When most people think of tube lights, they think of long, fluorescent or LED lights often found in kitchens, garages, offices, or factories. While those are incredibly useful, another kind of tube light is making waves in modern architecture and interior design—tube skylights.

Tube skylights are an innovative, energy-efficient solution designed to bring natural sunlight into interior spaces that don’t usually benefit from windows or traditional skylights. Whether installed in a home, factory, restaurant, or office space, they offer a cost-effective, low-maintenance way to brighten up rooms using natural daylight.

What Are Tube Skylights?

Tube lights (also called sun tunnels or tubular daylighting devices) are cleverly engineered to channel natural light from the roof into interior spaces using a highly reflective tube. The system includes a dome that captures sunlight, reflective aluminium tubing that directs the light, and a diffuser inside the ceiling to distribute it evenly throughout the room.

This makes tube lights an ideal alternative to traditional skylights, especially in spaces where structural limitations make full skylights impractical.

Where Are Tube Lights (Tube Skylights) Used?

Tube lights, in the form of skylights, can be used in virtually any building where natural lighting is desired, but windows or standard skylights aren’t feasible.

Residential Homes

• Hallways
• Bathrooms
• Pantries
• Closets or dressing rooms

Commercial Buildings

• Office spaces
• Reception areas
• Boardrooms

Industrial and Factories

• Assembly lines
• Warehouses
• Corridors and utility rooms

Restaurants and Hospitality

• Dining areas
• Lobbies
• Restrooms

An Extremely Cost-Effective Solution

One of the standout benefits of tube lights is their affordability. Compared to traditional skylights or electrical lighting systems, tube skylights:

• Require less structural work during installation
• Are cheaper to purchase and install
• Require minimal maintenance once installed

This makes them ideal for budget-conscious homeowners or commercial facilities looking to reduce operational costs.

Enhance Natural Lighting Indoors

The primary function of a tube light is to enhance the natural lighting inside any room. This offers multiple benefits:

• Improved aesthetics: Natural light enhances colours and gives rooms a vibrant, welcoming feel.
• Health benefits: Exposure to sunlight supports vitamin D production, improves mood, and helps regulate sleep cycles.
• Eco-friendly: Reduces reliance on artificial lighting during the day, supporting a more energy-efficient home.
• Energy savings: By minimising artificial light use, tube skylights can lower your electricity bills over time.

Increase Productivity at Home or Work

In today’s era of remote work, productivity at home is a top priority. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light increases energy, focus, and mood — making tube lights a strategic addition to your home office or studio.

Even in traditional office spaces, tube skylights can:

• Boost employee productivity
• Reduce fatigue and stress
• Promote a healthier, happier work environment

Tube Skylight Components and Materials

To ensure performance and longevity, tube lights are built with high-quality materials:

Dome

• Made from UV-stabilised 4 mm acrylic
• Captures and filters sunlight from the roof

Aluminium Tubing

• Highly polished and anodised aluminiumy
• Imported from Europe for its mirror-like reflectivity
• Maximises the amount of light transferred from dome to diffusert

Light Fitting (Optional)

• Porcelain 220 V 100 W screw-type holder
• Provides backup lighting for night use or overcast days

Diffuser Options

Distributes light evenly into the room. Available in:

• Flat Prismatic Diffuser
• Curved Prismatic Diffuser
• Flat Satin Matte Diffuser

Roof Flashing

Secures the skylight to your roof based on your structure type:

• Galvanised metal flashing for cement and tile roofs
• Moulded fibreglass flashing for metal, thatch, or asbestos roofs

Roof Types Supported:

• Cement Tile
• Harvey Tile
• IBR
• Corrugated Iron
• Clip-Lok
• Asbestos (Slate, Big 6, Canadian Pattern)e
• Concrete Slabs
• Thatch
• Onduline

Blackout System (Optional)

Includes an attachable ring that allows users to temporarily block out sunlight, offering light control in bedrooms, media rooms, or any space that occasionally needs darkness.

Benefits of Tube Skylights at a Glance

• Low-cost lighting solution
• Improves mood and health
• Boosts productivity
• Enhances property aestheticsn
• Adds value to your home
• Easy to install and maintain
• Concrete Slabs
• Available in multiple sizes and finishes
• Eco-friendly and energy-efficient

FAQs About Tube Lights and Tube Skylights

What is a tube light used for?

In lighting, “tube light“ can refer to fluorescent or LED lights commonly used in residential and commercial spaces. However, tube skylights bring natural sunlight into rooms that lack windows or traditional skylights, making them ideal for hallways, bathrooms, and interior offices.

Are tube skylights energy efficient?

Yes. Tube skylights use no electricity during the day, significantly reducing your lighting-related energy costs and carbon footprint.

Can tube skylights be installed on any roof?

Most likely, yes. Tube skylights can be adapted to nearly all roof types, including concrete, tile, IBR, corrugated iron, thatch, and even asbestos.

Do tube skylights work on cloudy days?

Yes. While light output may be reduced on heavily overcast days, high-quality tube skylights with reflective tubing still transmit significant ambient daylight indoors.

Can I control the amount of light from a tube skylight?

Yes. An optional blackout ring allows you to manually block the light when you want the room darkened.

Is installing a tube skylight disruptive?

No. Installation is typically fast and non-invasive, especially when compared to full skylights or structural modifications for windows.

Contact Sundowner Skylights for details

Tube lights have come a long way. They offer a powerful, modern solution for those who want to harness the sun to improve their indoor spaces. If you’re looking to brighten your home naturally, reduce energy bills, or create a more comfortable and productive environment, tube skylights are a smart, sustainable investment.

Get in touch with us today for more information about our tube lights.

In today’s world, where energy efficiency and sustainability are increasingly important, homeowners seek innovative solutions to reduce reliance on artificial lighting and harness the power of natural sunlight. Sun tubes, also known as solar tubes or light tunnels, offer a simple and effective way to bring natural light into interior spaces, even those without direct access to windows. This guide explores the benefits of installing sun tubes in your home, from enhancing daylighting to improving energy efficiency and overall well-being.

Increased Daylighting

One of the primary benefits of installing sun tubes in your home is increased daylighting. These tubes capture sunlight from the roof through a dome or light-collecting lens and channel it down through a highly reflective tube to interior spaces. This natural light can illuminate dark or windowless areas of your home, such as hallways, bathrooms, closets, and even basements, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere without the need for artificial lighting.

Energy Efficiency

By harnessing natural sunlight, sun tubes can help reduce reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours, leading to significant energy savings. According to studies, daylighting can substantially reduce energy consumption for lighting, resulting in lower utility bills and reduced carbon emissions. Additionally, sun tubes operate without electricity, making them a sustainable and environmentally friendly lighting solution for your home.

Enhanced Visual Comfort

Natural light improves visual comfort and reduces eye strain compared to artificial lighting. Sun tubes provide soft, diffused light that closely mimics the quality of natural daylight, creating a more comfortable and visually pleasing environment for reading, working, and other activities. Unlike harsh overhead lighting or glare from windows, tubes distribute light evenly throughout a room, minimising shadows and reducing the need for additional lighting fixtures.

Health and Well-being Benefits

Exposure to natural light has been linked to numerous health and well-being benefits, including improved mood, productivity, and sleep quality. Sun tubes allow ample natural light to penetrate deep into interior spaces, helping regulate circadian rhythms and promoting a sense of well-being. By bringing more natural light into your home, tubes can contribute to a healthier and happier living environment for you and your family.

Design Flexibility

Sun tubes offer design flexibility, allowing homeowners to incorporate natural light into spaces where traditional windows or skylights may not be feasible or practical. With various sizes, shapes, and finishes available, sun tubes can be customised to complement any architectural style or interior decor. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a more traditional aesthetic, tubes can be seamlessly integrated into your home’s design to enhance both its appearance and functionality.

Low Maintenance

Another advantage of sun tubes is their low maintenance requirements. Once installed, they typically require minimal upkeep, with occasional cleaning of the dome or diffuser to remove dust and debris. Unlike skylights, which may require frequent maintenance to prevent leaks or condensation buildup, tubes are sealed units less prone to issues such as water infiltration or heat loss.

Contact Sundowner Skylights for details

Get in touch with us today for more information about our sun tubes.

Sundowner Skylights is a leading manufacturer and supplier of tube skylights, which provide natural daylight to homes and buildings. This FAQ aims to answer some common questions about tube skylights and their benefits.

Q: What is a tube skylight?

A: A tube skylight is a type of skylight using reflective tubes to capture natural light from the roof and transmit it into a room below. Tube skylights typically utilize highly reflective materials such as aluminum, maximising the amount of light entering the room.

Q: What are the benefits of tube skylights?

A: Tube skylights have several benefits, including:

· Abundant Natural Light: Tube lights provide an ample supply of natural light, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere within a space.

· Energy Efficiency: Tube lights offer energy-efficient lighting solutions, helping to reduce electricity consumption and lower utility costs.

· Mood Enhancement: The presence of natural light has been shown to positively impact mood, promoting a sense of well-being and productivity.

· Cost Savings: By harnessing natural light, tube lights can reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, resulting in potential cost savings on energy bills.

· Eco-Friendliness: Tube lights contribute to a more sustainable environment by reducing reliance on artificial lighting, leading to a decreased carbon footprint and a greener approach to lighting.

Q: What types of tube skylights are available?

A: There are several types of tube skylights available, including:

· Leverage the exceptional power of rigid tube skylights, built with durable metal or plastic tubing, for spanning long, straight distances.

· Flexible tube skylights offer adaptability with their flexible tubing, allowing them to easily navigate curves or obstacles on the roof while maintaining optimal functionality.

Q: How much natural light can a tube skylight provide?

A: The amount of natural light a tube skylight can provide depends on several factors, including the size and orientation of the skylight, the amount of sunlight available in your area, and the amount of shading or obstruction on the roof. Generally, tube skylights can provide as much natural light as a traditional skylight or several windows but with a much smaller footprint.

Q: How do I install a tube skylight?

A: Tube skylights are relatively easy to install and should be installed by a professional. The installation process involves cutting a hole in the roof, fitting the tube into the hole, and securing it in place with flashing and sealant. Connect the tube to a diffuser or lens in the ceiling to evenly distribute the natural light throughout the room, ensuring a harmonious and well-lit environment.

Q: How much does a tube skylight cost?

A: Tube skylight costs vary based on factors like size, type, installation complexity, and the location of your property.

Q: Are tube skylights energy-efficient?

A: Yes, Tube skylights are energy-efficient, reducing bills by providing ample natural light during the day.

Reduce dependence on electric lighting, which can comprise up to 25% of total energy consumption, with tube skylights.

Q: How do tube skylights perform in different weather conditions?

A: Tube skylights demonstrate exceptional durability by being specifically engineered to withstand diverse weather conditions, including rain, wind, and hail.

Q: How does a tube skylight work?

A: A tube skylight comprises three main parts: the rooftop dome, the reflective tube, and the diffuser

The robust rooftop dome made of acrylic or polycarbonate captures and utilizes ample natural daylight emitted by the sun. The reflective tube, constructed from premium materials like aluminum or silver-coated polymer, powerfully channels the light downwards to the diffuser, ensuring maximum efficiency and optimal light distribution. The diffuser is a ceiling-mounted fixture that spreads the light evenly throughout the room.

Q: Is a tube skylight suitable for all types of roofs?

A: Tube skylights conquer all roof types, including flat, sloped, and curved, displaying unmatched installation versatility. The installation process varies based on the roof type, but professional installers offer expert guidance for the optimal approach.

Q: What is the difference between a tube skylight and a traditional skylight?

A: Tube skylights differ from traditional skylights in their unique approach to capturing and distributing natural light. Traditional skylights are installed directly into the roof and allow natural light to enter the room directly. However, they can also allow excess heat and glare to enter the room, increasing energy consumption and discomfort.

Tube skylights capture rooftop natural light, channeling it through a reflective tube to a ceiling-installed diffuser for optimal illumination. This method allows for the even distribution of natural light and eliminates the heat and glare associated with traditional skylights.

Q: Do tube skylights require maintenance?

A: Maximize natural light by regularly cleaning the tube skylight’s dome and diffuser while enjoying minimal maintenance requirements. Clean the dome with a soft cloth and mild soap; remove and wash the diffuser with soap and water. Maintain maximum light reflection by keeping the tube free from debris like leaves or twigs for optimal performance.

Contact Sundowner Skylights For Details

Tube skylights are a low-cost, energy-efficient lighting solution to bring natural light into any room. They require little maintenance and can improve your health and well-being. Sundowner Skylights offers various tube skylights, and our professional installation services ensure the skylights are correctly and safely installed. Consider our tube skylights for a sustainable and energy-efficient lighting solution. Get in touch with us today for more information.

Sunlight is abundant and free, but it’s not always readily available. Capturing the sun’s energy with a tube skylight will save you from having to buy lighting fixtures that overly consume electricity and the resultant high energy costs. This is done by using a reflective surface that redirects the rays of light from the sun toward your desired location.

Skylight tube lights are the ideal choice for reliable and unobtrusive illumination. For the best and most professional skylight installations in Cape Town, contact Sundowner Skylights today.

Skylight Installations in Cape Town

Tube skylighting installations do not require any drastic construction changes for their installation. They are compact and easy to install, making them a favourite among architects who are worried about damaging the architectural appearance of a building.

As an alternative to traditional lighting, the installation and use of tube skylighting are affordable and cost-effective, allowing you to reap the rewards of the financial investment for years to come. It is a cost-effective way to illuminate rooms during dreary winter days and even during summer months when it’s too hot to turn on indoor lights. With their ability to brighten the entire room, you will be less reliant on traditional overhead lighting, and with this, reduce your energy consumption and costs. 

Tube skylighting is particularly useful in office environments where employees are normally subjected to harsh artificial lighting that can have a negative effect on their overall well-being. The filtration of natural sunlight throughout an office environment will reduce glare and eye strain, and allow employees to enjoy the warm ambiance of natural sunlight.

Artificial light can also have a damaging effect on your furniture and the fabrics within your home or building. Tube skylighting allows you to enjoy the warmth of the light emitted from the sun, but without the damaging effects of this artificial light, and even without the damaging effects of harmful UV rays.

The installation of tube skylighting also allows you to improve the aesthetic appearance of your indoor environment. Tube skylights are stylish and smart, and are created with custom-designed light fixtures that are made to fit well into the aesthetics of your building. Not only will you enjoy the benefit of the lighting itself, but the elegant design of the fixtures will give your building an entirely new and trendy feel.

If you are looking for a stylish and pleasant lighting solution that you can rely on, contact Sundowner Skylights today for professional service and expert skylight installations in Cape Town.

An extractor fan is a propelled air ventilation system that uses an electric fan to remove hot or humid air from a room and disburse it outside into the atmosphere. An extractor fan is useful in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements that have high humidity levels due to their use of water for activities like cooking or bathing, and can similarly effectively be used in industrial environments. 

The benefits of an extractor fan are many, including improved indoor air quality and comfort for the people in the environment, lower energy cost, reduced wear and tear on central heating systems, and reducing the need to keep windows open.

Sundowner Skylights offer expert extractor fan installations in Cape Town and are available to assist you. For more information and a quotation, contact Sundowner Skylights today.

The Benefits of Using an Extractor Fan

Extractor fans play a role in improving your environment’s ventilation and moisture control and contribute to making the area more comfortable and pleasant. 

An extractor fan will improve the air quality in your building and will assist in removing unpleasant odours. By sucking air into the fan and then blowing it out through an extraction point, an extractor fan can help to keep your environment clean and fresh, free from dust and dirt particles. In this way it extracts stale air from the environment, replacing it with fresh, cool air, and improves the overall air circulation within your building.

Extractor fans are useful in environments that are subjected to moisture and condensation. By removing this moist air from the environment, it assists in reducing the build-up of dangerous mould on the walls and ceilings. Extractor fan installations in Cape Town are particularly beneficial, due to the coastal climate of the City.

An extractor fan is energy efficient and can reduce your monthly heating bills by improving the efficiency of your heating system, and also keeping the environment fresh and cool in warmer months.

Extractor fans are an important part of any environment’s climate control and contribute to making the area far more pleasant to operate within, while also enjoying the benefits of clean air and reduced energy costs. For more information about our extractor fan installations in Cape Town, contact Sundowner Skylights today.

Tube lighting is a highly efficient illumination system that simulates natural sunlight. It is a system that is easy to install and use, and brings a sense of comfort, ease, and brightness to your environment, no matter where you are.

Sunlight is our best and most reliable source of light, and we have now taken the opportunity to combine this with the latest lighting technology to create a versatile, energy-saving solution for your indoor or outdoor areas. 

Sundowner Skylights specialise in this unique and innovative approach to lighting and present a lighting solution that will revolutionise your lighting experience. If you are in need of tube lights in Cape Town, Contact Sundowner Skylights today for more information and a quotation.

The Benefits of Tube Lighting

Tube lighting is an innovative collection of metal tubes that capture and channel indirect daylight into the interior of your home. This results in uplifting natural light during the day and soft ambient illumination throughout your home at night.

It provides more light than any other form of illumination, but it also brings in natural light without the need for windows or skylights, giving your property the feeling of windows, where there are in fact none. 

Tube lighting is environmentally friendly and safe, will prolong the life of your lightbulbs, and will allow you to save exponentially on your electricity costs. It is a high-efficiency illumination system, that is easy to install and maintain, and can be connected to any existing light setup.

Tube lighting gives you the bright, warm light of the outdoor summer sun. Comfortable and calming, it creates the ambiance of natural sunlight being filtered through a stained glass window, but without the harmful UV rays.

Tube lighting is truly an innovative approach to lighting that everyone can benefit from. Sundowner Skylights provide specialist tube lights in Cape Town and are available to assist you with fast and efficient installation. Tube lights in Cape Town are gaining tremendous popularity and use, and if you would like to enjoy these benefits and more, contact Sundowner Skylights today.

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