Skylight addition to our house?

[markmorris24@yahoo.com]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!

[dewilson58]

Never cut a hole in a good roof.

[Dan9871]

Never cut a hole in a good roof.

+1 Thats's what my friend who has owned a roofing company for over 30 years told me.

[Debfrommaine]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!

When I think of skylights, that's what we had up North. Here, round solar tubes are very popular. Have had a series in two homes, love them, no issues, been years. Solar Guys is our installer. No regrets would do it again, the natural light is awesome.

[DangeloInspections]

I think you are referring to considering SOLAR TUBES. They are very common in The Villages. While I agree that any roof penetration poses a small risk, We have inspected around 7000 homes in The Villages and in the last ten years inspected almost that many Solar tubes. Some houses have many. If I remember right one house had over 12 of them.

It is VERY rare to EVER find one leak. The Solar guys install these everyday, and they know it would hurt their business if their Solar Tubes caused a leak. In this case, I think the benefit of a well placed Solar Tube outweighs the tiny and almost non-existent chance of a leak.

We have a large one over our kitchen sink area and like the natural light it provides. It has not leaked in 15 years. In most homes, we see them most often first in the kitchen area, then sometimes laundry rooms, and master closets, etc. I do not suggest putting them in any sleeping areas unless you like being woken up at the crack of dawn....

Now...if you ARE talking about skylights.....THEY are very prone to leaks and moisture problems due to condensation, etc. Most skylights are just asking for trouble. There is a HUGE difference between skylights and Solar Tubes.

For the record, this is my independent opinion. I am NOT compensated by the Solar Tube folks or anyone else. Some of that does go on in The Villages, and our company will never have any part in that. Hope this helps!

[JSR22]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!

We have 3 solar tubes installed by Solar Guys. The really brighten the house. Installed 8 years age and no problems.

[Bill32]

we also had solar guys put 3 in our home, never had a problem and amazing how well they brightened up the dark areas. One in our laundry room, one in a hallway and one in the kitchen. ( we had a Gardenia)

[davem4616]

we also had solar guys put 3 in our home, never had a problem and amazing how well they brightened up the dark areas. One in our laundry room, one in a hallway and one in the kitchen. ( we had a Gardenia)

really brightened up our kitchen which is on the north facing side of the house ...no issues...wife is happy

can't ask for more

[DeanFL]

.
.
We have a 7 year old designer home in TV. 4 years ago, decided to contact Solar Guys and they installed a solar tube in our 2nd bathroom (no windows), and our Great Room - center of the home. The BR is now naturally bright during the day, and also have a nightlight in the tube which charges during day - solar cells. PERFECT. We were concerned re the 2 tubes in the GR, too much light during day to watch TV etc. He said they had installed many in cases as ours, and no issues. He was right-on. We love our Solar Tubes, and highly recommend Solar Guys. BTW - never a worry re leaks or such - they have the installs down to a science. fear not.
.
.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Every home I’ve had in Florida including 5 here in the villages I’ve installed solar tubes , I put 1 in each bathroom and usually one in kitchen the difference is startlingly, I had a roof damaged during the tornado when they went to repair they just pulled it up a little and set it back in no problem. I person never saw a need for one in living room , but that’s just my preference

[John_W]

I noticed Solar Guys had an ad in the Daily Sun on Friday, buy two solar tubes and get a third free. I don't know if that's a good deal or they have just raised the prices, I believe they have two sizes. Last time I talked to them they had 3 large units for $1200 and I think they were on sale for $1,000, that was a couple of years ago at a home show. There is a home show today (Saturday) at LSL and Solar Guys will be there and you can see them without driving all the way up to Summerfield.

The Solar Guys: The Villages & Central FL - Solatube(R) Skylight Experts (https://thesolarguys.com/?keyword=solar%20guys&source=GoogleAds&campaign=GoogleAds&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmfmABhCHARIsACwPRACjvRj89vX0ule07lG2 XRKIvxulScik8q-pTNlIB1cTYNQCamcTujwaAtBbEALw_wcB)

2021 ANNUAL HOME AND GARDEN SHOW | Rotary Club of The Villages (https://www.villagesrotary.org/p/2021-ANNUAL-HOME-AND-GARDEN-SHOW)

Here's how they look in a living room

https://thesolarguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/products-solatube-skylights.jpg

[PWPOTE2000]

Have seven solar tubes in our house. Installed by solar guys. Never a problem of any kind. They are the best

[donassaid]

Better off in the kitchen and laundry rooms. May throw a glare on the TV in living room. Solar Guys did ours 3 years ago and we love them.

[Jack Lefebvre]

We used the solar guys ...perfect job , just be careful don’t turn on the electric switch because you think the lights is on . .🤪🤪

[toeser]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!

We have had solar tubes in three homes with zero problems. They are wonderful. If installed and insulated correctly, there is virtually zero heat or air conditioning loss and they provide tons of light. Just don't put them in a bedroom unless you wish to apply a cap to them every night. The light diffuser lens you choose is important too.

[Troopie]

We installed a solar tube in the kitchen/breakfast nook area because that area doesn't get much natural light in the Begonia model. It has made a huge difference. We love the extra light it provides. So much so that we added a second tube in the kitchen, and another one in the laundry room. It's nice to have a soft light in those areas in the middle of the night, as well. Well worth the investment!

[merrymini]

Had a house with one in the kitchen but would not install in my present home. I can turn off a light but cannot turn off a solar tube. Velux is a skylight company and I had them in NJ. They comes with shades and are the best. Never a problem, great skylight.

[LTarter]

You can buy daylight LED bulbs that are just as bright for about 20.00 each. You can turn them off anytime or have them on anytime, skylights only work during the day. I changed all the recessed lights in our kitchen and now have daylight anytime and only a fraction of the cost.

[vonbork]

A previous owner put a TUBE put one in the kitchen which makes it feel like daylight during the day. We added one by the Solar Guys to the second bathroom that didn't have a window and it works very well. It has a night light in it so it qualifies for a tax credit.

[Guitarman1951]

Have three of them and love them. Have had them for about five years and no problems.

[woderfulwendy1]

Solar Tubes by Solar Guys, love all 3 in our cy villa might get 2 more when we have some extra cash. Hate regular skylights leak, get dirty, etc. If when getting your solar tube installed there were any problems with the roof the solar two company would fix it without any problems have never heard of anybody having a problem yet out of all the people I know the skylights they make a world of difference to your house look fresher and newer.

[Villages Kahuna]

Make sure you get the models that have built-in shutters or shades. Then don’t lose the remote!

[shov100]

We had three solar tubes installed by the Solar Guys 7 years ago with no problem. Extra large in what was a dark kitchen. We love them, also have a dimmer switch in the kitchen because it gets bright.

[Rango]

I had skylights up north. Faded the hardwood floors and furniture

[SIRE1]

We have 3 Solar Tubes (from Solar Guys) and really think they are great. We have one of our guest bathroom and one of our guest once asked "how do you turn off that light in the guest bathroom". I said, "don't worry about it - it's on a timer and usually comes on around 6:30 pm and usually goes off around 7:00 pm". They looked at me questioning and I explained it was a solar tube.

[dreamweaver2634]

we have 1 in each bathroom and 1 in the kitchen. I just love them.

[peggyb]

I had 3 solar tubes put in about 8 years ago. They really make a difference. I had the one in my kitchen fail. I walked in and could not figure out why my floor was wet and then determined the problem. I called Solar Guys and they were at my house the next day and completely removed and reinstalled it making sure the seal was good.They were at my house for a couple hours at no charge to me.

[westcoast]

I have four and love them .I don't like dark rooms.

[tibbetts]

Pick your spot because they are bright. Best idea yet.

[jimjamuser]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!
Our's was ALWAYS a problem because of leaks..........beware!

[wisbad1]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!
Put can lights in, cheaper and more efficient

[karen gay]

Disliked the large one in the kitchen. Thought I was in an operating room. 🤣😂 It took me months to get used to the white light. Added a
smaller one in dinning room. They make a real difference on cloudy days. For the expense, my husband said, We could have added down lights for 1/10 the cost.

[Heytubes]

Having been a VELUX skylight business owner for over 25 years (just sold my business in Atlanta end of last year) it is a myth that skylights leak. Skylights don’t leak, installers leak. The modern traditional glass skylights are so leakproof now, that VELUX will warranty against leaks for ten years, even if you physically install them yourself. There are many tax credits on both the VELUX skylights as well as tubular skylights. The Solar Guys can give you the info on traditional and tubular skylight tax credit info. If you’re just wanting more light in your home, the tubular skylight is the best value, but if you’re wanting light as well as adding beauty to your home, the VELUX solar powered venting unit with solar powered shades and smart phone technology is the way to go, but be prepared to pay big bucks. While you might be able to get an uncertified roofer to install the traditional glass skylight cheaper, use only a certified VELUX installer. Roofer might be cheaper, but do you want it done cheap or do you want it done right? Roofers don’t like skylights because when doing a replacement roof they end up creating issues and it takes more time and most of their installers are paid piecework by the square and don’t have the training nor the time to reinstall a skylight correctly. I certified the Solar Guys several years ago in the correct installation of traditional VELUX skylights and they’ve never had an issue. If you go for a cheap plastic bubble skylight you’re wasting your money as those are called trouble bubbles in the business and they are not Energy Certified like the VELUX product line. Good luck.

[jdrahaim]

We have two solar tubes from The Solar Guys . Never had a problem with leaks.

[Darlene Lansing]

Solar Guys 5 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Talk to them !!!
They will suggest for your model.
Trust them
We did , we love what they suggested

[Villagesgal]

We had a glass front door put in with security glass so no one can see in and the living room is now very bright and love how it looks from the outside and inside by Perry in the Villages.

[Roncin]

Can you give me more details on these LEDS? Wattage, size? Wanting for our kitchen. Thanks

[dkaufnelson]

I had Solar Guys install 2 solar tubes in my home and it has made my home so much lighter and brighter and enhanced my enjoyment of my home tremendously. I hate dark and depressing, and the natural light has greatly improved my spirits whenever in my home.
I had previously thought of selling my home, but now love it so much because it's now a cheerful home! No leaks or problems at all and by installing the night lights, you get to write off some of the cost on taxes. Best investment I ever made in my home!

[reliablejim111]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them! Be sure to not have one put close to a ceiling fan or you will get a strobe affect.

[BethBowen]

Solar Guys. Love our extra light inthe kitchen.

[JerryLBell]

We had a skylight in our master bedroom in our house in North Carolina. It really brightened up the room. So much so that it was hard to nap during the day. The skylight also sounded like a loud snare drum whenever it rained. We really got tired of it. After a few years here in The Villages, we had The Solar Guys add a SolaTube to the kitchen and it brought in a ton of light but didn't bring in the noise of rain. We liked it enough to add a second one to the laundry room. Several months later, we decided to move to a bigger house and one of the first things we did was call The Solar Guys to add SolaTubes to the master bathroom and the laundry room (there was already one in the dining room). We've never had any leaks or issues with the SolaTubes they've installed and are very glad we had them.

[JGVillages]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!

We purchased a resale in 2003 that had a skylight and 5 Solar Tubes. Had to replace the skylight 2 years ago as it started to look questionable for future leaking. Replaced it and added a solar screen that will open and close when needed. In all reality the Solar Tubes provide more light at a much more affordable price. We have both, but if I was building new I would not have a skylight but certainly would install numerous Solar Tubes

[kaydees1]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!

We have Solar Lights with solar Night lights. We had Skylights in our California house. I highly recommend the Solar Tubes, with the Solar Night Lights. We get up at night and don't have to turn lights on in the Bathrooms or Living Room. They are solar so there is no electricity used. We had the Solar Guys install ours 10 year ago and have never had a problem.
Dwight & Kum
Village of St. James

[Bonsai Golfer]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!

One suggestion and one observation regarding solar tubes. First of all, I have them and have had them in past houses. They are great and trouble free! I love them (but in the right place).

Now my suggestion, unless you are putting the unit in a small closet, do not buy the small 10" model. It gives some light but not a lot in any larger room. The 14" model produces twice the light (simply a matter of physics). Even in a bathroom, if you want great light go with the 14" model you won't be disappointed.

Second, my observation. I considered getting a couple of units in the dark kitchen of my Amarillo. I convinced one of the salesmen to let me see the two units he had placed in his home of the same model. However, I was not impressed. What I realized was because of the cathedral ceilings in these units, even with two 14"ers the light was so defused that there was a negligible amount of increased light on the work surfaces. Again it's a matter of physics. For every doubling of the distance from a light source the intensity drops by a factor of 4. With a 14' ceiling, the amount of light at eye level (6' from the floor or about 8' from the ceiling) is only 1/4 of the light available 4' from the ceiling. The drop off in intensity is dramatic. So, if you are considering putting them anywhere in your house where there is a high ceiling, be careful. Make sure the salesman can refer you to a previous customer who has the same or similar type home and go see that home. SEE WHAT IT IS LIKE AND MAKE YOUR DECISION BASED ON YOUR OWN OBSERVATION, NOT WHAT THE SALESMAN TELLS YOU.

[allenbccs]

I love mine. Big difference. No issues. My house inspector found no problems

[rogerk]

Seriously the Solar Tubes. They are fantastic and NO leaks.

[Carlsondm]

We are thinking about adding a skylight or two in the living room of our house in order to provide more light. I’m interested in comments from others who may have skylights in The Villages. When did you get them? Are you happy with them? Not happy? Any problems (leaks, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your opinions and the reasons behind them!

We had three solar tubes installed by the Solar Guys. Love them in our once dark and gloomy Iris model. We put one in the kitchen aimed at the island with a nite light so a soft glow lights the island at night. A second is in the dark entry dining area (dimmer in case kids sleep here) , and a third is in the guest bathroom w nite light. The guest wing is where we go for storms. When the power is out, the bathroom will now have day time tube light or nighttime nite light.
I decided to nix the solar tube in the laundry. Ours is small and an entry from the garage. Motion triggered leds light up the laundry adequately for the few times it is used.

[JMEZARIC3]

Can you give me more details on these LEDS? Wattage, size? Wanting for our kitchen. Thanks

Search the net for LED integrated flush mount light with a daylight 5000k rating. I installed one in a dark hallway with no natural lighting when the doors are closed.Now I have daylight 24/7 if I want it. The spec’s say the electric coast is $2 a month if on for 12 hours a day. It looks like a solar tube!

[Fredman]

Have 3 solar tubes by Solar boys and no leaks. Also have a sky light with no leaks. If u are going to add a sky light make sure it is glass. The plastic ones breakdown, turn yellow and will eventually leak

[rphil11ort]

i have 2 skylights in my home that was existing home. there was also a sun tube much better light from the sun tube. i had another added and it did help. The Solarguys installed it and guaranteed from leaks for life and they have been around for a long time. call them at 8667676527.. Although i am very happy with the job and the outcome this house is still dark so i am having recessed lights added

[teamC]

Nolands Roofing is the only roofing company certified to install Velux skylights. They did a beautiful job at my brothers house including finishing and trimming skylight well.