Simple Eco-friendly Home Remodeling Projects Are Quick Profit
There are several eco-friendly home remodeling projects that can help homeowners reduce energy consumption and maximize profits for pros. These small, sustainable changes can have a big impact on the homeowner's bottom line. For example, replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones or installing low-flow faucets and shower fixtures.
Profits can certainly be maximized with these eco-friendly home remodeling projects. The costs are fairly small for homeowners, and the time for pros to complete these projects are minimal.
Sun Tunnel Skylights are an Easy-to-Install, Eco-Friendly Home Remodeling Project
One of the most impactful eco-friendly home remodeling projects that can be completed is installing a VELUX Sun Tunnel. Sun Tunnel skylights are tubular daylighting devices that allow natural light to enter a home via the roof. No light bulb is required! This reduces the need for electric lights during the day. The savings on the homeowner’s energy bill can be seen within the first couple of months.
Sun Tunnels skylights are available in 10-inch diameter, which allows them to be installed in places other skylights can’t. This includes closets, bathrooms, hallways, mud rooms, and other smaller areas of the house where vertical windows won’t work. There are several different dome designs for the roof, including flat glass, low profile, and curb mount. Optional light diffusers are available for inside the home to create lighting aesthetics based on the homeowner’s preferences.
Steps to Install a TMR Rigid Sun Tunnel in a Home
Those who have completed a Sun Tunnel installation say that it is not a complex process. In many cases, a Sun Tunnel can be installed in 2 to 4 hours, depending on the level of experience. The following is a basic overview of the steps required to install a Sun Tunnel. Comprehensive instructions can be found online.
- Step 1: Identify where the Sun Tunnel is to be installed. Check the area in the attic to make sure there are no obstructions between the ceiling and the roof deck.
- Step 2: Find the ceiling joists and mark the center between them. Push a nail or wire up through the ceiling.
- Step 3: In the attic, use a plumb bob or straight edge to identify the area in the roof deck directly above the nail or wire through the ceiling. Drive a nail through the roof deck to mark this spot.
- Step 4: In the room, measure the necessary circumference and mark the rough opening in the ceiling. Cut out the circle without damaging the joists.
- Step 5: Attach the diffuser ring to the lower elbow and install it into the ceiling with the clips on the ring.
- Step 6: On the roof, find the nail, and mark the rough opening using the boot of the sun tunnel dome. Cut out the opening with a saw without damaging the trusses.
- Step 7: Remove the shingles from the upper half of the opening and spread roofing sealant around the opening.
- Step 8: Install the boot using the nails provided and caulk the top with the roofing sealant.
- Step 9: Install underlayment over the top of the boot and then reinstall the shingles.
- Step 10: Attach the gasket to the upper elbow and place it into the boot on the roof. Then go into the attic and measure the distance between the upper and lower elbow.
- Step 11: Cut the rigid tunnel sections to the measured length. Be sure to leave three inches of overlap for each elbow. Attach the tunnel to the upper elbow and seal all joints with the tape provided.
- Step 12: Install the tunnel through the roof and connect it to the lower elbow. Remember to tape all joints. Failure to do this could result in debris entering the light tube.
- Step 13: Attach the dome to the top of the boot on the roof. Then install the light diffuser into the ring in the ceiling.
VELUX Offers Homeowner Guidance and Installation Training
For those homeowners who are on the fence or have more questions about Sun Tunnel skylights, our Design and Product Advisors are available to talk with them. They are happy to discuss any of our daylighting options, including venting skylights, roof windows, and more. If you are a builder who is new to installing Sun Tunnel skylights, we have several different ways to assist. We have comprehensive installation instructions for all of our products and installation videos. In the classroom and on the job, hands-on skylight installation training is also available in certain areas.
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