Installation overview
The guide below gives an overview of the sequence of steps involved in installing a Solatube® Daylighting System into a house. They are intended only as a guide and the full installation instructions should be read prior to undertaking installation.
The guide shows installation of a Solatub® Daylighting System into a pitched roof using a universal roof flashing. Your Solatube® Daylighting System installation may be different to this example.
1. Ceiling position
Select the desired location for the ceiling diffuser ensuring that the tube's path to the roof flashing will run as straight as possible between the two points, and the path is free of obstacles such as pipes, wires, etc.
Cut the ceiling hole to the required size – see the installation instructions.
2. Insert ceiling tube assembly
Insert the ceiling tube assembly into the ceiling hole and clamp it in place with the twist-lock mechanism. The ceiling tube should point towards the roof flashing. If it doesn't, you will need to turn the adjustable angle incorporated in the ceiling assembly to the appropriate degree so that it does point the right way.
3. Marking your roof point
From within the roof void, you need to mark the position for the flashing and dome so you can identify the location from the rooftop. This can be done by inserting a piece of wire through the felt so it can be seen when you are on the roof.
4. Preparing the roof
Locate your marker and remove sufficient tiles to allow the flashing to be placed 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 flashing upstand onto the roof felt.
5. Cutting the hole in the roof felt
Cut any obstructing battens if necessary, then 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 the top tube assembly into the flashing upstand to check clearance. If necessary, adjust the angle of the top tube assembly towards the ceiling tube assembly.
6. Fitting the flashing
Secure the top of the flashing to the roof battens using the screws provided. Nails can be used if you prefer.
Note, flashing types vary subject to roof type – see the instructions supplied with your flashing.
7. 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. Fix the aluminium ‘L’ brackets to secure the exposed lower end of the flashing to the tiles using the screws provided.
8. Finishing the roof
Replace and secure the removed tiles, ensuring a 40mm gap is left behind the flashing 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.
9. Inserting the top tube assembly
Insert the top tube assembly into the roof flashing from the outside. Manually screw one dome screw through the flashing to hold the top tube assembly temporarily in place.
If necessary, rotate the adjustable angle so that the top tube assembly points towards the ceiling tube assembly.
10. Taping the top tube assembly
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 aluminium tape provided.
11. Remove the protective film
Remove the protective film from the inside of the tube and place the top tube assembly back into the roof flashing, aligning it again with the ceiling tube assembly. Securely fasten the top tube assembly to the flashing with the dome screws provided.
12. Fitting the LightTracker™
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 slide into place. Peel the protective film from the reflector.
13. 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.
14. Extension tubes
Remove the protective film from the extension tube(s) before assembly. 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. The smaller diameter tube end (deep notch end) should always point towards the ceiling tube assembly. Assemble all the extension tubes, remembering to allow at least 50mm overlap at each join. Tape all joints.
15. Applying the expansion seal
The expansion joint seal should be applied to the outside diameter of the tube that is to be inserted into the top tube assembly. Remove the backing strip from the expansion joint seal and place the adhesive side 25mm from the top edge of the tube. The seal should wrap twice around the tube, not overlapping but butting up closely.
16. Installing the ceiling tube assembly
Rotate the ceiling tube assembly to align with the top tube assembly. If additional alignment is required, this can be done by loosening the twist-lock fastening clamps and further rotating the ceiling tube assembly as necessary. Remove the protective film from the inside of the ceiling tube assembly.
17. Joining the sections
Insert the extension tube with the expansion joint seal up into the top tube assembly and then insert the other end into the ceiling 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.
18. Fit the diffuser to the ceiling tube assembly
Apply firm upward pressure on the white dress ring of the diffuser until it clips into position, taking care not to push on the central lens area. The diffuser is held in place by a rubber sealing ring in the ceiling tube assembly and can be removed if required by pulling down on the outside of the white dress ring until it ‘clicks’ free.
