Sun Tunnel Installation Ocala, FL
Sun Tunnel Installation
Ocala, FL
Natural light in tight spaces without the heat gain or cost of a full skylight.
What a Sun Tunnel Is
A sun tunnel is a reflective tube. It runs from a small roof dome through the attic to a ceiling diffuser below. Some call it a tubular skylight or TDD. It captures daylight at the roof and channels it into interior spaces windows cannot reach.
Sun tunnels are smaller than skylights, typically 10 to 14 inches in diameter. The roof penetration is minor. The installation is fast. Heat gain is far lower than a traditional skylight. The smaller aperture and diffuser lens at the ceiling keep it that way.
Thomas Roofing installs sun tunnels throughout Marion County. We handle the roof penetration, flashing, and tube routing. The ceiling diffuser installation is part of the same visit.
Need more light in a larger space?
See New Skylight Installation ›Sun Tunnel vs. Skylight
Both bring natural light indoors. The right choice depends on the space, the roof, and your heat tolerance. Here is a direct comparison for Florida homeowners.
Where Sun Tunnels Work Best
Sun tunnels solve specific problems that skylights cannot address as well. These are the applications where we most often recommend a sun tunnel over a traditional skylight.
- Interior hallways: No exterior windows, no easy skylight placement. A sun tunnel runs through the attic and delivers daylight to the hall ceiling diffuser.
- Walk-in closets: Natural light in a closet makes finding clothes and matching colors far easier. A sun tunnel fits the space and roof area a closet typically sits under.
- Bathrooms over a garage or single story: A sun tunnel brings natural light in without major structural changes. This works when roof configuration rules out a traditional skylight.
- Laundry rooms: A sun tunnel adds bright light to a windowless laundry room. It costs less and adds far less heat than a full skylight.
Heat Performance in Florida
Sun tunnels perform better than skylights in Florida heat for one reason: the aperture is much smaller. A 14-inch round dome captures far less solar radiation than a 2x4-foot skylight opening. The reflective tube diffuses light before it reaches the ceiling diffuser. This removes the heat concentration that south-facing glass skylights often create.
Most sun tunnel products include a diffuser lens that filters UV and scatters light evenly across the ceiling. This gives you bright, natural-feeling light without the glare or heat concentration of an unfiltered skylight. PACE financing is available on any installation scope. No payments for 12 months and monthly options from $100.
Installation Process
Most sun tunnel installs finish in three to four hours. Here is what the installation involves.
- We cut a small opening in the roof deck and install the dome with integrated flashing.
- We run the reflective tube through the attic from the roof penetration to the ceiling opening.
- We cut the ceiling opening and install the diffuser lens and trim ring.
- We seal all flashing points and inspect the install before leaving.
Most residential sun tunnel installations in Marion County do not require a permit. We confirm permit requirements for your specific property at the estimate visit.
See all skylight and sun tunnel services we offer in Ocala
Back to Skylight Services Overview ›Frequently Asked Questions
How much natural light does a sun tunnel actually provide?
A 14-inch sun tunnel in a room with good attic access lights a space up to 200 square feet. Most homeowners do not need artificial light during the day after installation. Longer tube runs and more attic bends reduce light output. We discuss expected output at the estimate.
Does a sun tunnel work at night?
Some sun tunnel products include an optional electric light kit that activates when daylight is insufficient. This turns the diffuser into a nightlight or supplemental fixture. Ask us about this option during the estimate.
Can a sun tunnel work in a two-story home?
Only for rooms on the top floor that have attic space directly above them. Sun tunnels cannot pass through a floor. They run vertically or at a slight angle through attic space only.
How do I clean a sun tunnel?
The exterior dome stays clean in Florida rain for the most part. The interior diffuser lens can be removed and wiped down. We walk you through the maintenance steps at the end of the installation visit.
Is a sun tunnel more energy-efficient than a skylight?
In Florida, yes. The smaller aperture means less solar heat gain. The diffuser lens filters UV and scatters light without concentrating heat the way a glass skylight can. For heat-sensitive applications, a sun tunnel is the better choice.
Will a sun tunnel work on a low-slope or flat section of my roof?
Yes. Sun tunnels work on any roof pitch. Flat sections may require an elevated dome for proper drainage. We assess the roof surface and recommend the correct dome style for your pitch.