I have it in my head that I NEED a few (7) 12in. VERILUX sun tubes in my (new-low angle) Minnesota shingle roof for ambient daylight to reach (garage) and an interior bathroom and a dark stairway. VERILUX has a local contractor who will do each tube for $550/ea, but the box stores sell a DIY kit for @$220/ea. If possible, I would like the group's collective experience/wisdom in the pros/cons of such an undertaking. I will have a handyman to help me.Which tools will make cutting the big circle easier?
Tools and advice for DIY install of VERILUX suntubes
- Thread starter doc4som
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I think you mean VELUX skylight tubes. VERILUX makes fluorescent tubes.
In terms of tools, I think a jigsaw, drill and a few hand tools would likely cover what you need. Perhaps the bigger challenge may be properly locating and marking a tube at the angle to go through the roof, miss rafters and then through the ceiling. Looks like there a pretty good installation instructions on the internet with templates, etc.
If you are pretty handy, probably not a difficult job. Just make sure you are careful, using caulk since it is on the roof, making sure you don't slip and fall, etc. If it is a low-angle roof, it was not clear if you can get in the attic to mark and cut the ceiling or if you will need to do it all from above and below. That could make it tricky with no help.
Post pictures if you can!
Good luck
neil
In terms of tools, I think a jigsaw, drill and a few hand tools would likely cover what you need. Perhaps the bigger challenge may be properly locating and marking a tube at the angle to go through the roof, miss rafters and then through the ceiling. Looks like there a pretty good installation instructions on the internet with templates, etc.
If you are pretty handy, probably not a difficult job. Just make sure you are careful, using caulk since it is on the roof, making sure you don't slip and fall, etc. If it is a low-angle roof, it was not clear if you can get in the attic to mark and cut the ceiling or if you will need to do it all from above and below. That could make it tricky with no help.
Post pictures if you can!
Good luck
neil
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Are you planning to use a rigid tube model?
Tom
Tom
Thanks Nelic, I have an 4 foot attic space that allows me to mark the holes to be made between the beams. I thought a "circle" kind-of cutter would be required (or better) to cut the circle. More research needed by me here. Bellemare, I am planning to use rigid tube in all but maybe on one tube that faces the street side of the roof. This skytube would be the most difficult to accomplish since its roof section is slanted to one side while the ceiling outlet is slanted towards another. I thought of paying the VELUX pro do this one , observe him and then decide wether to do the other ones myself. Also,Costco also offers a flexible tube with a square flange they claim to be more stylish than the round flange found on the VELUX, supposedtly it looks better toward the front of the house (-the street side.) I have not been able to find numbers about heat loss, moisture or leaks
Not sure there's much difference in ease of install, but overall my impression is that Solatube is a better product--more options, better reflection of light down a rigid tube, good instructions. Velux originally got into the business by buying another company that only had flexible tubes. I believe they've made some improvements since then but I would encourage you to look into Solatube as well. When we had a dramatic hail storm a few years ago, Solatube's domes were the only brand that seemed to survive.
Full disclosure: I'm not an expert (especially regarding installation) but have sold both brands in the past.
Full disclosure: I'm not an expert (especially regarding installation) but have sold both brands in the past.
Well, thank you PHRED, that was helpful . I am now considering only Co's that offer silver coated interiors (Velux has a poly film) and some of the youtube videos have made me consider some installation tips. Wish some FOGER had personal knowledge/experience to share . I still have a few weeks before I do this.
Dane
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Installing sun tubes is stupid easy if you have done any sort of remodel work before- built a deck, gutted a bathroom? You need a good(note the qualifier) jigsaw or, if you are a surgeon with a sawzall, that works too. Obviously, you are going to need a drill, hammer, drywall saw etc...The only real thing to watch is not to break the shingles surrounding the hole as you still have to slide the flashing up under them to maintain the lapping. I would actually advocate cutting from the outside for that reason- when you cut shingles for the inside they have a tenancy to crack as your lads can get hung up underneath them and shake them instead of cutting them. You don't need a circle jig- the tube comes with a template and there is some wiggle room on the cut. Again, good jigsaw, right blade- full power, blast through the shingles and sheathing in one cut. Keep the shoe of he saw pressed down on the shingles to keep them from shaking loose. You'll need a flat bar to pry up the upper shingles- then tjs just some screws and sealant. Easy.
JLB builders LLC
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+1Dane said:
I put a few in a house. Had some long runs with 2 sections and an elbow. They worked great. One was in a bathroom and two in a living room. Been about 7 years and they haven't leaked yet. Not sure of the brand but Solar Tube sounds familiar.
JLB builders LLC
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I pushed the insulation around the base, between the rafters. Never had any issue with the Tubes sweating.doc4som said: