Frequently Asked Questions - All FAQs

In all the years that I have sold, repaired and installed skylights, I have never come across an intact skylight that leaks. There are generally a few reasons that people have leaks related to a skylight:
Incorrect or improper installation - The skylight was installed incorrectly and water is leaking in from around the skylight, not through it.
Broken acrylic skylight - The skylight is old and degraded from sun and weather, has either spontaneously broken or it was hit by something and broke. Problems also arise on acrylic skylights when someone decides to apply sealer or caulk at the junction of the skylight and the frame, usually because they have water coming in. This does not allow the skylight to expand and contract with changes in temperature, as it was designed to do. This will definitely shorten the lifespan of an acrylic skylight and make fracture inevitable! Acrylic skylights definitely have a lifespan; it may take 2 years, it may take 10 but at some point it will break and need replacement.
Roof failure - There is a problem with the roof, and water will find its way through any openings in the roof. It may not become evident until the drywall starts to stain or sag.

Glazing or Lens - Most commonly acrylic, polycarbonate or glass; can be single or multiple layers (VELUX starts with two panes of tempered glass for their residential skylights). Layers usually are sealed together and may be filled with inert gas for additional energy efficiency (VELUX uses argon between the first two pieces of glass). May have coating for improved energy efficiency (VELUX uses a low-E3 coating on all 2010 residential skylights). May have an additional layer of glass laminated to the first pane.
Frame - The glazing is supported by a frame which is wood or aluminum.
Cladding - Holds the lens to the frame.
Curb - Used to elevate skylights up off the roof deck (plywood). Used on flat roofs or with certain roofing materials.
Underlayment - Membrane or seal for between the roof deck and skylight or curb; usually rubber.
Flashing - Applied over the underlayment and integrated with the roofing materials as the final barrier to the elements.

When purchasing a skylight, you want to consider the manufacturer, materials of construction, design, warranty and product/consumer support to be sure you get a skylight that you can trust and depend on! This is why we sell only the best! VELUX has been manufacturing skylights for 60 years and in over forty countries and the first to ever offer a TEN YEAR NO LEAK WARRANTY!

A deck mount skylight is a skylight that attaches directly to the roof deck. Deck mounted skylights combine a wood frame, the insulated glass panes, and the aluminum cladding. A flashing kit is used to cover the seam and make the installation water-tight. Usually the drywall terminates inside a grove in the underside of the skylight frame thus eliminating the need for any kind of trim work. The deck mounted skylight is a low profile and most energy efficient skylight model available.

A curb is nothing but a raised frame that  the  skylight is attached to. The curb raises the skylight above the roof line. The skylight consists of an aluminum frame, insulated glass panes and a rubber gasket that seals the skylight on the curb. Flashing kits are provided separately. The curb mounted skylight is the only skylight for a flat roof application and is commonly used in the western US for tile and asphalt shingle roofs. Curb mounted skylights provide the most glass area as they typically take advantage of the maximum space available between trusses. 

The decision to use a curb versus a deck mount skylight is often based on the preference or experience of the installer or contractor. There is one exception to this - flat roofs will require a curb mount skylight to keep water from submerging the skylight and causing leakage.

A microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layer deposited on a skylight glazing surface to reduce the skylight U-factor or shading coefficient by suppressing radiative heat flow through the skylight.

Laminated glass consists of two layers of tempered glass bonded together by a layer of transparent plastic (PVB). In case of breakage, the plastic interlayer is designed to hold the fragments together. VELUX offers an upgrade on its standard tempered glass. Laminated glass also significantly blocks out UV rays which prevents fading of furnishings. The white laminated glass is what we primarily install in the Phoenix area.

Argon is an inert gas. By sealing it between two panes of glass, you have less transmitted heat/cold into your living space. Argon is a better insulator than air.

VELUX glass skylights are superior to plastic in every respect. It is more energy efficient and more durable. Glass skylights reduce external noises, won’t discolor, leak or allow drafts. Do you really want plastic on your roof?

A flashing kit seals and waterproofs the intersection of the skylight and the roof opening; it channels the water around the skylight and back up onto the roof material. The flashing  is the most important piece of the installation! The proper installation of the flashing kit is the most important factor in achieving watertight installations. Flashing kits are designed to accommodate specific types of roof material and roof pitch. Thus if you have an asphalt shingle roof, you must use a flashing kit designed for an asphalt shingle roof, same with a tile or metal roof the correct flashing must be matched to the skylight. With any VELUX skylight that we install we include a peel and stick rubber underlayment that is attached to the roof sheathing and up the side of the skylight or skylight curb ensuring that the entire area around the skylight opening is totally sealed. We do not use tar with our flashings, doing so would void the VELUX warranty.

Flashing kits are broken down into two main types; curb mounted or deck mounted. Curb mounted skylights use ECL flashings which are good for both asphalt and shake type roofs or an ECW for a high profile/tile roof. Deck mounted skylights offer more flashing solutions; EDL type flashing kits for shingle or shake roofs, EDW for tile roofs, and EDM for metal roofs.
 Only curb mount skylights may be installed on flat roofs.

Ice & Water shield is a roofing underlayment. It is a thick rubber membrane with a self-adhesive backing that we recommend you use to wrap the skylight and the adjoining roof area that surrounds the skylight. Once the skylight is attached to the roof, the membrane is applied half of the width on the side of the skylight (or curb) and half on the roof adjacent to the skylight. This provides an added protective seal in addition to the roofing material and flashing kit. This is especially important in areas where ice and snow accumulate on the roof. We use it on every installation we do and we are located in the Phoenix desert. This is now included with the flashing in all deck mount skylights. The Ice & Water Shield is available for purchase on the “options” page when you order your skylight for curb mount skylights.

This is called “ganging” and deck mounted skylights can be ganged together by utilizing the special order “Combination Flashing” kits that VELUX manufacturers. This flashing option is available for asphalt shingle, tile and metal type roofs. If you are interested in ganging the skylights together please give us a call at 800-900-0759 to discuss the specifics.

VELUX manufactures several different types of blinds. 

	Roller Shades – The roller blind increases energy efficiency up to 16%, reducing your heating and cooling costs due to the better natural climate control in your room; it diffuses direct sunlight to significantly reduce or eliminate glare on your TV or computer screen, which increases the versatility of the room. Available in electric, manual, and solar.			Venetian Blind s – design features make operation simple and convenient, with a control mechanism that allows you to position the blinds at any point on the window. Improved aesthetics give you control over both the amount and direction of light, perfect for any room where light control and aesthetics are important. Available in electric and manual.
	Lightblock Shade – fabric that has an energy efficient aluminum coating on the exterior side that acts as a heat barrier and increases the energy efficiency up to 20%. This room darkening shade blocks 98% of the light and is great for bedrooms, TV/entertainment rooms. Available in electric, manual, and solar.			Solar Power – Available on most blind options; qualifies for 30% Federal Tax Credit. Allows for a powered blind option on fixed skylights without having to do any wiring!

No, there are no skylights offered with blinds that go between the glass panes. VELUX has a full line of blinds and shades that are specifically designed for installation in VELUX skylights.

Shade/blind options can be installed either during or after your skylight installation.

All VELUX electric blinds can be operated with the hand held remote control or the optional wall switch. One remote can control multiple blinds in one room.

The only traditional skylight sold in Arizona that qualifies for the 25% AZ solar tax credit is the VELUX skylight. VELUX skylights performance charecteristics have been approved by the AZ Department of Commerce for the tax credit . In addition, they are sales tax exempt! This tax credit includes the cost of the material and the labor. 

The VELUX solar powered "fresh air skylight" and any VELUX solar powered blind qualifies for a 30% Federal Tax credit as well and it includes the cost of labor and materials. If you purchase a fresh air venting skylight you can recieve a 55% tax credit! Upgrade today from a fixed skylight and your net expense for a venting skylight will be the same as a fixed skylight! 

As with everything else, it would be prudent to check with your local building code officials to inquire about specific requirements for your area. In general, the standard tempered glass meets all US building codes, but there are exceptions; California code requires the use of laminated glass, certain areas in Florida require stronger impact or hurricane rated glass. We offer the right skylight for your application, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

This is one of most commonly asked questions; face it, we live in the desert and just about every skylight installed here in Phoenix is a plastic bubble! Plastic bubbles offer no insulation against the heat! So, YES we can remove that plastic bubble and install an energy efficient skylight made by VELUX. THe VELUX skylight will let in 75% less heat as compared to the plastic bubble skylight! INSTANT SAVINGS and INSTANT GRATIFICATION!

A tube skylight is a product that transfers natural sunlight into useable light that lightens up dark rooms. The technology used to accomplish this is a super reflective light shaft and precise engineered diffusers. The mirrored surface of the light pipe reflects the solar light down the tube.

A sun tunnel tubular skylight efficiently provides pure natural light while effectively minimizing heat gain and heat loss since it is a sealed system. Tubular skylights eliminates dark rooms. There are many benefits of living in rooms illuminated with natural light. Get rid of those dark room blahs for good! Plants thrive in rooms lit with natural light as well.

Bigger is not always better! Use the following guideline to assist you in determining the best unit for your particular installation. Remember, if you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to contact us and we will respond promptly. 10 Inch Unit - 150 sq. feet or less. Bathrooms, Hallways, Walk-in Closets, Pantries, Laundry Rooms. 13/14 Inch Unit - 150 -250 sq. feet. Kitchens, Living Rooms, Family Rooms, Foyers, Garages. 18 Inch Unit - 300 - 500 sq. feet. Rooms with vaulted ceilings, Family Rooms, Living Rooms, Great Rooms, Garages. 21 Inch Unit - 500 - 700 sq. feet Commercial Flat Roof Application only

Sun tunnel / tubular skylights reflective system transfers light down to the room with minimal light loss on cloudy days. The engineered diffuser and state of the art optic technology incorporated into the light pipe allows light coming from any direction to be transferred down the tube, allowing the best light output possible.

The tubular skylight dome is extremely durable. In fact, the Natural Light dome passed the most stringent skylight test in the country-the Florida hurricane impact test! The dome had to endure a direct hit from a 9 pound 2x4 traveling nearly 40mph and not leak one drop of water when subjected to 130mph winds and gushing rain water! The modified acrylic dome does not fade and weaken after years of exposure to the sun's UV rays. The Sun Tunnel dome is designed to withstand weather in all parts of the country. VELUX does offer an impact dome that is designed to withstand hurricane prone areas.

The best location for any solar device would be on the southwest facing side of the house. Remember to take into consideration chimneys, adjoining roof structures or trees-anything that can cast a shadow over the dome is going to effect the light output. There is so much light energy in sunlight and the Natural Light Tubular Skylight does work well on the north side of a house. Just keep in mind that 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.

In general, the ideal length of tube is about 6 feet. However, lengths over 15 feet are routinely installed with very favorable results. We recommend increasing the unit to the next size for runs longer than 14 feet.

Sun tunnel / tubular skylights are extremely efficient; with virtually no heat gain or loss, they are also Energy Star rated and qualify for some state and all federal tax credits.

Tubular skylights are seamless, therefore, providing that they are installed in accordance with the manufacturer's directions, they will not leak! We have installed thousands of tubular skylights in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and on every type of roof there is including tile, shingle, metal and foam roofs. We give you a three year warranty on our installation!

Typical installation by a homeowner is about 2 hours with common everyday tools.

Yes! Natural Light manufactures a tubular skylight flashing designed just for cathedral ceilings making the installation a breeze. Please order a "FLAT" flashing for this purpose. If you are purchasing a VELUX sun tunnel please order the "TGR" model.

No you do not have to insulate the light pipe. The system is designed to weep out any condensate that occurs and it works very effectively. In northern states please use the free optional soft diffuser which creates a double insulated diffuser and further protects the unit from large temperature differentials thus less condensation.

Yes, we have installed thousands of tubular skylights on tile roof all over Phoenix. The most important step is to ensure that a tile skirt is used in the installation as it channels the water around the flashing and back up and onto the roof tiles. You cannot use mortar or tar or silicone around the tiles; you will have leaks!

We can also install sun tunnel skylights on clay tile roofs; we are probably the only company that will as that entails the removal of tiles as we have to make a path up to the penetration point as we can't walk on clay tiles. There is an additional fee for this as many times it takes a couple of hours of extra labor to accomplish this....but we do it!

Yes, we can install a sun tunnel on any type of flat roof whether it be foam or rolled asphalt. We have special flashing for these type roof applications.

YES! All the tubes we install qualify for the AZ solar tax credit of 25% and include the cost of labor and the unit! AND the transaction is exempt from sales tax so you save about 35%! 

Yes, Natural Light Solar Attic Fans are so energy efficient that models installed on residential homes qualify for a 30% Federal Tax Credit. The unit operates for free all during the day powered by the sun - so there are no operating costs. Additionally, in the summer months, attic venting can reduce the load on your AC system - which can save on your energy costs.

Natural Light has 3 solar panel sizes available to accommodate the attic ventilation needs of all structure sizes. Several factors can affect the amount of attic ventilation a home needs. Visit our output page which features a general guide for estimating the quantity and solar panel size needed for various roof pitches. Below is the average output for all 4 solar panel sizes. Your Natural Light dealer can assist you in determining what size unit or units are needed for your home.
10 watt = up to 1,200 square feet (up to 850 cfms)
20 watt = up to 2,000 square feet (up to 1,275 cfms)
30 watt = up to 2,500 square feet (up to 1,550 cfms)
50 watt = up to 3,100 square feet (up to 1,900 cfms)

All our solar attic fan models have the industry leading 25 year product warranty. To qualify for all warranty benefits, please register your product by mailing or emailing the Natural Light Warranty Registration Form.

Natural Light Solar Attic Fans can be installed virtually on any roof of either residential or commercial buildings. The roof mounted model is designed for either pitched or flat roofs. The solar panel can be angled to the position it will collect the most sunlight providing optimal venting performance on all roof slopes. Both a curb and gable mounted units are also available. Our models accommodate all roofing material including composite shingle, wood shake, tile and clay tile. For some tile roof installations, an additional flashing skirt is needed.

A homeowner can easily install our solar attic fans in about an hour or less. Installation requires basic do-it-yourself skills including using a reciprocating saw. The solar attic fan is fully operational right out of the box and no wiring or structural changes are needed. Each kit comes with illustrated step-by-step instructions.

Each Natural Light Solar Attic Fan kit comes with everything you need including a fully assembled attic fan, roofing sealant and all hardware. Tools Needed for Installation: Caulking Gun, Drill, Hammer, Ladder, Marking Pencil, Measuring Tape, Nail, Reciprocating Saw, Safety Goggles, Screwdriver, Stud Finder, String, Utility Knife

The solar attic fan should be installed on a south or west facing roof. It should be located in the center of the roof and about three feet from the ridge of the roof.

Yes, Natural Light offers a unique version of our solar attic fan that allows you to install the fan assembly on a shady portion of the roof. The unit is powered by a remote solar panel that is installed away from the fan on the sunny portion of the roof.

Natural Light Solar Attic Fans require no maintenance! The unit has been engineered to be leak proof when installed properly. It also has a protective animal screen that keeps out the critters.

Yes, the rugged construction of Natural Light Solar Attic Fan can withstand the harshest weather conditions including hurricanes and tornadoes. The unit utilizes a high impact solar panel and a heavy-duty commercial grade aluminum housing. A custom storm model is also available for hurricane zones adding additional protection against heavy rain blowing up and underneath the unit.

Yes, a small device called a thermal snap switch is available that will automatically turn ON and OFF your fan when the attic temperature is optimal and attic venting is not needed.

Typically you do not need a thermostat for the proper operation of your solar attic fan. The solar attic fan exhausts the moisture that is trapped in your attic space that comes from the heat sources in your home as well as the environment. Moisture does far more damage to your roof structure than heat; ice dams and mold formation are the two major problems. I recommend using a thermostat if you live in a dry area, like the desert.

The solar attic fan is so quiet you will not hear it run from a distance of about three feet!

To qualify for a solar tax credit, the solar attic fan must have been placed in service on a residential home on June 1, 2009 through December 31, 2016. Natural Light provides a Statement of Certification for the homeowner to download, complete and keep with their tax records. The Statement does not need to be filled with your tax forms, but income tax regulations require taxpayers to have appropriate documentation. To claim a residential tax credit, download IRS form 5695 and instruction sheet.

In addition, the SAF solar attic fan qualifies for a 25% AZ solar tax credit. 

The tax credits include the unit and the labor and the whole transaction is sales tax exempt!

Install a solar powered attic fan and get a 55% tax credit!

Yes, the Natural Light Solar Attic Fan can be installed on any structure with a roof including sheds, barns, lofts, garages, workshops, guest homes - any space that could benefit from air circulation. Natural Light also offers a specialized garage vent kit that is added to a standard solar attic fan unit converting the fan to a garage exhaust venting system.

Building codes require all homes to incorporate a passive attic vent system. The problem with passive venting is that it rarely provides the pressure needed to force out the hot, moist air that builds up inside your attic. Adding a motorized attic fan provides the pressure needed to drive out the hot air and improve air circulation.

Attic ventilation helps maintain a healthy, energy efficient home. It extends the life of your roofing shingles and underlayment and reduces moisture build up that can cause rot and mold. Attic venting can also reduce the load on your AC in the summer, which can save you money. In colder climates, it prevents damaging ice damming.

Natural Light Solar Attic Fans are manufactured in the USA using only the highest quality components under the strictest control standards. All solar panels used on our units are high impact and engineered so that they work to full capacity even under the harshest conditions. The housing and flashing are made of heavy-duty, commercial pure grade aluminum that is powder-coated inside and out. It incorporates a quiet, powerful direct current motor with a 25 year warranty.