Comments on: Solatube brings daylight indoors

High-tech alternative to skylight uses a Fresnel lens to maximize light intake while cutting out UV and infrared light.
Photos: Daylight system adds sunshine to your life

[gggg sssss]

homeless depot

I looked at these at home depot. Pretty flimsy IMNSHO. And cutting holes in a roof seems to be less than a good idea when the rains come.

[DPIQ]

homeless depot

?????

We've had one of these for about 10 years and love it. We'd have even more but the roof above our bathrooms were too shallow for the multiple bells and whistles units with the exhaust fan and light. Regarding what you saw at Home Depot, I don't remember seeing the Solatube brand there. I'm sure you just saw a knock-off. You should compare it to the real thing and see if you still think it's flimsy.

[Green Lover]

Solatube has a great product!

You're wrong gggg - that's not a Solatube.

I just finished shopping this product recently and bought Solatubes through a dealership. There is a knock off at Home Depot and it doesn't compare. They don't carry them at HD or Lowes.

I just remodeled my kitchen and put a couple of the Solatube daylighting systems in both my kitchen and hallway. It's amazing the amount of light I have in my home now - especially the hallway where it was so dark. I had a dealer put them in for me. They have a seamless flashing to guard against leaks plus they offered a guarantee. Can't beat it! I'm thinking about putting more in my bathroom and closet now!

[solabrite]

Great comments Green Lover and DPIQ.

Home Depot DOES NOT sell Solatube, and yes the Home Depot product ( ODL) is very flimsy and I wouldnt recommmend my worst enemy install that product in their home.

I represent Solatube as a dealer in the Bay Area ( www.solabrite.com) The product is excellent and the manufacturer stands behind its product.

If you are looking for a tubular skylight I encourage buyers to visit my showroom. It is important that they see what the product will look like installed.

Solatube has a high quality product that is Energy Star rated and very attractive at an affordable price. Dont sacrifice quality for price when shopping for tubular skylights.

Visit my site for more information at www.solabrite.com

Feel free to call 1-800-846-6621 with any questions on Solatubes. If you are not in my market, I will direct you to your local Solatube dealer.

Best,
John Izzo
General Manager, Sola-Brite

[krking]

For Solatube, DwellSmart is a good option if you're in the SouthEast. They have an in-store display and also sell via their website (www.dwellsmart.com/Solatube-10-Daylighting-Kit). I've found the quality to be quite good - no complaints. I don't think you can beat the feeling that natural sunlight provides.

[KenGrubb]

I've been eyeing solatubes to replace two very aging skylights. I suspect I won't get much use outta them in the winter here in the Northwet, but summertime they should light up nicely. Anyone know how much heat loss they generate?

[janeydoey]

just came home to a flooded living room. Solatube leaked all over. We are supposed to have another 3 installed. To be fair to Solatube, the workers hired by our roofing contractor don't know what they are doing. However, figured i'd throw our experience out there since obviously to our roofers the install process is not a slam-dunk.

[solabrite]

Solatube is a leak proof product. However, as Janeydoey pointed out, if they are not installed correctly, you may get a leak. Janey doesnt say where the leak was coming from. I would probably guess that the roofers did not caulk around the flashing properly and did not screw down the flashing. If they didnt cut the shingle back properly, could have had wind swept rain getting swept up under the dome.

Her comments highlight the importance of selecting a Premier Solatube Dealer to install these products. Premier Solatube Dealers have certified and trained employee installers to do the installation.

To find a Premier Solatube Dealer near you, visit www.solatube.com and locate a dealer via zip code.

As a reminder, Solatube Daylighting Systems qualify for a 30% Federal Tax Credit.

For customers in the Bay area visit www.solabrite.com (East Bay, North Bay, San Francisco, and San Joaquin counties) visit sunlightconcepts.com for the South Bay.

All the best,
John Izzo
General Manager, Sola-Brite
"We Brighten Your World"