FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Suntrenz Suntube Tubular Skylights
Q: How much extra light will a Suntrenz Suntube Tubular Skylight give me?
A: There is no standard answer because of the variables that affect the performance of any skylight. Like time of year, time of day, throat size, length of shaft, dome orientation on the roof, room size, wall colours and general decor. Plus general weather & ambient light conditions always affect the end result. Our many years of experience has taught us that an assessment of these variables, and your needs, is the most effective way that we can ensure that you get the natural light you’re looking for. Your local Suntrenz Suntube dealer will be able to help you.
Q: Does heat come through a Suntrenz Suntube Tubular Skylight?
A: Minimal heat will enter through the Suntrenz Suntube, as the unit is double glazed at ceiling level. It also has the dome at roof level, reducing heat transmittance, and none of the tubing components hold heat. Therefore, there will be no additional heat load on the building. In fact, compared to electrical lighting, or traditional skylights, the temperatures are significantly lower.
Q: Will my Suntrenz Suntube leak?
A: No. The Suntrenz Suntube is watertight and guaranteed against leaking. Your installer or dealer will guarantee the installation against any leaking. As part of the testing for Australian Standard AS4285 and Beal Appraisal (NZ), the Suntrenz Suntube was subjected to winds of 16 metres per second and water spray of 3 litres per second. Any water penetration is a failure. Suntrenz Suntube passed this and all other tests in AS4285 and Beal Appraisal (NZ)
Q: What Warranty will my Suntrenz Suntube have?
A: The Suntrenz Suntube includes a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty.
Q: And where is the Suntrenz Suntube Skylights Designed and Made?
A: The Suntrenz Suntube Tubular Skylight was Designed in New Zealand With manufacturing of components being made in both New Zealand and our accompanying Australian factory in the Philippines.
Q: How strong is the Dome??
A: The Plexiglass Dome on the Suntrenz Suntube was live load tested to 120kg as per Australian Standard AS4285.
Q: How important is the tubing material?
A: The tubing material is very important as it transmits the outside light into your room. Key factors are the open area of the tubing, the length of the tubing, and that the tubing should be “shiny” and, in the case of a flexible tube, quite taunt. Our Rigid system uses ALANOD MIRO-Silver with a total reflection of 95% - 98%. Using inferior products will dramatically reduce the efficiency of the Suntrenz Suntube.
Q: Does my interior colour scheme affect the performance of my Suntrenz Suntube?
A: Yes it does. Light bright colours will tend to reflect daylight around the room while dark colours will tend to absorb daylight. Adjusting the size or quantity will help to solve this problem.
Q: Will my furniture and carpet fade if I install a Suntrenz Suntube?
A: The Plexiglass Dome and Acrylic Diffuser blocks out harmful sun rays and won't discolour carpet and furniture.
Q: What is the maximum length of tubing?
A: We recommend using the Rigid95 or 98 Tubing system. This can be used effectively over 6m in length, however the longer the tubing, the less light transmittance – regardless of materials used.
Q: Can I turn off my Suntrenz Suntube
A: Yes. If you install the Vari-light (Dimmer), the Suntrenz Suntube can be opened & closed as required.
Q: What is the coverage area for a Suntrenz Suntube?
A: Based on years of experience, as a rough guide, using up to 3m Rigid98 Tube:
343mm diameter Suntrenz Suntube; is effective for approx 4m x 4m or 16m²
457mm diameter Suntrenz Suntube; is effective for approx 5m x 5m or 25m²
535mm diameter Suntrenz Suntube; is effective for approx 6m x 6m or 36m²
Certain factors mentioned in Question 1 will affect the overall performance.
Q: Can a Suntrenz Suntube; be used on a Multi-Storey building?
A: Yes. As long as the space above the Suntrenz Suntube is clear so the tubing can run as straight as possible. Normally a void, such as a cupboard is placed above the Suntrenz Suntube, so the tubing is not visible in the room it is running through. The roof components should always be installed on a roof, placing them on a vertical wall is not recommended, as the light performance will not be adequate.
Q: Can I have ventilation with my Suntrenz Suntube?
A: Yes. The standard Suntrenz Suntube has the option of passive ventilation utilizing our Interchangeable Vent System. For extra ventilation, you can install the Power Exhaust Fan (Upgrade Kit).
Q: Is security an issue with the Suntrenz Suntube?
A: Our experience has shown us that the Suntrenz Suntube is not used as a method of entering a secure building. There is a normally far easier and safer point of entry, with most crimes being opportunistic.
For those who are concerned, we can advise options to increase its security.