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Solatube installation guidance

Requires four hours or less for a professional result

SolaMaster® Series installation guide

Solatube installation guide

Before starting any work, particularly on the roof, please refer to our safety recommendations below.

Any roof work should only be carried out by competent individuals. If you are in any doubt about your ability to complete the installation or safety of the roof then you should refer the installation to a qualified installation specialist.

These guidelines give an idea of the steps involved in installing a Solatube® Daylighting System into your home. The steps below show the installation into a pitched roof of a rigid tube system that is supplied as a complete kit; including a universal roof flashing, dome, diffuser, preassembled top and bottom tube assemblies, two angle adjusters and a light transfer device in the dome.

All systems vary in design and installation methods, so please do thoroughly check the components and installation instructions that are provided with your system before starting the installation, taking particular note of the safety recommendations as some rooftop work is required.

Installation advice detailed below is specifically for the universal flashing but may be of use for other flashing types and for general installation queries. Please refer to the installation information supplied for specific flashing types.

Installation

Decide upon a location for the ceiling diffuser, a location for the roof flashing/dome and be able to join the two together with the reflective tubing:

Ceiling position

Select the desired location on the ceiling for the diffuser ensuring that the tube’s path to the roof will be free of obstacles such as joists, pipes, wires, etc.

Check also that the roof flashing fits in the desired location.

Ideally, the tubing should run as straight as possible between the roof and the ceiling, but pitched roofs, attic obstructions and diffuser location can make this difficult.This is where adjustable angle adapters will help.

They allow you to adjust the top and bottom tubes to the degree necessary to allow easy connection between the roof and the ceiling.

Now carefully cut a hole in the ceiling, checking the installation instructions for the appropriate diameter of the hole required.

Insert into ceiling

Now take the bottom tube components and insert into the ceiling hole.

The bottom tube should point towards your selected roof flashing location.

If it doesn’t, you will need to turn the angle adjuster to the appropriate degree so that it does point the right way.

Marking your roof point

Now select the point on the roof where the flashing and dome are to be fitted by pushing a screwdriver, or similar, through the roofing felt.

Preparing the roof

Locate your marker and remove sufficient tiles to allow you to place the top and aperture of the flashing onto the roof battens, leaving sufficient tiles at the bottom edge to allow the flashing to overlap sufficiently onto the tiles below.

Double-check that no rafters or obstructions lie behind the proposed tube position.

Using the flashing as a template, draw around the inside circumference of the turret onto the roof felt

Cutting the hole

Place the flashing to one side.

Cutting obstructing battens if necessary, cut the roof felt in a star shape so the felt can be folded upwards and back on itself.

Replace the flashing over the hole and temporarily insert top tube into the turret to check clearance and to angle the tube towards the bottom tube assembly in the ceiling.

Fitting the flashing

Secure the top of the flashing to the roof battens using the screws provided.

Nails can be used if you prefer.

Shaping the flashing

Apply hand-pressure to form the bottom edge of the flashing over the shape of the tiles beneath it.

Turn up the left and right edges of the flashing to ensure water cannot ingress.

Fit the brackets

Fix the aluminium ‘L’ brackets to secure the exposed lower end of the flashing to the tiles (refer to the instructions supplied with the ‘L’ brackets).

Fixing the brackets

Screw the brackets into place using the screws provided.

Finishing the roof

Replace and secure the removed tiles, ensuring a 40mm gap is left behind the turret upstand to allow the top tube assembly, dome ring and dome to be inserted into the flashing upstand – note, you may need to trim the tiles to achieve this.

Mould the top of the flashing as necessary to fit the underside shape of the tiles.

Ensure all tiles are firmly in position and the roof is fully watertight.

Inserting the tube

Insert the top tube assembly into the roof flashing from the outside.

For metal roof flashings that have pre-drilled holes ensure the dome ring screw holes are aligned with these pre-drilled holes.

Non-metal flashings do not have pre-drilled holes.
Manually screw one dome screw into the flashing through a pre-drilled hole in the metal flashing or directly into a non-metal flashing to hold the top tube assembly temporarily in place.

If necessary, rotate the angle adaptor so that the top tube assembly points towards the bottom tube assembly in the ceiling.

Note: For flat roof/vaulted ceiling applications where no extension tubes are required, the bottom tube assembly will be fitted up inside the top tube assembly.

Taping the top tube

Unscrew the holding dome screw and remove the top tube assembly from the roof flashing.

Tape the angle adaptor joint and tube seams of the top tube assembly with the foil tape provided.

Remove the protective film

Remove the protective lining film from the inside of the tube and place the top tube assembly back into the roof flashing, aligning it again with the bottom tube assembly.

Securely fasten the top tube assembly to the flashing with the dome screws provided (into the pre-drilled holes in metal flashings or directly into the upstand of non-metal flashings).

Fitting the LightTracker™

Using a magnetic compass if necessary, position the LightTracker™ dome reflector in the north side of the dome, with the reflective side facing due south.

Align the holes in the reflector with the tabs inside the dome and snap into place.

Peel the protective film from the reflector.

Fitting the dome

Keeping the LightTracker™ on the north side of the dome facing south, align the four tabs on the dome base with the snaps on the dome ring and press down firmly to click into place.

Check to make sure the snaps are fully engaged.

Extension tubes

Remove the protective liner from the extension tube(s) before assembly.

Extension tubes have deep and shallow notches at each end so that they may be formed into slightly tapered tubes.

Weave one end of the tube through a deep notch, the other end through a shallow notch, ensuring the tube is also held in the centre notch.

Tape the tube seam with a short piece of foil tape at either end to hold the joints temporarily in position.

The smaller diameter tube end should always point towards the bottom tube assembly.

Assemble all the required extension tubes, telescoping them together to provide the total length of tube required and remembering to allow at least 50mm overlap at each join.

At this stage, use small pieces of foil tape to hold the tubes together.

Check that the assembled tube length is correct by holding the extension tube(s) alongside the top and bottom tube assemblies.

Adjust the tube length as necessary.

Note: For very long or angled tube lengths, self-tapping screws are provided to fasten the extension tubes together, and tape all joints.

Applying the expansion seal

For short installations with no extension tubes the expansion joint seal is applied 25mm from the top edge of the bottom tube assembly.

For installations using extension tubes, the expansion joint seal is applied 25mm from the top edge of the uppermost extension tube.

The expansion joint seal should be applied to the outside diameter of the tube in the following manner:

Remove the backing strip from the expansion joint seal and adhere it 25mm from the top edge of the tube.

The seal should wrap twice around the tube, not overlapping but butting up closely.

Installing the bottom tube assembly

If any angle adjustment is required to the bottom tube assembly to align it with the top tube assembly this should be done now; use a crosshead screwdriver to loosen the twist-lock fastening clamps.

Remove the assembly from the ceiling, and rotate the angle adaptor if necessary to ensure alignment with the top tube assembly.

Finishing the bottom tube

For installations with extension tubes, remove the protective film from the inside of the bottom tube assembly and all other tubing if not already done so.

Re-insert the bottom tube assembly and then lock all twist-lock fastening clamps into the ceiling.

Joining the sections

Insert the extension tube with the expansion joint seal up into the top tube assembly. Then insert the other end into the bottom tube assembly.

Ensure there is a minimum 50mm overlap at either end.

Tape all joints together and use self tapping screws for additional rigidity if necessary.

TIP: When applying aluminium tape to joints, for a neat finish, use a piece of the backing paper to rub down the tape.

Align the diffuser to the bottom tube assembly

Apply firm upward pressure on the white dress ring of the diffuser until it ‘snap fits’ into position, taking care not to push on the central diffusing area.

The diffuser is held in place by a rubber sealing ring in the bottom tube assembly and can be removed if required by pulling down on the outside of the white dress ring until it ‘snaps’ free.

Carefully cut a hole in the ceiling, checking the installation instructions for the appropriate diameter of the hole required

 

Now take the bottom tube components and insert into the ceiling hole.

 

Select the point on the roof where the flashing and dome are to be fitted

 

Using the flashing as a template, draw around the inside circumference of the turret onto the roof felt

 

Cutting obstructing battens if necessary, cut the roof felt in a star shape

 

Secure the top of the flashing to the roof battens

 

Fix the aluminium ‘L’ brackets to secure the exposed lower end of the flashing to the tiles

 

Screw the brackets into place using the screws provided

 

Mould the top of the flashing as necessary to fit the underside shape of the tiles

 

Replace and secure the removed tiles, ensuring a 40mm gap is left behind the turret upstand to allow the top tube assembly

 

Insert the top tube assembly into the roof flashing from the outside

 

Tape the angle adaptor joint and tube seams of the top tube assembly with the foil tape provided

 

Remove the protective lining film from the inside of the tube and place the top tube assembly back into the roof flashing

 

Position the LightTracker™ dome reflector in the north side of the dome

 

Keeping the LightTracker™ on the north side of the dome facing south, align the four tabs on the dome base with the snaps on the dome ring

 

Set one end of the tube through a deep notch, the other end through a shallow notch, ensuring the tube is also held in the centre notch

 

The expansion joint seal should be applied to the outside diameter of the tube

 

Angle adjustment is required to the bottom tube assembly to align it with the top tube assembly

 

Insert the bottom tube assembly and then lock all twist-lock fastening clamps into the ceiling

 

Use a piece of the backing paper to rub down the tape

 

The diffuser is held in place by a rubber sealing ring in the bottom tube assembly

 

Safety Recommendations

We cannot assume any responsibility or obligation whatsoever for the failure of an architect, contractor, installer or building owner to comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, energy codes, fire and safety codes and requirements, and adequate safety precautions.

Installation of these products should be attempted only by individuals skilled in the use of the tools and equipment necessary for installation. We cannot accept any responsibility for incorrectly installed or non-appropriate applications. Protect yourself and all persons and property during installation. If you have any doubt concerning your competence or expertise, consult a qualified expert before proceeding. Installation is at your own risk.

Solatube® Daylighting Systems product installations may be dangerous owing to the locations of the work to be undertaken. The hazardous conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

During installation, the Solatube® Daylighting Systems reflective tubes may focus sunlight potentially causing concentrated light and heat. Keep the protective film on the reflective tubing prior to installation and the tubing away from potentially flammable material.
Sheet metal edges may be sharp. Use protective gloves to avoid lacerations.
Installation requires climbing and working at dangerous heights, including on ladders, scaffolding, roofs and in attic spaces. Use extreme caution to minimize risk of accidental injury and property damage including, but not limited to, the points below:
Clear the area below your workspace of all people, animals and other items.
Avoid working on surfaces that are slippery or wet and use footwear with excellent traction.
Use only strong, well-supported and appropriate ladders.
Work only in calm, dry weather.
When in the attic, ensure that your weight is supported at all times with structurally sound framing; dry wall material is not designed to carry a person’s weight.
Reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury by following basic safety precautions when using electric tools; always wear safety goggles or other suitable eye protection and ensure work area is clear of all electrical wires, gas pipes, water pipes and other obstacles.
When working in the attic or other dusty areas, use of a mask or respirator is recommended to avoid lung irritation. Attic spaces may be dark, confined, and subject to extreme temperatures.
Beware of sharp protruding objects. Do not attempt installation without having someone within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid if necessary.
Only suitably qualified persons should undertake any electrical wiring.

Installation tips and safety advice

These instructions are a step-by-step guide for the installation of a Solatube® Daylighting Systems device.

In general, a 250mm diameter Solatube® Daylighting System can provide enough daylight to illuminate a dark area of up to 14 sq m (150 sq ft). A 350mm diameter Solatube® Daylighting System can provide enough daylight to illuminate a dark area of up to 23 sq m (250 sq ft). Both examples are based on a 2.44 m (8ft) ceiling height with a 1.83 m (6 ft) tube length. For larger areas, you may need to install more than one Solatube® Daylighting System. This information is for guidance purposes only.

Allow at least 4 hours for the installation, particularly if this is your first installation.

During the day, turn off all the lights in the room to see how much natural light comes in through the windows (if any). You should then be able to determine the best position for the Solatube® Daylighting Systems diffuser.

Avoid roof dome locations shaded by trees, ridges and chimneys, or near water channels or valleys.

Avoid attic areas with obstructions such as gas, water or drain pipes, air ducts, flues or furnaces, fixed storage tanks.

Measure the distance between the roof and the ceiling. If you don’t have enough reflective tubing to cover the distance, contact your Solatube® Daylighting Systems supplier for additional extension tubes.

All reflective extension tube joints should overlap a minimum of 50mm and be fixed together using the self-tapping screws and aluminium tape provided.

All adhesives, seals and tapes should be applied to a dry surface. The ideal working temperature is approximately 22°C.

Ensure your roof is in an appropriate condition to support the work necessary for a Solatube® Daylighting System installation without damaging its waterproofing properties.
Solatube® Daylighting Systems will generally perform best if the roof dome is located on the south, east or west elevation. If the roof dome is to be positioned on a north facing elevation, positioning the roof dome as high as possible on the roof will enhance performance.

You may choose to support any extension tubes with a wire or similar retainer fixed to the rafters if the extension tubes are at an angle away from the vertical.

In colder climates, it is advisable to tape a thin jacket of insulating material (not provided) around the outside of the extension tubes and up into the void between the flashing tube assembly and roof flashing to prevent the possibility of condensation build-up on the exterior of the components within the roof void.

Contact your Solatube® Daylighting Systems if you have any questions.

SolaLighting Limited,Sola House, 17 High Street, Olney, Bucks, MK46 4EB
Tel: 01234 241466 - Fax: 01234 241766 - Email: solatube@solalighting.co.uk

 

Page updated November 25, 2009