Winter in the Pacific Northwest can be a dreary time, with lots of rain and little sunshine. Since the lack of sunlight can take a toll on our emotions, mood, and well-being, it’s helpful to create as much light in your home as possible.

Even if the sun isn’t shining, skylights and sun tunnels help get more open, natural light into your home. And when the sun is shining, you can bask in the glow indoors!

Skylights and sun tunnels are an eco-friendly and energy-efficient way to bring more light into your home all year round.


What Are Skylights?

A skylight is a rectangular window set into your roof, allowing natural sunlight to stream down into your home. Skylights are typically installed in larger spaces, such as living rooms, dens, bedrooms and dining areas. They are a great way to increase daylight and ventilation in your home, which can release the hot air that naturally accumulates near the ceiling.

Ventilating skylights typically open outward at the bottom, while others vent through a small, hinged panel. Skylights can be operated via electric motors, or manually with a pole, chain, or crank.

Some skylight models even incorporate moisture sensors to automatically close the skylight when it rains.

Here at Tom Leach Roofing, we install VELUX skylights exclusively. This high-quality brand offers a complete system of complementary products and accessories for any skylight solution – from the installation right down to the finishing touches. We have a variety of skylight products and options to fit your home design, lifestyle, and desired budget.

The Solar Powered “Fresh Air” Skylight features a solar panel that captures available daylight and uses it to recharge a highly efficient, fully concealed battery powered operator and control system that will power the closing and opening of your skylight. Since this set-up runs on solar power, no electrical wiring is required, making for an easy and quick installation process.

Meanwhile, the Electric “Fresh Air” skylight is a great daylighting solution that offers allows plenty of natural light and operates with the touch of a button to let in fresh air. A moisture sensor will automatically shut the skylight during rain, keeping your home dry and safe.

VELUX also offers affordable, fixed (non-opening) skylight windows that allow natural light in without added ventilation, as well as manually-operated skylights that open and close via a wand, chain or crank.

What Are Sun Tunnels?

Unlike the rectangular window shape of skylights, a sun tunnel is a reflective tube that reflects natural outdoor light and channels it down into your home. Sun tunnels are a great option for smaller windowless spaces such as hallways and bathrooms, which have trouble getting enough light.

Tom Leach Roofing Portland OR

Adding a sun tunnel is a cost-effective way to add natural light to dim areas that need brightening. Their low-profile design creates a sleek appearance on any roofline, and their pre-fabricated light tunnel makes them quick and easy to install. They can be installed on a pitched roof or on a flat roof extension to allow daylight to flood the rooms where it’s needed most.

VELUX offers two types of sun tunnels. The first is a flexible tunnel, which is recommended when installation will require navigating around obstacles within the loft space. These are the easiest sun tunnel product to install because of the maneuverability and flexibility of the tunnel material. These are ideal for shorter tunnel runs.

The second option, a rigid tunnel, is recommended when there is a straight, unobstructed path from the roof to the ceiling. These allow for a brighter white light and are excellent for long runs.

Why Choose VELUX Brand Skylights And Sun Tunnels?

For over 75 years, VELUX has created skylights and sun tunnels that are synonymous with quality and reliability. As the world leader in roof windows and skylights, VELUX stands behind their products with an industry-leading warranty.

When we install a skylight or sun tunnel in your home, you’re backed by the VELUX No-Leak Promise. Simply put, VELUX skylights do not leak; the exclusive flashing systems keep you dry and comfortable all year round–even in Portland’s rainy season!

What’s more, most VELUX residential products are ENERGY STAR certified in all 50 states, which means they meet the energy efficiency standards set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What To Expect During A Skylight Or Sun Tunnel Installation

While the process and timeline of a sun tunnel or skylight installation can vary depending on the size of the unit being installed, as well as the pitch and depth of the roof, a typical installation only takes one day. Some larger jobs may take longer.

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In order to install your skylight or sun tunnel, we’ll need to make a cut through your roof to insert the window unit. Next, we will properly seal and flash the seams and complete the finishing touches.

Let Us Brighten Up Your Home!

If you live in the Portland, OR area and would like more information on installing a skylight or sun tunnel in your home, call our friendly and knowledgeable team to schedule a free consult and estimate. With Tom Leach Roofing, you’ll not only get a job that’s done exactly the way you want it, but you’ll get a price that’s fair and competitive.

Backed by more than 30 years of experience, we have earned a reputation for quality roofing projects and top notch service and installations. Call us today at 503.238.0303 or email us via our contact form.

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