (source).
  • Energy Efficiency: Poor installation or outdated glazing can lead to heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Our article on how to choose the best energy-efficient windows for your home offers tips that apply to skylights as well.
  • Potential for Leaks: Proper installation by experienced professionals is critical to avoid long-term water issues.

What Is a Sun Tunnel?

Sun tunnels, also known as solar tubes or tubular skylights, are an innovative way to introduce daylight into smaller or more confined areas. A sun tunnel consists of a clear dome installed on the roof that captures sunlight and reflects it through a polished aluminum tube down into your interior ceiling.

Sun tunnels are frequently used in closets, hallways, laundry rooms, or guest bathrooms, any space where traditional skylights may not be structurally or financially practical.

Benefits of Sun Tunnels

  • Cost-Effective: Sun tunnels generally cost less to install than traditional skylights and require fewer structural changes (source).
  • Highly Efficient: The reflective tube enhances light delivery without adding significant heat.
  • Compact and Flexible: Ideal for areas without direct roof access or where framing obstacles are present.

If you're planning a bathroom remodel, consider adding daylight with a sun tunnel alongside some of these cool shower ideas that will transform your bathroom into a paradise.

Considerations

  • Limited Illumination Area: Sun tunnels are best for smaller, targeted lighting rather than illuminating large spaces.
  • No Ventilation: Unlike certain skylight models, sun tunnels do not offer any airflow.
  • Minimal Exterior Impact: They are low-profile and barely visible from the outside, which may be a benefit or drawback depending on your design priorities.

Key Differences Between Sun Tunnels and Skylights

Which Option Is Best for Your Home?

The right solution depends on the space you’re improving, your lifestyle, and your budget. If you’re enhancing a large, open room where brightness and ventilation are important, a skylight may be the best fit. If you’re illuminating a smaller or windowless area, a sun tunnel can achieve dramatic improvements in natural light with minimal cost and complexity.

Either way, the quality of the glass you choose matters. For a deeper understanding, explore our best glass for your home windows guide to learn which options offer the best clarity, energy efficiency, and durability.

Exploring Alternative Daylighting Solutions

If skylights and sun tunnels don’t quite meet your needs, there are other ways to bring in daylight without cutting into the roof:

  • LED Skylight Panels: These mimic natural light through innovative LED arrays and can be placed anywhere, ideal for multi-story buildings or windowless basements (source).
  • Clerestory Windows: Set high on a wall, these windows draw light into a space while preserving wall space and privacy.
  • Glass Block Windows: Offer both daylight and security, especially useful in bathrooms or basements.

For a full overview of whole-home solutions, read everything you need to know about whole house window replacement.

What Do Sun Tunnels and Skylights Cost?

Pricing can vary widely depending on materials, size, installation complexity, and your roof’s layout. According to American Quality Remodeling, most skylights cost between $900 and $2,500 to install. Sun tunnels typically range from $500 to $1,200.

Keep in mind that higher-end features like venting, UV filtering, or motorized blinds will increase the total cost. Complex roof designs may also require structural reinforcement. We always recommend getting professional quotes to compare real costs.

Innovations in Daylighting Technology

Modern skylights and sun tunnels are smarter, safer, and more efficient than ever before. Here are a few advancements that are changing the game:

  • Solar-Powered Vents: New skylight models integrate solar panels that power electric venting systems and remotes.
  • Automatic Blinds and Sensors: Built-in blinds, rain sensors, and temperature monitoring offer convenience and protection.
  • High-Performance Glazing: Today’s skylights and sun tunnels offer excellent insulation, glare reduction, and UV protection to preserve your interior finishes (source).

If you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient overall, don’t miss our guide to thermally broken vs. non-thermally broken windows.

Installation and Professional Support

At Demers Glass, we understand that making structural changes to your home can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer personalized, expert installation services tailored to your unique needs. Our trained professionals will help you determine whether a skylight or sun tunnel is right for your space, walk you through available models, and handle installation with care and precision.

When you work with Demers Glass, you’re partnering with a company that’s been a trusted part of Arizona homes since 1977. We treat every project with the attention and quality workmanship it deserves.

Final Thoughts

Skylights and sun tunnels are both excellent ways to improve the natural lighting in your home. While skylights offer expansive views and ventilation.

Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you choose the solution that brings the most value and comfort to your living space.

If you’re still unsure which option suits your home best, reach out to Demers Glass. We’re happy to answer questions, provide recommendations, and ensure you get a daylighting solution you’ll love for years to come.

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