Products / Skylights

Tubular Daylighting Device

Compact daylighting systems that channel roof light through reflective tubes.

Tubular daylighting devices capture sunlight at the roof and deliver it through a reflective tube to interior spaces where a full skylight is impractical. They are compact, efficient, and useful for hallways, closets, interior bathrooms, and small rooms. Performance depends on tube diameter, run length, bends, roof dome, diffuser, ceiling location, and roof flashing compatibility.

Configurations

How It Comes

Rigid Tube

Highly reflective rigid tubing for longer or brighter daylight delivery.

Flexible Tube

Flexible tubing for short runs around framing obstructions.

Low-Profile Dome

A smaller exterior dome where appearance or wind exposure is a concern.

Integrated Light Kit

Electric light accessory inside the diffuser for nighttime use.

Applications

Where It's Used

Hallways And Closets

Tubular Daylighting Device products are commonly selected for hallways and closets where the product configuration, performance rating, and installation condition fit the project.

Interior Bathrooms

Tubular Daylighting Device products are commonly selected for interior bathrooms where the product configuration, performance rating, and installation condition fit the project.

Laundry Rooms

Tubular Daylighting Device products are commonly selected for laundry rooms where the product configuration, performance rating, and installation condition fit the project.

Small Rooms Below Attic Space

Tubular Daylighting Device products are commonly selected for small rooms below attic space where the product configuration, performance rating, and installation condition fit the project.

Selection Guide

How To Specify It

Use these checkpoints when comparing quotes, reviewing submittals, or deciding whether this product type fits the opening.

Tube Length And Bends

Compare tube length and bends across manufacturers before selecting a tubular daylighting device. Small differences here often change installation cost, serviceability, or long-term performance.

Roof Flashing Type

Compare roof flashing type across manufacturers before selecting a tubular daylighting device. Small differences here often change installation cost, serviceability, or long-term performance.

Diffuser Appearance

Compare diffuser appearance across manufacturers before selecting a tubular daylighting device. Small differences here often change installation cost, serviceability, or long-term performance.

Attic Insulation And Condensation Control

Compare attic insulation and condensation control across manufacturers before selecting a tubular daylighting device. Small differences here often change installation cost, serviceability, or long-term performance.

Frame / Glazing System

Aluminum Clad Frame Tubular Daylighting Device

Aluminum exterior cladding protects roof-exposed skylight frames from weather and UV exposure.

Advantages
  • Durable roof exposure
  • Low exterior maintenance
  • Compatible with flashing kits
Considerations
  • Thermal break details matter
  • Finish scratches need attention
  • Can conduct heat at weak points

Frame / Glazing System

Wood Interior Frame Tubular Daylighting Device

Wood interiors provide a warm finished surface around roof windows and many deck-mounted skylights.

Advantages
  • Warm interior finish
  • Paintable or stainable
  • Good insulation value
Considerations
  • Needs condensation control
  • Must stay dry
  • Interior finish can degrade in humid rooms

Frame / Glazing System

Vinyl / PVC Frame Tubular Daylighting Device

Vinyl or PVC frames resist moisture and are common on tubular daylighting devices, curb-mounted units, and some skylight systems.

Advantages
  • Moisture resistant
  • Low maintenance
  • Good thermal isolation
Considerations
  • Limited finish options
  • Movement with heat exposure
  • Profile choices vary

Frame / Glazing System

Fiberglass / Composite Frame Tubular Daylighting Device

Fiberglass and composite frames add dimensional stability and weather durability for roof glazing assemblies.

Advantages
  • Stable in temperature swings
  • Low maintenance
  • Good strength
Considerations
  • Premium cost
  • Fewer product lines
  • Longer lead times

Performance & Ratings

At a Glance

Primary specification focus
Tube diameter, reflective material, maximum run, elbow count, roof dome, diffuser lens, flashing kit, and insulation sleeve
Performance ratings
NFRC thermal ratings, safety glazing, water resistance, roof pitch range, and flashing compatibility
Common standards
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, NFRC 100/200, ASTM E330, ASTM E331, safety glazing requirements
Documentation to request
Product data, installation instructions, warranty, test reports, shop drawings for custom or large openings
Coordination point
Confirm final dimensions, substrate conditions, accessories, and code requirements before ordering

Project Coordination

Details To Confirm Early

01

Match flashing to roof conditions

Roof pitch, roofing type, curb height, and underlayment sequence drive the flashing kit and installation method.

02

Insulate and air seal the shaft

Poorly insulated light wells create condensation, heat loss, and comfort problems even when the skylight unit performs well.

03

Plan interior access

High roof glazing may need shades, controls, cleaning access, and service planning before finishes are installed.

Product Questions

Common Questions

What should I compare first when selecting tubular daylighting device?

Start with the operation or glass makeup, then verify performance ratings, installation conditions, accessory compatibility, and warranty limits for the exact product series.

Can tubular daylighting device be used in any opening?

No. Size, exposure, code requirements, frame capacity, hardware, and installation details determine whether a product is appropriate for a specific opening.

What documents should I ask for before ordering?

Request product data, installation instructions, warranty terms, available test reports, and shop drawings for custom sizes, large assemblies, or code-sensitive conditions.

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