How to Insulate Tubular Skylights

Tubular skylights are a type of skylight used to brighten a room that is not directly underneath the roof, as with a standard skylight. A tubular skylight consists of two glass domes at opposite ends of a metal tube that resembles a heating duct. Wrapping insulation around the skylight tube can prevent potential heat loss from occurring.

Caulk
Aluminum duct tape
Tape measure
Safety goggles
Gloves
Mask
Foil-backed fiberglass insulation
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Check the caulk around the skylight on both sides of the roof. If it is loose or shriveled up, peel it away and apply a new bead of caulk around the skylight. This prevents both air and water from leaking through the roof.
- 2
  Wrap aluminum duct tape around any joints on the skylight tube. The tube and its joints will be accessible from the attic.
- 3
  Measure the circumference of the skylight tube.
- 4
  Cut strips of fiberglass insulation to fit the circumference of the skylight tube, plus two additional inches. This allows you to overlap the edges of the insulation.
- 5
  Wrap the strips of insulation around the skylight tube, overlapping the ends. Tape the strip with the aluminum duct tape.
- 6
  Install insulation strips along the length of the skylight tube, and wrap the aluminum foil tape over the joints between the different strips.

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