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Features & benefits
How does an ODL Tubular Skylight work?
What sizes does the Tubular Skylight come in?
What's included in the kit?
How much tubing comes with each unit?
Do ODL Tubular Skylights leak?
What happens on a cloudy day?
How durable is the ODL Tubular Skylight?
Will the Tubular Skylight fade my carpeting?
Will there be heat loss from the tube?
What are the snow and wind load ratings for the Tubular Skylight?
Lighting performance
How large an area does the ODL Tubular Skylight light? How does the ODL Tubular Skylight's light output compare to electric lights or traditional skylights?
Installation
Is the ODL Tubular Skylight easy to install?
Will the ODL Tubular Skylight fit all roof types?
What if there is no attic space? What if I have a cathedral ceiling?
How long can the tube be?
When should I install the ODL Tubular Skylight if I'm re-roofing?
Will an ODL Tubular Skylight work when installed on the north side of a house?
Can ODL Tubular Skylights be installed in commercial buildings?
Who can install my tube for me?
I have 16" on-center rafter spacing. Will a 14" tube work?
What is the maximum angle of adjustable tubes?
Why is the light blue?
Why do I get condensation and how do I eliminate it?
How do I install the Tubular Skylight on tile, slate or wood shake roofs?
Code approvals
What approvals does the ODL Tubular Skylight have?
Warranty
What is the warranty? How do I make a warranty claim?
Where to buy
Where do I purchase the ODL Tubular Skylight?
Where can I get a replacement dome?
How does an ODL Tubular Skylight work?
ODL Tubular Skylight's patented Solar Lens® dome captures the light and reflects low angle light and more ambient light down through the highly reflective tubing. The reflective tubing maximizes light more efficiently than a traditional drywall skylight shaft or accordion style flexible tube. The diffuser, which looks like a recessed light fixture, then spreads the light evenly throughout the room.
What sizes does the Tubular Skylight come in?
10-inch diameter fits between 16" or 24" on-center rafters.
14-inch diameter fits between 16" or 24" on-center rafters.
(A slight adjustment to the shape of the hole opening must be made for 16" on center rafters with a 14" tube. Download installation instructions for details.)
What's included in the kit?
You'll need non-silicone roof sealant. Otherwise, everything you need for a complete installation is included—the dome, flashing, tubing, hardware, hole cutting guide, and easy-to-read instructions. View the ODL Tubular Skylight installation video to see how these components go together.
How much tubing comes with each unit?
Each unit includes components to complete a 48" installation from top rim of flashing to ceiling. If more length is needed, 20" and 48" extension tubes are available. The installation instructions show how to determine length.
Do ODL Tubular Skylights leak?
The ODL Tubular Skylight is designed for leak-free operation when installed properly. Our metal and injection molded roof flashings are one-piece and seamless to eliminate leakage. Roof sealant should be applied generously to the bottom of the flashing. We also recommend using roof sealant to seal screw heads on flashing and shingles to flashing. ODL Tubular Skylights meet the ASTM E-331 Water Resistance Standard.
What happens on a cloudy day?
The ODL Tubular Skylight's reflective system transfers light down to the room with minimal light loss on cloudy days. The patented Solar Lens® technology allows light coming from any direction to be transferred down the tube, allowing the best light output possible.
How durable is the ODL Tubular Skylight?
All parts are covered by a Limited Lifetime warranty. A Severe Weather® Tubular Skylight is available for areas with hail or hurricane exposure.
Will the Tubular Skylight fade my carpeting?
The ODL Tubular Skylight absorbs 99% of UV rays to protect rugs, furniture, and clothes from fading.
Will there be heat loss from the tube?
The ODL Tubular Skylight meets ENERGY STAR® national thermal performance criteria. The maximum U-factor to meet this criteria is 0.60. The ODL Tubular Skylight had a U-factor of 0.43. The lower the U-factor the lower the rate of heat flow. Less heat flows in or out so that both heating and cooling bills are reduced.
What are the snow and wind load ratings for the Tubular Skylight?
The Tubular Skylight has a live or snow load rating of 100 pounds per square foot. It has a wind uplift load rating of 100 pounds per square foot. This information in contained in the ICBO (International Council of Building Officials) report #3933.
How large an area does the ODL Tubular Skylight light? How does the ODL Tubular Skylight's light output compare to electric lights or traditional skylights?
Light is measured in lumens and energy usage in watts. A standard 100 watt incandescent bulb produces 1200 lumens. A 40-watt, 48-inch fluorescent tube produces 2300 lumens.
The 10-inch Tubular Skylight produces up to 3750 lumens.
The 14-inch Tubular Skylight produces up to 6500 lumens.
The 10 inch Tubular Skylight compares to a 2' x 2' skylight and the 14-inch compares to a 2' x 4' skylight.
Learn more about the Tubular Skylight's lighting performance.
Is the ODL Tubular Skylight easy to install?
Yes. The Tubular Skylight fits very easily between roof rafters, and requires no structural changes. Installation takes about two hours. Learn more about the easy installation procedures.
Will the ODL Tubular Skylight fit all roof types?
Yes. Different flashings are available to ensure a perfect fit for most roof types. See the What to Consider section to help determine the flashing you need.
What if there is no attic space? What if I have a cathedral ceiling?
Our product has been designed for installation even where there is no access to the attic, and with the adjustable tubes and flashing options, most applications can be addressed. See page 8 of the installation instructions for a cathedral ceiling example.
How long can the tube be?
Good lighting results can be expected for tube lengths up to 10 feet for the 10-inch Tubular Skylight and 15 feet for the 14-inch Tubular Skylight. The recommended maximum tube length is 12 feet for the 10" tube and 24 feet for the 14" tube.
When should I install the ODL Tubular Skylight if I'm re-roofing?
In most cases, the Tubular Skylight can easily be installed at the same time that the roof is going on. Due to the ease of installation, the Tubular Skylight can be even installed after the new roof is in place. When installing a Tubular Skylight on a tile roof, installation is usually done after the new roof is in place. On hot mop applications installation can be done before or after.
Will an ODL Tubular Skylight work when installed on the north side of a house?
A Tubular Skylight will work on the north side of a house; however, the best light output is obtained by exposing the dome to direct sunlight. If you must install on the north side of a house, install as close to the peak of the roof as possible.
Can ODL Tubular Skylights be installed in commercial buildings?
Yes. The ODL Tubular Skylight has been installed on many commercial buildings. Metal flashing is recommended for flat roofs.
Who can install my tube for me?
ODL has a growing network of Tubular Skylight dealer-installers. Click here to search for an installer near you.
I have 16" on-center rafter spacing. Will a 14" tube work?
Yes. See page 9 of the installation instructions on how to cut a hole in the roof and in the ceiling. Diagrams are provided on adjusting the shape of the cut to avoid rafters. You will need to rotate the ceiling trim ring so that the flip tabs are unobstructed.
What is the maximum angle of adjustable tubes?
You can angle the tubes up to 45 degrees to avoid obstacles in the attic.
Why is the light blue?
The protective film used inside the tubing, if not properly removed, can cast a blue light down through the tube. Be sure to remove all protective film from the tubing. Pay attention to the adjustable tube components where the film may be tight against the formed adjustable sections. Variables in weather, over-hanging trees, the color of roofing materials, and other surrounding conditions may also contribute to a color cast.
Why do I get condensation and how do I eliminate it?
Condensation occurs when humid air hits the surface of acrylic or glass. You either have to warm the surface, or reduce the humidity in your home. Wrapping insulation around the tube sections in the attic/air space reduces the opportunity for condensation to form by restricting cold air infiltration in the tube. To reduce humidity levels, vent dryers properly and run ventilation fans in your laundry room, bathroom, and kitchen. Cover damp crawl spaces with plastic or moisture barriers, and make sure gas heaters are properly ventilated.
How do I install the Tubular Skylight on tile, slate or wood shake roofs?
We recommend using formable flashing. See pages 10 and 11 of the installation instructions for details on how to install on a tile roof. Wood shake and slate roofs follow the same instructions but do not require mortar. Make sure to liberally apply roofing sealing under the flashing and on top of the mounting screws.
What approvals does the ODL Tubular Skylight have?
ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. confirms that ODL Tubular Skylights comply with the provisions of the 1997 Uniform Building Code™. This confirmation, as evidenced in ICC-EC evaluation report ER 3933 (408 K, Adobe PDF), provides guidance to code officials for approving the use of ODL Tubular Skylights. The evaluation report is available at www.icc-es.org
See ICBOA Acceptance Criteria, ac16 (172K, Adobe PDF), used to test products to qualify for the ICBO report.
Tubular Skylights meet the ASTM E-331 Water Resistance Standard.
Severe Weather® model meets Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade County impact requirements. Notice of Acceptance packed with each unit. Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance 03-0415.20 (168 K, Adobe PDF).
What is the warranty? How do I make a warranty claim?
A copy of the limited lifetime warranty is available in the warranty section. Any claims should be submitted in writing via email, or mailed to:
ODL, Inc.
Attn: Warranty Claims
215 East Roosevelt
Zeeland MI 49464
Where do I purchase the ODL Tubular Skylight?
Find out where to buy, or call ODL toll-free at 866.635.4968 for a store near you.
Where can I get a replacement dome?
Replacement components can be purchased through the retailer or dealer where you bought your ODL Tubular Skylight. Although components are not stocked items, they can be easily ordered and shipped within 6 business days.
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